February 9, 2022
The City of South Bend Inclusive Procurement and Contracting Board has elected Ms. Keana Baylis as its new Board President. The action took place at the Board’s February 1, 2022, meeting. Baylis replaces former Board President Bilijah Williams, who recently stepped down from the Board.
The Inclusive Procurement and Contracting Board works to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses desiring to do business with the City, either through contracting on public works projects or providing goods and services for city purchasing. Board members are appointed by the Mayor, City Council, Labor, and the Business community.
Baylis is involved in a number of leadership positions in the community. She is a successful entrepreneur and small business owner of a minority, woman owned business. She is a consultant, educator, and advisor, and has worked assisting business start-ups and expansion of businesses worldwide.
Baylis commented “I’m excited for this new role, and I appreciate the confidence the Board has in me to help lead this effort. I’ve come to appreciate how important this Board and the work the city is doing in this space and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping to advance this effort.”
Michael Patton, the City’s Diversity Compliance Inclusion Officer, commented “I’m excited to welcome someone of Keana’s experience and passion into this key post. My team and I look forward to working closely with her and the rest of the Board building on the foundation that has been established in recent years through our work. This Board serves a critical function for the city and we’re grateful for Ms. Baylis’s willingness to tackle this important leadership position.”
The Inclusive Procurement and Contracting Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. More information on the Board and its activities are available at https://southbendin.gov/board/inclusive-procurement-and-contracting-board/.