Carlos Bannister joined NYC DOT in March 1999 as an Intern in the Agency Chief Contracting Office where he has risen to the rank of Senior Deputy Agency Chief Contracting Officer and now the Agency Contract Diversity Officer / Chief MWBE Officer. He oversees the Vendor Relations and Contracts Compliance Units. Under his oversight, he advises the Agency in making award determinations, enforces contract compliance and manages the Agency Disadvantage Business Enterprise & Minority Women Business Enterprise programs. He is very passionate and committed to promote equitable contracting and procurement opportunities. He strives to give all business, including Disadvantaged / Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises an equal opportunity to compete for contracting opportunities. In his efforts to provide more opportunities to Disadvantaged / Minority and Women Owned Business he has looked for opportunities for the agency to de-bundle large contracts, work with Senior management to change policies and procedures that have or can potential hinder opportunities for Disadvantaged / Minority and Women Owned Businesses. He believes the Best is yet to come for NYCDOT Disadvantaged/Minority and Women Owned Business (D/MWBE) program as they continue this push for more opportunities for D/MWBE’s and equity in government contracting.