New chair announced for CUNY SPH Dean’s Advisory Council

Freida Foster, current member of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) Dean’s Advisory Council, former Trustee and longtime CUNY advocate, is stepping into the role.

Ms. Foster served as a CUNY trustee for ten years (2006-2016), helping oversee campus management as vice chair for the Student Affairs Committee and chair for the University’s Standing Committee on Facilities. However, she began her CUNY experience as the NYC Human Resources Administration Liaison and Recruiter for CUNY’s Borough of Manhattan College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment Program (COPE) where she recruited for the program and advocated for student needs and resources. Currently, she is the Vice Chair for NYS Workers’ Compensation Board.

“Freida has deep knowledge of how universities work, especially public ones,” says CUNY SPH Dean Ayman El-Mohandes. “She also demonstrates a lifelong dedication to public service in the Harlem and broader NYC community. I am delighted that she has agreed to take on this role.

“Born and raised in Harlem and fiercely dedicated to giving back to the community, Ms. Foster has served on numerous boards including that of the NYC Panel for Educational Policy, the NYC Employers Retirement System, and the Teachers Retirement System. As an alumna she was also a founding member of Hofstra University’s Women in Leadership Initiative. She currently serves as a director on the Harlem Community Development Board, a member of WNET/Thirteen’s Community Advisory Board, and a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the New York City community by assuming this role,” says Foster. “CUNY SPH can do so much for New Yorkers, especially for its Harlem neighbors. I’m looking forward to guiding the administration on the path to achieving a healthier city and a healthier world.”

Ms. Foster replaces former Advisory Council Chair Dr. Lyndon Haviland, who vacates the seat in order to dedicate herself to her new role as the inaugural Chair of the CUNY SPH Foundation Board.

“It’s been a privilege to lead this Advisory Council, and I can think of no one more suited to take on the role than Freida,” says Dr. Haviland. “CUNY SPH has come a long way in a very short time, and I’m thrilled to continue to work closely Dean El-Mohandes in my new role as Foundation Board Chair.”

“Lyndon has been an invaluable leader, advisor, and friend to CUNY SPH,” says Dean El-Mohandes. “We thank her for her immense contributions to the Advisory Council, and count ourselves very fortunate indeed to have her take the lead of the CUNY SPH Foundation Board.”

About Us

The CUNY SPH Dean’s Advisory Council represents individuals and organizations who are aligned with and committed to the school’s mission and goals. Council members advise the Dean on the academic, research, and community engagement priorities of CUNY SPH and help to identify and develop opportunities to advance those priorities.

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is committed to teaching, research and service that creates a healthier New York City and helps promote equitable, efficient and evidence-based solutions to pressing health problems facing cities around the world. For more information, visit sph.cuny.edu.