Spencer Chiimbwe emerges as Rockland’s new Human Rights Commissioner

County Executive Ed Day has announced Spencer Chiimbwe of Stony Point as Rockland’s new Commissioner of Human Rights.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday November 8, 2022.

According to the statement, Chiimbwe was selected following an extensive recruitment process through multiple avenues including online job sites, and the County of Rockland website.

The selection was also assisted by the valued members of the Human Rights Commission, members of the County Legislature, and many other community members, the statement reads.

“Human rights transcend race, religion, or any groups we subscribe to,” said Spencer Chiimbwe at the event Tuesday. “I call upon the residents of Rockland, and all the stakeholders of human rights work in our County, to give me a chance to skillfully work with everybody in fulfilling my mandate as Commissioner of Human Rights.”

According to a report, recently, Spencer has worked for the County of Rockland as a Grants Specialist for our American Rescue Plan Act Department assisting local organizations and negatively impacted communities as they navigate the sometimes-complicated grant application processes.

It was also reported that Chiimbwe has worked in an array of positions that solidified and enhanced his fundamental understanding of government.

Crucial in this role include the Action Support Center, securing grants from entities like the Ford Foundation. He has worked at the New York State Senate conducting legislative research and drafting policy documents.

“Without question, he has extensive experience working across cultural lines and with extremely diverse communities,” said County Executive Day. “We are confident that his prior experience will give him a necessary advantage in his new role, as our Human Rights Commissioner needs to be omnipresent throughout Rockland.”

The Commissioner of Human Rights position pays $105,000 annually and requires the confirmation of the Rockland County Legislature.

During the announcement, Chiimbwe detailed his proposed roadmap to address Human Rights issues within Rockland.

He also assured of collective ownership of human rights work in Rockland County.

“With much more to accomplish, I’m confident Spencer will guide our Human Rights Commission in the right direction,” concluded County Executive Day.