Mayor Rybak Chooses Michael Jordan as Civil Rights Director
A strong voice for fairness and a commitment to equal justice in Minneapolis
April 18, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) -- Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he has chosen Michael Jordan to be the City’s Director for the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.
“Michael Jordan is a widely known and well respected leader who has a strong record of accomplishment both inside and outside of government,” Mayor Rybak said. “Michael will work together with all parts of the community and city government to protect people’s rights and ensure equal justice in our city. I am confident that Michael will run our Civil Rights Department effectively, will ensure strong enforcement of our laws, and will provide ongoing advocacy to support the tremendous diversity that makes Minneapolis great.”
Mr. Jordan brings to the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department a broad background, with vast experience in both the public and private sectors. Previously Mr. Jordan has served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and was the Public Information Officer for the City of Saint Paul Police Department. Raised in Minneapolis, Mr. Jordan has a law degree from the University of St. Thomas Law School, a Masters degree in Management from Stanford University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota.
“I am deeply honored that Mayor Rybak has chosen me to lead the Civil Rights Department and I will do my best to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of justice and equality for the residents of this city,” Jordan said. “As Director, I will strive to enforce our existing civil rights laws, but also provide a voice for this community’s ongoing commitment to equality and fairness.”
Mr. Jordan will replace former Civil Rights Director Jayne Khalifa, who was named last year as Minneapolis’ Deputy City Coordinator. Michael Browne, who previously served as Director of Enforcement and Community Outreach for the Civil Rights Department, has acted at Interim Director while the city sought a new permanent Director.
“Michael Browne has served Minneapolis well as interim director and I am grateful for his dedication to the Civil Rights Department,” Mayor Rybak said. “He brought an innovative spirit to his work, especially his leadership helping to reform our Civilian Review Authority. Michael guided our Civil Rights Department, and those who rely on it, through this period of transition.”
Mayor Rybak formally nominated Michael Jordan as Civil Rights Director to the City’s Executive Committee today and the Committee voted to approve this nomination. The Council’s Health, Energy and Environment Committee will next hold a public hearing and vote to approve Jordan. After that approval, Jordan must be confirmed by the full City Council.
|