Chamber Board Member and Huston-Tillotson President Colette Pierce Burnette presented the Mayor's Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequalities recommendations today to the Austin Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.

Her top three recommendations for the Chamber:

• Senior management should be intentional about improving diversity in hiring
• Create inclusive environment for all
• Make Austin a center of excellence for equity

"The hard work begins now and it’s up to everyday citizens like you and I," said Dr. Burnette. Chamber Board Members Kerry Hall, Nikki Graham, Ali Khataw, Richard Rhodes and Tony Budet and were also on the steering committee of the Task Force.

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette is an experienced leader in higher education with a deep commitment to student success. Her experience includes serving as interim President at Pierce College in Puyallup, Washington; the Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; Vice President for Information Technology and Services and Chief Information Officer at Central State University; Dean of Information Technology at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington; and Manager of Consulting and Project Management Services at the Washington State Department of Transportation in Olympia, Washington.