Dhanraj is New York State Chief Procurement Officer. He leads the state's centralized procurement office within the Office of General Services managing over 1,500 contracts valued at approximately $34 billion. In addition, he chairs the State's Procurement Council, driving policy improvements and best practices. With executive-level experience in strategic sourcing, contract management, and risk mitigation, he spearheads initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency in state procurement. His role involves collaborating with stakeholders to optimize procurement strategies, ensure compliance with regulations, and deliver cost-effective solutions for the State of New York. Dhanraj is dedicated to promoting integrity, innovation, and excellence in procurement practices, contributing to the state's fiscal responsibility and mission success.
Dhanraj joins OGS from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, where he served as the Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance and the Agency Chief Contracting Diversity Officer where he provided executive oversight over the agency’s procurement activities and compliance with various city, state, and federal regulations. He also served as the Agency Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises Officer, directing the agency’s efforts to ensure compliance with the city’s contracting goals for minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging business enterprises. Dhanraj also served in various leadership and managerial positions at Orange County Government, Florida, Florida Policy Institute, Federation of Canadian Municipalities International, and the Institute of Development Studies, University of Guyana. With 13 years of experience in the government sector, Dhanraj has extensive experience in public procurement, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, risk management, economic development, executive oversight, and a commitment to efficient, sustainable, and resilient practices in the public sector.
Dhanraj received a Master of Law with specialization in drafting legislation, regulation, and policy from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London; a Master of Business Administration with specialization in financial evaluation and investment management from Lynn University, Florida; a Master of Science in political economy from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences; and a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Guyana.
