October 12, 2020
City Manager Craig Owens announced today that Dr. Farris Muhammad, Ph.D., MBA will be the first Director of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Lawrence.
Mr. Owens stated, “Farris is a skilled listener and a visionary, result-oriented leader. His skills and abilities will be a tremendous asset to our organization and to our community. I am eager for him to join us as we work more intentionally to advance equity.”
Dr. Muhammad was selected after a nationwide search from a field of over 120 applicants. During the process, the City utilized several interview panels of community members and staff to provide input. Panelists included local leaders working in diversity, equity, and inclusion, representatives of organizations that serve marginalized populations, advocacy groups, city staff, and other community institutions and organizations.
In response to being selected for the position, Dr. Muhammad said, “I look forward to working with different departments, community and advocacy groups, and organizations to help enhance the understanding of inclusive leadership, diversity and equity, to ensure that the City of Lawrence is not only a welcoming and inclusive space for all, but an equitable workplace of choice for all.”
Dr. Muhammad has over 12 years of experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practitioner. Most recently, he was the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer with the City of Peoria, Illinois. Prior to that he served as the Executive Director of the Multicultural Family Center with the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and as an Adjunct Sociology Professor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University in Midland, MI, a Masters of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy as well as a Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Muhammad will start on November 9.
Contact: Porter Arneill, Director of Communications and Creative Resources – parneill@lawrenceks.org | 785-764-3270
