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

  • TRACEY A. EDWARDS

    1ST VICE PRESIDENT

  • GARY JOHNSON

    2ND VICE PRESIDENT

  • CLAIRE THEOBALDS

    SECRETARY

  • ANTHONY ELLIS

    ASSISTANT SECRETARY

  • ROBYN LIVERPOOL

    TREASURER

  • CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • LIZ MITCHELL

    CHIEF OF STAFF

  • SARISSA PHILLIPS-SINGLETARY

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

MEET OUR STATE CHAIRS

  • CHARLES JOHNSON

    CHAIR, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

  • NATALIE PATASAW

    CHAIR, CLIMATE JUSTICE

  • DR. DIVINE PRYOR

    CHAIR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  • GARRY JOHNSON

    CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • CHRISTINE WATERS

    CHAIR, EDUCATION

  • FRANCESCA MESIAH

    CHAIR, HEALTH

  • GLORIA BENFIELD

    CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP

  • LEROY GADSEN

    CHAIR, RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

  • RAH THOMAS

    CHAIR, TECHNOLOGY

  • MYLES HOLLINGSWORTH

    CHAIR, YOUTH & COLLEGE

  • SHANELLE WASHINGTON

    CHAIR, HOUSING