Dr. Jeneise Briggs was recently hired as the first-ever equity, diversity, and inclusion coordinator for the City of Eau Claire.  (Submitted photo)

A newly hired official will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive equity, diversity, and inclusion plan for the City and County of Eau Claire.

Dr. Jeneise Briggs has been hired as the first-ever equity, diversity, and inclusion coordinator, a position that will be equally funded by the city and county.

Briggs – who holds a doctorate of education from Edgewood College in Madison – most recently worked as the diversity and inclusion specialist for the State Bar of Wisconsin, and previously was senior assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion for Marian University in Fond du Lac.

“I’m very pleased with the results of our recruitment process and excited for Dr. Briggs to join the City,” interim City Manager Dave Solberg said in a media release. “There is much work to be done as we strive to create a more inclusive community, and I look forward to learning from and working alongside Jeneise as we move toward our goals. Jeneise will be a wonderful asset to our entire community in serving as the equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator.”

Briggs’ first day on the job will be Monday, May 17.

Here’s the full announcement from the city:

City and County Welcome New Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator

The City of Eau Claire is pleased to announce, after conducting a nationwide search, that Dr. Jeneise Briggs has been appointed to the position of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator for the City of Eau Claire/Eau Claire County. Dr. Briggs has a wealth of career experience creating EDI programs and fostering relationships with underrepresented communities in positions including Senior Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion for Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI from April 2017 – June 2020 where she developed and implemented Marian University’s first strategic plan for diversity and inclusion and strengthened Marian’s image and relationship with over 15 community organizations in the Fond du Lac community. Since August, 2020, Dr. Briggs has served as the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Law School Outreach Coordinator, for the State Bar of Wisconsin where her responsibilities included implementing, monitoring progress, and recommending adjustments in connection with the State Bar Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and related programs.

Dr. Briggs holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy Analysis from Edgewood College in Madison, WI; a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations from Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica. Dr. Briggs is completing her Human Resources Management Leadership Certificate through the University of Minnesota.

Interim City Manager Dave Solberg said, “I’m very pleased with the results of our recruitment process and excited for Dr. Briggs to join the City. There is much work to be done as we strive to create a more inclusive community and I look forward to learning from and working alongside Jeneise as we move toward our goals. Jeneise will be a wonderful asset to our entire community in serving as the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator.”

Dr. Briggs currently lives in DeForest, WI with her husband, Russell, and their daughters, Brittany and Brianna. Dr. Briggs will start in her new position on Monday, May 17th, 2021.