Duggan Appoints New Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed a new director of the city’s Department of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity (CRIO) to fill the vacancy recently created by the exit of Kimberly Rustem, who accepted a new opportunity, according to a news release.

The city’s Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to approve Anthony Zander’s appointment on Thursday and he started his new role Tuesday. His annual salary is $161,260, a city spokesperson told Crain’s.

Zander, 44, will lead the city’s efforts to promote equity, inclusion and business opportunities in Detroit, including monitoring community benefits ordinances and mediating civil rights complaints. He will also oversee CRIO’s Office of Disability Affairs, led by Christopher Samp, as well as the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship, led by Megan Moslimani.

Previously, Zander was a member of Duggan’s Lean Continuous Improvement team. His work consisted of supporting city departments in improving internal processes, developing processes for new programs and leading cross-departmental projects. Most recently, he led efforts to streamline the business licensing process, removing barriers for small businesses to become compliant, and he remains an integral part of executing an equitable marijuana program, the release stated.

“With his proven experience in improving the delivery of important services, I have complete confidence that he will make sure our department of civil rights, inclusion and opportunity is operating effectively on behalf of all Detroiters,” Duggan said of Zander.

Zander will focus on these main areas:

• ensuring all people and entities subject to Executive Order on Detroiter hiring are compliant
• the CRIO department is properly structured to investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination
• make certain the Disability Affairs strategic plan is properly resourced
• proactively protect the human and civil rights of Detroiters and visitors

Prior to joining the city, Zander worked in Washington, D.C., Lansing and Detroit focusing on humanitarian policy, and eventually led the American Red Cross’ statewide Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs department, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The native Detroiter has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and is a graduate student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

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