Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Announces Transition in Chief Diversity Officer Role

KINGSTON, NY – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced today that Dina Suggs, a Kingston resident and veteran public servant, will take over as the County’s Chief Diversity Officer on August 4. Suggs will succeed Esi Lewis, who is departing County government to focus full-time on her role as Executive Director of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for History and Culture in New Paltz.

Lewis has served as Chief Diversity Officer since January 2023, when the position was elevated to the Executive Office. A New Paltz native and attorney, Lewis has been a strong advocate for equity and inclusion throughout her tenure. She also serves on the New Paltz Town Board and has worked as an educator, criminal and family court litigator, and founder of the MWL Center, named in honor of her late mother, Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis.

“Esi has played a vital role in advancing equity and inclusion across County government,” Metzger said. “Her leadership helped lay a strong foundation for this work, and I’m deeply grateful for her service. I’m thrilled to welcome Dina Suggs to the team — her extensive experience in public diplomacy, community engagement, and cultural programming will be a tremendous asset to Ulster County.”

Lewis reflected on her time in the role, highlighting accomplishments such as expanding language justice, making civil service exams free, and advancing inclusive hiring practices. “I am grateful to have served Ulster County in this capacity under Jen Metzger’s solid, pioneering leadership,” Lewis said. “I look forward to continuing the work of equity and inclusion through education and culture with the MWL Center.”

Incoming Chief Diversity Officer Dina Suggs brings more than 20 years of experience in government, nonprofit, and media sectors. She most recently served as Senior Program Specialist at the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, overseeing projects connecting international leaders with U.S. communities. Suggs also previously led the Office of Analytics at the State Department’s Bureau of Global Public Affairs and served as Deputy Publisher of the St. Louis American newspaper.

“I am honored, humbled, and thrilled to join County Executive Metzger’s outstanding team and to serve my Ulster County community,” Suggs said. “I am truly fortunate to receive the baton from outgoing Chief Diversity Officer, the wonderful Esi Lewis, and look forward to continuing the work … to ensure that Ulster County is a place where all community members can thrive.”

Suggs, who is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, has deep ties to Kingston’s civic and arts communities. She serves as a Kingston Arts Commissioner, a member of the Kingston Democratic Committee, and on the Kingston Land Trust’s Land in Black Hands Steering Committee.

In her previous role with the State Department, Suggs worked on initiatives addressing disability inclusion, anti-trafficking, climate resilience, LGBTQ+ rights, and arts for social change, including projects in Kingston.

Metzger praised both Lewis and Suggs for their dedication to public service. “The work of building a more inclusive and equitable Ulster County will continue with strong leadership,” Metzger said.