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Meet Danny Morato: Supplier Diversity Administrator

Post Date:09/29/2021

Danny Morato joined the City of Hillsboro in September 2021 as the City’s Supplier Diversity Administrator in the Finance Department. A graduate of Concordia University, where he also received his MBA, Danny brings private-sector experience as well as experience operating a family small business.

Danny is working to develop the City's supplier diversity procurement program to enhance local economic opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses, in keeping with the City Council’s priorities.

In this Q&A, Danny shares more about himself and his priorities in his role with the City. To get in touch, please email Danny Morato or call 503-681-5221.

Danny, what are some aspects of this role that stood out to you and drew you to work for the City of Hillsboro?

What stood out most to me were two things: recognition and initiative. The City recognized it could do more for the local community and is dedicating time and resources to incorporate a program like this to the organization. I feel the City is making a real effort to be more inclusive of our diverse community members.

I have always been an advocate for supporting local businesses. In the City of Hillsboro, many local businesses are minority-owned. A program like this is aimed at keeping the workforce local and allowing minorities/underrepresented groups a chance to play a bigger role in local projects. What’s not to love about a program like that?

How would you describe what a Supplier Diversity Administrator does?

Since it’s a new role, there is still a lot to develop. But, essentially, it is my responsibility to promote City of Hillsboro projects to local businesses and suppliers, and to make sure our underrepresented groups are given access for a chance at landing business for these City projects.

Are there immediate, short-term goals that you have in mind?

My immediate goals are to really focus on community outreach and learn from other cities. I want to make sure I build relationships with our current partner organizations so that we can work together on creating a program that best meets the needs of their members and communities.

We are in the process of collaborating and learning from other cities like Seattle and Atlanta who have launched successful supplier diversity programs.

I am looking forward to reaching these goals so that we can focus on building a meaningful and successful program that best serves our community.

Was there something in your lived experience that led you to work in this space?

Yes, as a Hispanic/Latino member of the Hillsboro community, I feel we are underrepresented in many areas of our community, and most of the time it isn’t due to lack of desire, but because of lack of resources, accessibility, and inclusion.

However, it is my nature to be extremely optimistic, and I trust that things are moving in the right direction.

What is something you’d like people to know about you?

I own a food cart in Aloha, and I encourage everyone to support local food entrepreneurs. I’m a big sports guy. I root for the Hillsboro Hops, Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, and the Portland Trail Blazers. When I have free time, I hang out with my wife and two girls, and you can find us walking our dog Sunny or sitting in our living room playing guitar and singing along to our favorite Jack Johnson tunes.