Office of Equity and Engagement

The newly created Office of Equity and Engagement has an overarching and unrelenting commitment to equity and meaningful engagement for all. We seek to ensure that every resident and employee has what they need to thrive. To that end the Office holds several distinct charges:

  • In close collaboration with the Chief People Officer, build and support a workforce that continually reflects and effectively serves all who call Andover home by both maintaining a workplace culture where all employees can flourish and delivering high-quality, exceptional customer service to all
  • Lead and facilitate Andover’s Leadership Academy, Academy graduate classes and volunteer placements 
  • Lead and support the work of Andover DIVERSE and its Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Improve social determinants of health to ensure that all who call Andover home have access to programs and services they need to thrive.

Andover DIVERSE is a Division focused on advancing community-driven initiatives and engagement with the goal of building a more inclusive Andover where every resident has full access to what the Town of Andover has to offer, regardless of income or ability.

The Andover Commission on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) is dedicated to fostering community-driven initiatives for a more inclusive Andover. We unite as allies, engage in dialogue, collaborate on diverse projects, and prioritize amplifying all voices. Our collective efforts, driven by dedicated volunteers, aim to enact meaningful change. Together, we can make a difference.

The Select Board and Town Manager establish annual strategic priorities. Advancing the work of the Commission on DEI has been consistently identified as a priority. Aligned with equity goals expressed by our community, the Commission on DEI mobilizes several volunteer-driven working groups to enact our strategic plan.

Engage:  Engage community members through cross-cultural programming and enhanced communication.

Evolve: Evolve the Town of Andover and promote lasting culture change by actively diversifying the workforce, cultivating support and partnership with municipal leadership, and providing continuous training and dialogue with municipal staff. 

Evaluate: Collect, analyze, and update data for informed decision-making. 

FY25 Objectives

  • Ensure continued achievement of goals and outcomes associated with Andover’s DEI Strategic Plan
  • Build on the success of Andover’s Leadership Academy and associated graduate classes
  • Conduct community-based focus groups and survey to determine the status of social determinants of health for Andover’s historically underrepresented populations as per Andover’s 2023 CHIP
  • Continue to offer a range of professional development opportunities for municipal staff in the areas of cultural competence and leading inclusive teams  
  • Continued collaboration with municipal staff and departments in completing the strategic workplace enhancements articulated in Andover’s DEI Strategic Plan