Please welcome Frederick Roots to the Impact & Compliance team as the new Associate Director, Procurement Policy & Compliance, as of December 4, 2023. Frederick brings over 10 years of experience in public policy, learning and development, supplier diversity and DEI to UC Systemwide Procurement.
Most recently, Fred served as the Global Diversity and Inclusion Senior Manager at CBRE, the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. At CBRE, Fred worked on the Microsoft Account, where he supported senior leadership and partners on programs strengthening diverse spend and supplier diversity education.
Prior to CBRE, Fred was the Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity at SBM Management Services. In this role he initiated, directed and marketed supplier diversity processes, managed supplier diversity initiatives, facilitated vendor relationships and contract negotiations, and initiated supplier diversity reporting.
Previously, Fred rose through the ranks at Starbucks, eventually managing programs in global learning and development, social impact, public policy and government affairs. In these roles, Fred launched inclusivity programs in the US, Canada, EMEA, and China, and the Third Place Development Series across the US and Canada, developed new diverse suppliers and increased diverse spend, developed a social impact framework and inclusive course content with Arizona State University, and represented Starbucks in various public affairs matters and government forums. He also worked in a range of responsible roles with Target, Club One Fitness, and Kincaid’s Restaurant, in various Bay Area locations.
Frederick is passionate about volunteering with diversity advocacy organizations, including the Western Regional Minority Supplier Diversity Council (WRMSDC), the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC), and the Bay Area Community Project that promotes minority youth development. He is also a dedicated contributor to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
True to his Political Science BA from San Francisco State, Fred also has been active in politics, working on the Obama for America 2012 campaign, the Kamala Harris for CA Attorney General campaign, a Colorado voter outreach campaign, and as a field director for an Oakland mayoral race.
Fred’s results-oriented approach, involvement in public policy, experience in driving diversity initiatives, and dedication to learning and development, makes him an invaluable addition to the UC Systemwide Procurement team.