A 2005 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
graduate, Bishop was recently appointed commissioner of Small Business Services
by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Prior to his appointment, Bishop served
as deputy commissioner of the agency’s Business Development Division.
As a commissioner, Bishop is now responsible for running the
agency, which helps unlock economic potential and create economic security by
connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building
a better economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs of the metropolis.
Although becoming a commissioner signals a unique achievement for Bishop, he is quick to share that had it not been for FAMU, this day may never have materialized for him.
“Part of what brought me to city government is a desire to
give back and I think some of that came from FAMU. As an HBCU, FAMU has a
mission to create opportunities for individuals who may not have them.
Everything we do here is related to that,” Bishop said.
Bishop started his career in the Small Business Services
Department in 2008 under the direction of former New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg.
After initially dropping out of college in New York,
Bishop’s first private sector job was with FAMU alumnus Keith Clinkscales of
VIBE, who eventually became his mentor. Seven years later after stints at
different jobs, Bishop said Clinkscales began encouraging him to get back in
school, and made a call to FAMU on his behalf. According to Bishop, at the time
of the call, his previous college GPA was a 1.9 after several grades turned
into F’s due to his inactive status.
“He called Dr. Amos Bradford in SBI and said ‘hey, I’ve got
a good guy here, you should talk to him.’ Then, Dr. Bradford said, ‘we want
you.’ FAMU gave me that opportunity to actually prove myself and I left with a
3.7 GPA. I’m really thankful to the university,” Bishop said.
Returning to school at the age of 27 caused Bishop to feel a
little hesitant about taking on such an enormous task.
“FAMU gave me that confidence that not only could I complete
the journey, but I could finish with excellence. There are a number of people
who cultivated that success,” he said.
At least one former professor who played a key role in his
success was Keith Miles, director and general manager of FAMU’s WANM 90.5 radio
station. Miles said Bishop was a serious minded student with an exceptional
work ethic, while working at the station.
“He became my right arm as program director and we elevated
him to operations manager. I knew I could trust him to get things done. We were
doing tremendous things at the station and Gregg was a big part of that. He was
just outstanding,” Miles said.
As a result of his experiences at FAMU, Bishop believes
historically black colleges and universities are essential in terms of helping
students unlock their potential in life.
“Had FAMU not said ‘we want you,’ I’m not sure I’d be
sitting here right now. When I left FAMU, FSU was very happy to accept me and I
was able to get my master’s degree. We really need to ensure FAMU’s legacy is
maintained because it is so important for future students and leaders,” he
said.
The willingness of FAMU professors to go above and beyond
continues to resonate in Bishop’s thoughts and daily routines.
“Going above and beyond stayed with me, along with having
the ability to try and shoot for the stars. As a commissioner, I will leave no
stone unturned in ensuring we have done everything possible to help individuals
find a job, help a business grow stronger, and to have more vibrant
neighborhoods,” Bishop said.
Miles added he is not surprised with Bishop’s recent
success.
“He is a tremendous talent, super smart and now as a
commissioner this is just the next stepping stone for him. He is going all the
way to the top,” Miles said.