An out-of-the-box thinker, DuWayne is a business, community, and local government leader who feels problem solving begins by delving into the issue, listening and getting perspectives from all stakeholders, and then formulating a working strategy and plan and executing it. He’s passionate about providing clients with comprehensive solutions that comply with all applicable minority, women, disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprise requirements on the federal, state, county and local levels.
Career
DuWayne served five terms representing the county’s 15th legislative district in the Suffolk County Legislature. In 2011, he was chosen as the Legislature’s Majority Leader and was the first person of color to serve in that role. Three years later, he became the first person of color chosen as Presiding Officer and was annually reelected by his colleagues for six years making him the third longest serving Presiding Officer.
As Presiding Officer of the legislature, DuWayne consistently worked to create policies that inspire change, protect the rights of workers, and stimulate the local economy. He also co-sponsored efforts to form the Long Island Manufacturing Task Force to encourage growth of the manufacturing sector here in Suffolk County. Additionally, he created the Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council to protect and promote Suffolk’s $1.6 -billion marine industry and to attract good-paying jobs to the region. He also created legislation to give service-disabled veterans who are business owners an equal opportunity to contract with the county under the women- and minority-owned business law.
Knowing that successful local businesses are a big part of thriving communities, he created Charting the Course, a workshop series designed to help his legislative colleagues connect with their local business communities. This successful series provided a platform for conversations and connections to occur and helped bridge the gap between local government and business.
A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College, DuWayne has received many honors and recognition throughout his career. In 2019, he was recognized as one of Long Island’s Top 100 Influencers by City & State New York. They also recognized him in their inaugural Color of Power List as one of the top 100 Black Influencers in New York State, and he was listed on the Long Island Press’ Power List (2015-2019).
DuWayne lives in Copiague with his wife of nine years, Erica. They have four children ranging in ages from 23 to 29 years old. When not working or spending time with his family, DuWayne enjoys a good game of golf or some time fishing.