Mayor Brandon Johnson has made a decisive move in his administration with the appointment of Sharla Roberts as the new Commissioner of the Department of Procurement Services, a move that signposts the city's commitment to diversifying its economic landscape; Roberts' prior success in boosting diversity spending from $50 million to $113 million at the University of Illinois cements her credentials for the role, according to a report by Chicago.gov.

Roberts' ascent to the new role is framed by her contributions as director of procurement diversity, her tenure as chief diversity officer at the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services, and her instrumental involvement as chair of the Certification and Compliance committees of the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Council, all of which underscore a career dedicated to championing inclusive economic empowerment. "I have been, and will always continue to be, a strong advocate for increasing diverse contracting. I am thrilled that Sharla will be joining me in this advocacy," Mayor Johnson lauded the appointment as he spoke of Roberts' unyielding support for economic diversity.

The breadth of her experience is punctuated by the creation of targeted development programs, such as the Diverse Supplier Development Program at the University of Illinois, and the innovative "sheltered market" contract she established to aid minorities and women in the realm of information technology throughout Illinois, an initiative marking a significant moment of progress in the state's procurement practices; her visionary work has earned her accolades including a spot on Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for 2023.

In her new capacity, Roberts is anticipated to expand upon Mayor Johnson's initiatives aimed at invigorating diverse contracting within the city, her substantial track record in fostering economic growth and job creation within small and diverse businesses through collaborations with World Business Chicago, West Side Total Health Collaborative, and West Side United brings a sense of anticipation to her role at the city's Department of Procurement Services, "It is a profound honor to be appointed to serve in this role. I am excited to continue to expand upon Mayor Johnson’s initiatives to increase diverse contracting in the city of Chicago,” Roberts expressed her enthusiasm for the new opportunity.