COLUMBUS – Mayor Andrew Ginther has reached out and tapped an auto executive to serve as the city’s first Chief Diversity Officer.
Steve Francis, currently the manager of the Corporate Affairs Department’s Administration Division at Honda, will begin work at the newly-created cabinet-level position in February, Ginther said.
Ginther says the creation of the post is part of his “commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Ginther announced the appointment Tuesday morning at East High School.
Francis will play a key role in the development of a diversity strategy in city hiring and a city-wide diversity external relations strategy. His office will also help the Equal Business Opportunity Office increase diversity among city contractors.
Meanwhile, Zach Klein was elected by his fellow members to serve as president of Columbus City Council, replacing Ginther, and Priscilla Tyson was president pro tem.
The president of council presides at meetings, determines agendas and appoints committee chairs and members. The president pro tem, acts as the presiding officer of council in the president’s absence.