Sweden-based contractor and developer Skanska has appointed a new supplier diversity manager for its New England region, the company announced Sept. 30.
Cassandra Campbell will be based out of Skanska USA’s Boston office, and her responsibilities will include developing and managing regional offices’ supplier diversity strategies and collaborating with internal stakeholders to maximize opportunities for diverse subcontractors in New England.
Campbell will also organize diverse business events and oversee the education of Skanska’s Supplier Diversity program to employees who engage with diverse business firms.
“Cassandra is a dynamic addition to the team who brings a passion and expertise for promoting and engaging with the diverse business community,” Joycelyn Yue, national director of supplier diversity for Skanska USA Building, said in the release.
Skanska isn’t alone in its emphasis on supplier diversity. Experts say that sourcing from local, underrepresented suppliers can broaden a firm’s supply chain, which has real advantages by creating alternate procurement methods beyond the traditional channels.
Campbell previously worked for the Massachusetts Port Authority, holding numerous roles across her 27-year tenure there, to include senior accounts receivable specialist, accountant, internal audit staff and, most recently, senior program administrator of minority- and women-owned business enterprises and disadvantaged business enterprises construction.
In that most recent position, Campbell aided small, diverse businesses and pioneered data analysis methods to improve diversity initiatives, the release said. She was also responsible for all aspects of diversity compliance, coordinating relevant programs and advising Massport stakeholders on diversity matters.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Skanska and contribute my expertise and experience to what Skanska is already doing toward supplier diversity,” Campbell said in the release. “Skanska is known across the industry as a trailblazer in creating unique opportunities for small diverse businesses, and I’m looking forward to advancing these efforts across New England.”
Campbell received her bachelor’s degree in business management and her master’s in business administration from Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. She also has an associate of science degree in criminal justice from Quincy College in Quincy, Massachusetts.