Brooklyn, NY (June 24, 2025) – Today, Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC), a non-profit focused on strengthening health and wealth in Brooklyn, announced the appointment of Jonnel Doris to serve on its Board of Directors. Doris is currently Chief Executive Officer of Start Care, one of the nation’s oldest Black-founded community-based health organizations that provides comprehensive care for New Yorkers through integrated, culturally responsive health and social care. The organization is also focused on substance use and mental well-being.
Doris previously served as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services and as the founding Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). He also served as Chief Diversity Officer for the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where he ensured the development of inclusive partnerships and compliance with requirements related to MWBE, Section 3, Fair Housing, Limited English Proficiency and Americans with Disabilities Act programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jonnel Doris to Brooklyn Communities Collaborative’s Board of Directors,” said BCC Executive Director Shari Suchoff. “He has spent decades working to advance economic opportunity for underserved communities and brings invaluable expertise in developing inclusive partnerships and programs. As a longstanding partner of BCC and champion of our work, we are excited to have Jonnel’s expertise as we work to truly make a difference for Brooklyn’s diverse communities.”
Doris brings significant experience developing and implementing programs to support New York’s MWBEs – as well as leading programs that provide community-base, culturally sensitive care – to the Board of Directors. Doris’ expertise will be instrumental as BCC expands its efforts to support small businesses through localized supply chains and grow healthcare career pathways for community members.
“I’m excited to join Brooklyn Communities Collaborative’s Board of Directors and help advance their vital work connecting health improvement with economic opportunity,” said Jonnel Doris, CEO of Start Care. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering local businesses and creating inclusive economic ecosystems can go hand in hand with building healthier communities. I look forward to working alongside the BCC team to build health and wealth across Brooklyn’s vibrant neighborhoods.”