Meet Manish
Manish’s story is one of immigration, service, and community. He moved from India in 2006, built his first American home in Minneapolis, and later became a U.S. citizen — a milestone that deepened his commitment to giving back. Shaped by a lifelong passion for humility and service, he volunteered as a chef with the Aliveness Project, served as President of PMI Minnesota (helping steer it from losses to profitability), and sat on the board of Quorum, Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce — earning the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Medal in 2023. Wilton Manors became home when a snowbird visit turned into a lasting sense of belonging and community. Seeing people grapple with an unresponsive city system and rising affordability concerns inspired him to run for City Commissioner. Manish is running for service-driven leadership, financial transparency, and a City Hall that truly works for its people.
Why am i ready to serve
A lifetime of service. A career of delivering results
I have built a life grounded in hard work, community, and giving back—from volunteering, to serving in leadership roles with nonprofit, professional, and LGBTQ organizations. Throughout more than two decades in technology, business operations, and community leadership, I have brought people together, managed complex initiatives, improved systems, and turned ideas into measurable results. I am ready to put that experience to work for Wilton Manors.
Leadership
Wilton Manors deserves leaders who understand both community and accountability — leaders who can listen, bring people together, manage complex challenges, and deliver real results. My background combines executive leadership, financial stewardship, process improvement, and decades of community service.
Financial Stewardship
As Director of Finance for PMI Minnesota, I helped lead a financial turnaround that moved the organization from operating losses to profitability. That experience strengthened my belief that budgets are not just numbers — they reflect priorities, accountability, and trust.
I know how to manage complex budgets, improve governance, strengthen accountability, and ensure resources are used wisely. As City Commissioner, I will bring that same discipline to protecting taxpayer dollars and promoting financial transparency.
Process Improvement and Innovation
I believe government should work better for the people it serves. As a Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified PMP, and MBA, I have spent my career improving processes, reducing waste, and helping organizations become more effective.
I have also completed Harvard Business School training in AI strategy and execution, giving me a practical understanding of how technology can be used responsibly to improve service delivery, increase transparency, and make local government more efficient.
Community Leadership and Recognition
My commitment to service has been recognized through several leadership and community awards, including:
-
U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Gold Medal
-
QUORUM Inclusive Leader of the Year Award, 2022
-
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Leader of Pride Award, 2019
I have also served in leadership roles across business, nonprofit, and community organizations, including:
-
Founder of HealthPartners’ first LGBTQ employee resource group, serving a workforce of approximately 28,000 employees
-
Founder of Fairview’s first employee resource group for people of color in leadership roles, serving a workforce of approximately 40,000 employees
-
Former President, Project Management Institute, Minnesota
-
Former Board Director, QUORUM – LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
-
Former Board Director, One Heartland (nonprofit serving children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other life challenges.)
My life’s work has been about service, inclusion, accountability, and results. I am ready to bring that experience to Wilton Manors.
The first 100 days
In my first 100 days, I will fight to reduce cost pressure on utility bills, call for a complete
review of code violation and permitting procedures to eliminate inefficiencies, and
support the responsible use of technology, including AI, to identify opportunities for
better service, faster processes, and smarter use of taxpayer dollars.
Plan
Plan for smart growth.
Thoughtful development, more attainable housing options, and
infrastructure planning (zoning) that keeps pace with the city’s needs.
Reform
Reform how City Hall works. Create Financial transparency, city
efficiency, Code violation/Permit reform, AI-enabled process improvement,
accountability.
Protect
Protect our homes, neighborhoods, and quality of life. Flood control,
drainage, utility costs, and resilient infrastructure must be treated as core city
priorities.