OUR LEADERSHIP
MEET THE
NEW YORK STATE NAACP
LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT
It is my honor to serve as President of the NAACP New York State Conference, a collective of dedicated branches and fearless leaders working every day to protect civil rights and advance justice across this great state.
From Buffalo to Brooklyn, our branches are on the front lines—defending democracy, advocating for quality education, protecting our environment, ensuring access to healthcare, and standing firm in the fight for criminal justice reform. We are more than a legacy; we are a living movement, evolving to meet the needs of our communities while rooted in the principles of equity, service, and power through collective action.
This year, we are focused on building deeper infrastructure to support our branches, expanding our reach through digital tools, investing in youth leadership, and equipping our communities with the resources they need to thrive. Whether we are turning out voters, challenging discrimination, or supporting the next generation of Black leaders, our mission remains the same: to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Thank you for being part of this work. Let us continue to rise, organize, and lead with purpose.
L. Joy Williams
PRESIDENT, NAACP NYS CONFERENCE
MEET THE TEAM LEADING
THE FIGHT IN NEW YORK STATE
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TRACEY A. EDWARDS
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
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GARY JOHNSON
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
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CLAIRE THEOBALDS
SECRETARY
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ANTHONY ELLIS
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
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ROBYN LIVERPOOL
TREASURER
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CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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LIZ MITCHELL
CHIEF OF STAFF
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SARISSA PHILLIPS-SINGLETARY
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
MEET OUR STATE CHAIRS
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CHARLES JOHNSON
CHAIR, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
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NATALIE PATASAW
CHAIR, CLIMATE JUSTICE
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DR. DIVINE PRYOR
CHAIR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
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GARRY JOHNSON
CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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CHRISTINE WATERS
CHAIR, EDUCATION
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FRANCESCA MESIAH
CHAIR, HEALTH
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GLORIA BENFIELD
CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP
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LEROY GADSEN
CHAIR, RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
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RAH THOMAS
CHAIR, TECHNOLOGY
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MYLES HOLLINGSWORTH
CHAIR, YOUTH & COLLEGE
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SHANELLE WASHINGTON
CHAIR, HOUSING