Steering Committee

Dr. LaVonne E. Ansari, PhD, is chief executive officer and executive director of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving over 20,000 patients annually in Erie and Niagara counties.

She is an experienced educator, administrator, and manager with over 20 years of experience in equity and diversity, workforce development, higher education, and community-based healthcare and hospital administration. She is deeply involved in the community, serving as an advisory board member of the University of Buffalo Education Opportunity Center and a commissioner on the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). She also served as statewide chairperson for the Community Health Center Association of New York State, part of a national health advocacy group. Dr. Ansari recently participated as a panelist in the United We Stand Summit at the White House in recognition of her community service and her ongoing leadership following the 5/14 massacre.

Dr. Ansari holds a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Brockport State College, a master’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and a PhD in sociology of education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also received a certificate in career development and management in women’s studies from Cornell University.

Thomas Beauford, Jr., is a business executive with over 20 years of strategic leadership experience in private industry and community board service. He is currently the president and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League and was appointed to lead the historical civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment organization in August 2020. He has a deep commitment to community service and currently serves as a board member of Kaleida Health, Universal Regional Advisory Board, Visit Buffalo Niagara, and Northland Workforce Training Center.