Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Advancing Westerville’s Priorities

JR Fourqurean Named DEI Director

JR Fourqurean has been named Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director for the City of Westerville. A 12-year employee with the City, he has served as Utility Billing Supervisor and, most recently, as Recreation Administrator in the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department.

JR Fourqurean Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Fourqurean holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in leadership and a masters of public administration. He managed “Westerville Helps,” a financial assistance program for utility services and facility access. At Parks & Recreation, Fourqurean influenced internal and external programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

“I know this community and understand the opportunities we have ahead to demonstrate how cities build cultures where every person feels represented, welcomed and served,” said Fourqurean. “Westerville has already made that promise and it’s a privilege to step into a more pronounced role to lead these efforts.”

Westerville City Manager Monica Irelan formed the DEI division of the City Manager’s Office in 2021. Westerville’s DEI office is one of the few at the local government level to exclusively focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within communities.

“Westerville started a journey more than 13 years ago with the development of our first-ever diversity awareness plan,” said Irelan. “That work is rare and special in municipal government and in Westerville it has been significantly amplified. This is another way we choose to lead with intention so that DEI is a consideration in every decision and discussion.”

Visit www.westerville.org/dei for information about the City’s DEI initiatives and programs.

Westerville Equity Lens Initiative

The City’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are moving faster than ever. In partnership with BCG Learning Solutions, the City is in the final stages of developing a long-term, strategic DEI framework called the Westerville Equity Lens Strategy (WELS). WELS is producing a set of measurable outcomes that outline and articulate the purpose and meaning of our work and how it contributes to a growing and equitable, sustainable and connected Westerville.

Through this framework, the City has defined five values that are needed to reach our goals: INNOVATION, EXCELLENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, INTEGRITY AND TRUST, EMPLOYEE ENRICHMENT.

This strategic plan will guide the delivery of all public programs and services. Fourqurean will manage the implementation of the framework while building upon Westerville City Council and administration’s work in forming legislation and programs to promote a safe, inclusive community.

HOW TO REACH THE DEI DIRECTOR:

jr.fourqurean@westerville.org (614) 901-6413