Meet William Choi: NYPA's Supplier Diversity Director

This is the final installment of our three-part series introducing you to our new Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) leadership team within the Strategic Supply Management business unit. Meet Supplier Diversity Director, William Choi.

How did you get started professionally?

No one goes to school for procurement, especially government procurement, but I got immersed in it through my experiences with the Franchises and Concessions Review Committee (FCRC) for the City of New York.

At one of the FCRC meetings, a Counselor to then-Mayor Bloomberg asked me how I liked government service. I blurted out that I wanted to make a real impact, but I wasn't sure how. We had a real conversation, which I'm sure he doesn't remember, but it got me thinking about how government service was not only necessary but could also be fulfilling. 

What college/university did you attend?

The College of New Jersey. I have a bachelors in psychology with a concentration in clinical and counseling and a minor in political science. 

What attracted you to NYPA?

The conversation surrounding the green economy has been picking up steam (ha! energy-related pun there) within the last few years in New York State and I became interested.

For me, that means there are transformative business opportunities for our communities that can support wealth creation among multiple generations. NYPA is on the cusp of generating those opportunities and creating wealth in communities statewide. The alternative is that without community-driven engagement for these business opportunities, non-New York State firms will benefit from the incentives and funding but return the profits to their own communities.

Tell us about your role.

I want to continue helping our teams view Supplier Diversity as an advocate to build successful teams, rather than a compliance obligation. Our compliance efforts are essential, but our primary mission is supporting our business units.

In all parts of the state, we have diversity – whether gender or ethnicity – veterans and small business entrepreneurs – and we can help support and build an ecosystem that works for New York. For every dollar spent with a local business, 70 cents stay within the economy. Why wouldn't we want to support New York to work for New Yorkers?

If there is something that I wish everyone would take away from reading this is, Supplier Diversity is here to support them. We want to help you build powerful teams that reflect the diversity of New York to work on our projects.

What do you like best about working here?

I enjoy working with other NYPA and Canals colleagues, especially the Supplier Diversity team. I was incredibly fortunate to have met them before I joined NYPA, and they make each day enjoyable for me. We work together, laugh together, vent together, but most importantly, support each other.

Name one key lesson you've learned since you’ve been here.

Through our VISION2030 goals, there is an opportunity to grow at NYPA. Not only professionally but personally. That means something. If you seize the opportunity, you can gain the benefits.

With this role, I have been fortunate to travel across New York State, meet our colleagues from different sites and meet with diverse and local suppliers supporting our operations. (Diverse and local firms exist across the State!) I’m excited about the potential to work with diverse and local firms on our upcoming projects. 

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?

My mentors are amazing, I talk to them regularly and still seek their counsel. Most of them have been my former bosses who have made a lasting impact on my career and in my life – they are who I aspire to be.

It's my responsibility to do the same for the generation coming up. I got here because people extended their hands and helped me, and I intend to do the same.

What is the best business advice that you've ever received? 

“Build a coalition of support but keep sight of your goals.”  We're all working together for a better, brighter New York. Many people start from a place of "No, diversity is not achievable, and change is not possible." It's our job to help people start from the concept that "diversity is achievable this way, and a different way forward might carry risks, but the rewards outweigh them."  Start from a place of “yes”.

Do you have any hobbies? What would your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

I used to swim competitively. I'm not the next Michael Phelps, but swimming is my primary form of exercise, which is important since I love to eat great foods. Food is important, because you can learn a lot about people over a shared meal.