Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced David C. Scott as the county’s new Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion effective March 13, 2023. Scott previously served as Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo for more than a decade.

“When we opened the search for the new DEI Director, my ideal candidate was someone who has grown a DEI department, understands the nuances of working for a government and has a proven record of successfully leading DEI efforts in a large, diverse organization,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “David Scott possesses all those qualities: he built the DEI Department at Roswell Park from the ground up and navigated that growth in a state-run facility with a diverse workforce spread over many campuses. His unique experience set him apart, and I am confident he will lead the County’s DEI Department in a thoughtful and effective manner. I welcome him to the team.”

Scott, a Rochester native, holds a Master’s Degree from Buffalo State College and a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam. He is a Certified Diversity Professional and a Certified Diversity Executive. During his time with Roswell Park, the hospital system consistently exceeded state goals for Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) spending and minority new hires annually exceeded 25% — with the majority of those new hires in professional, clinical and research positions. Roswell Park was recognized by Forbes Magazine in 2019 as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity.

Scott’s extensive experience with Roswell Park includes creating a Diversity Advisory Board comprising members of various cultural, religious and underrepresented groups; co-creating a Career Development Academy; creating an Office of Corporate Responsibility within the DEI department; coordinating with the hospital’s employment team to recruit and hire diverse talent; and developing a paid internship program in partnership with the City of Buffalo that hires 100 youth from minority and underrepresented groups each summer.

“I am excited and grateful to return to Rochester and serve as Monroe County’s Chief Diversity Officer,” said Scott. “It is clear to me that the County Executive has a strategic vision for inclusion for all of their employees and residents. I look forward to bringing my vast experience in DEI to assist the county with meeting and exceeding goals and creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone.”