New York State Attorney General Letitia James in April. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

The New York Attorney General's Office announced Friday that it has created an internal Diversity and Inclusion Office that aims to “foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that truly represents the people we serve,” according to Attorney General Letitia James.

The office, which is in its infancy, will be headed by Sandra Grannum, a nearly 17-year veteran of the Attorney General's Office. She will “lead the way to ensure that the agency better reflects the diversity of New York state,” James said in a news release.

Grannum has served as the agency's legal recruitment director since 2007.

“New York's vitality is in its rich diversity,” James said in the announcement. “My office is deeply committed to creating an environment of acceptance and open-mindedness, both internally and throughout the state.”

The attorney general added that “the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Office is an essential step towards that goal, and I am confident that Sandra Grannum will foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that truly represents the people we serve.”

Grannum, who will become the agency's first diversity and inclusion officer, was not available on Friday to discuss her new role in an interview.

But she said in the release that “diversity, equity, and inclusion have been the clarion call of Attorney General James throughout her career, and the urgency to heed that call is now greater than ever.”

“As [James] leads that effort from this office,” Grannum continued, “I am honored and excited to be a part of the work that will impact the lives of so many New Yorkers.”

Grannum has expanded the Attorney General's Office's diversity efforts in recruitment while working as the legal recruitment director, the release noted.

She also has developed and oversaw a summer internship program.

Moreover, she has launched a series of internal diversity programs, the announcement said, such as hosting speakers and events highlighting Black History, PRIDE, Asian Pacific History, Hispanic History and Women's History Month.

A Georgetown University Law Center graduate, Grannum previously served in the office as acting bureau chief and deputy bureau chief of the Health Care Bureau, the release said.