BUFFALO AND SYRACUSE, NY – The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York has named Derien Braxton, MD, MPH, and Karen Nicolson, Esq., to its Board of Trustees.
Along with their fellow trustees, Dr. Braxton and Ms. Nicolson will provide leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance in pursuit of the Health Foundation’s mission to improve the health of people and communities in western and central New York.
About Derien Braxton, MD, MPH
Dr. Braxton is a physician, public health scholar, and academic with over three decades of experience spanning emergency medicine, health education, and community health practice.
He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at St. Bonaventure University, where he was a founding faculty member of the Physician Assistant Studies program within the School of Health Professions. His training and practice have encompassed advanced cardiac life support, infectious disease prevention, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. Read more about Dr. Braxton.
About Karen Nicolson, Esq.
Ms. Nicolson serves as CEO/Executive Director of the Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ). Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, CELJ advocates for justice at every stage of life, empowering individuals to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, CELJ’s team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive civil legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents throughout western New York.
In addition to overseeing CELJ’s strategic direction, Ms. Nicolson responds to emerging issues affecting older adults, including cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety-net programs, and advocates for stronger protections and resources. Read more about Ms. Nicolson.
“The Health Foundation is privileged to welcome two dedicated and compassionate community leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Richard G. Battaglia, MD, Chair, Board of Trustees. “At a time when our nonprofit partners are facing new challenges, and issues of health advocacy are more important than ever, the expertise that both Dr. Braxton and Ms. Nicolson bring will be essential to advancing our vision of health equity in western and central New York.”
“The Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees is composed of experienced, knowledgeable, and caring professionals who advance our mission with strategic guidance and thoughtful direction, and the addition of Dr. Braxton and Ms. Nicolson will enhance that impact even more,” said Nora Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation. “We look forward to collaborating on innovative solutions for community health issues.”
About the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent, private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care for the people and communities of 16 counties in western and central New York. The foundation’s vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. For more information, please visit hfwcny.org.
###
