Abundance vs. Scarcity: The Impact of Inclusive Investments in Erie County
Gary N. Lee, Chief Administrative Officer of Diverse Erie, will present findings from Diverse Erie's economic impact study, which quantifies how targeted investments to small BIPOC-owned businesses and other entities in Erie County influence job creation, business growth, and economic mobility across Erie County. He will place these local results within the broader national diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape, exploring where DEI efforts are producing measurable outcomes, where gaps remain, and how the field is evolving.
The presentation will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the Diverse Erie Commission's mission and priorities, highlighting the role of data, accountability, and cross-sector alignment in guiding future investments. Attendees will gain insight into how evidence-based strategies can inform policy, leverage public and private resources, and support long-term, inclusive economic growth.
*If purchasing a lunch, please register 48 hours in advance.Vegetarian option available. Thank you!
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Friday, Feburary 27, 12-1:30PM
Admission: FREE, $5/person for Lunch
*If you do NOT receive a letter from info@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
Gary N. Lee serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Erie County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission, also known as Diverse Erie. In this role, he guides a team in conceptualizing, facilitating, and implementing the commission's vision, mission, and objectives. Collaborating closely with the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Lee champions the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the region.
Previously, Mr. Lee held the position of Director of Administration, serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the County of Erie from 2014 to 2022. As COO, he oversaw the county's day-to-day operations, managing ten departments and approximately 800 employees, with an annual budget exceeding $534 million. Notably, Mr. Lee spearheaded the successful application and approval process for the establishment of the Erie County Community College by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. Additionally, under his leadership, Erie County received 33 National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) between 2016 and 2021, the highest number of awards in the county's and state's history.
Among his notable accomplishments and honors, Mr. Lee received a Certificate of Leadership Development from the US Army War College's National Security Strategy Seminar. He represented Erie County at the Keystone State County Commissions’ White House Conference and was instrumental in securing the 2018 NACo Award for the Summer Jobs and More Program. Mr. Lee also served on various boards, including the United Way of Erie County's President Cabinet and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority as an Ex Officio Board Member.
Prior to his role in county government, Mr. Lee was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge to lead the Bureau of Contract Administration and Business Development, overseeing state contracting processes and awards to minority and women-owned businesses. He also held positions as the Director of the Bureau of Professional Selections and Administrative Services, managing policies and procedures related to design and construction projects with a substantial budget.
Outside of public service, Mr. Lee was the President of GNL Consulting Group, providing strategic planning services to small businesses. A native of Erie, PA, Mr. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in graphics communications technology from California University of PA and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gannon University. He is recognized as one of America’s Most Outstanding Men for his exceptional leadership and community service, embodying the philosophy that with great privilege comes great responsibility.
