When asked what it has been like since he joined DCBS as director of its new Office of Equity on April 1, Bryant Campbell’s answer is: “It’s been crazy fun!”
“I’ve met hundreds of people, shared laughs, smiles, and ice cream, and I have dived into the work headfirst,” Bryant said. “I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
Bryant joined DCBS having most recently been the diversity, equity, and inclusion manager at Business Oregon since 2017. While there, he led the agency in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) principles. He also created and led Business Oregon’s DEI Council and developed its DEI plan.
Bryant said what attracted him to DCBS was its mission and vision.
“I’m attracted to solid, meaningful missions and visions that are in alignment with my professional and personal values,” he said. “The world of DEIB is where our most vulnerable live and dwell. It’s vital that government ... is in the driver’s seat with eyes open, always ready to stand in and stand up for what’s right.
DCBS is a place of refuge for Oregonians during times of distress and confusion,” Bryant added. “To be a small part of answering the call to uplift Oregon workers, as well as business owners, is a privilege that leaves me fulfilled on many levels.”
The new Office of Equity combines DCBS’ highly successful multicultural and DEI programs to serve as a catalyst within DCBS to further our goal of fostering an inclusive work environment and to work with agency leadership and those who do business with DCBS to promote the equitable delivery of services. The office will work with other government entities, tribes, and community partners to improve programs, policies, and access for underrepresented populations in Oregon across language, race, age, and culture in the areas DCBS regulates.
Bryant’s top priority since starting in April is learning about DCBS.
I am in a position to make recommendations and influence change, and that can only happen when I know what I’m talking about,” he said. “It’s not just about policy or rule learning, but I’m also learning about the leadership, the staff, those who access the programs, what outcomes exists, and what are the future visions for each division.”
Bryant said he is excited about the growth of the Office of Equity. Currently, it consists of himself and Multicultural Communications Program Manager Ruth Kemmy; however, Bryant has been interviewing candidates for an administrative assistant.
“I am in great anticipation of bringing on another team member to join Ruth and myself,” he said. “I also have lots of mini goals for the Office of Equity, and all of them fall under the theme of ‘Establishing Credibility.’”