Board Members
Appointed by Term
Joseph Favata Mayor January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2024
Samia Al-Fereh Mayor June 14, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Donald Johnson Mayor January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Olivier Sekakore 1st District Councilor January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Harry Pratt 2nd District Councilor January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024
Lori Nilsson 3rd District Councilor January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024**
Elise Baker 4th District Councilor January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Linda J Betts 5th District Councilor May 2, 2024 – December 31, 2025
Bryn Lovejoy-Grinnell At-Large Councilors January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
Hatisha Holmes At-Large Councilors January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2024**
Jah-Quan Bey-Wright At-Large Councilors January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2024**
**Indicates a second term
Lori Nilsson was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Syracuse in 1974 to attend Syracuse University. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science Program in the SU School of Social Work, she decided to make Syracuse her home. Lori began working for New York State in the fall of 1978. Over the years working for the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, she provided direct care services to people with developmental delays, supervised staff and residents at the Syracuse Developmental Center as well as at group homes in the Onondaga Hill area. Her work for the State led her to become an activist in CSEA, the union representing the direct care staff. This led to activism in the community through CSEA and the Greater Syracuse Labor Council. Lori retired from State service in the fall of 2014. She looks forward to continuing community service through the CRB.
Bryn Lovejoy-Grinnell is a compassionate and skilled attorney with 13 years of experience specializing in family law and Title IX compliance. Her dedication to representing both adults and children in sensitive cases involving abuse, neglect, and custody, along with her role as an Administrative Law Judge for the City of Syracuse, highlights her commitment to justice and community service. With degrees from Cornell Law School and Harvard University, Bryn combines her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping others. Her extensive community involvement and leadership roles further showcase her dedication to fairness and integrity, making her an invaluable asset to the CRB as she works to ensure accountability and build trust within the community.
JahQuan Khallid Allah Bey-Wright is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, New York. JahQuan holds degrees from Indiana Wesleyan University in Science, Criminal Justice and human services and has worked in the field of at-risk youth and mental health for over thirty years. He is the founder and CEO of Black Men United and Black Sun Entertainment locally in upstate New York and is involved in several community projects and initiatives. JahQuan has owned local businesses where he has employed and mentored future business owners as a way to give back and build local stability for grassroot companies and shops. JahQuan is the creator of Syracuse’s first “Suited Up For Solidarity” March and campaign to promote unity and brotherhood throughout our urban communities. JahQuan is a strong and public advocate for Black and Brown communities to be vaccinated during the pandemic as he’s spoken on several platforms and led many events to promote Black health, diversity and inclusion.
Hatisha Holmes, a dedicated Syracuse native and Licensed Practical Nurse with over a decade of experience, is deeply committed to both her profession and community. Proudly owning a home on the South Side, she is an active parent to a SCSD student, advocating for the welfare of Syracuse's youth. Hatisha's journey into community service began with motherhood, leading her to volunteer her time to mentor individuals of all ages. Her passion for bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement led her to join the Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB), where she leverages her healthcare background and grassroots experience to effect positive change.
Donald P. Johnson brings a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit to the CRB. With a strategic mind and a knack for solving complex problems, he has excelled in roles ranging from managing international business accounts to leading technology projects. At Verizon, his exceptional customer service skills and ability to mediate conflicts have been pivotal. Donald’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to forge strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth. His dedication to continuous learning, evidenced by his advanced certifications in computer security and ongoing studies in generative AI, ensures he remains at the forefront of industry trends. Known for his integrity, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence, Donald is a valuable asset to our board.
Olivier Sekarore is a devoted community leader and small business owner who transformed his experience surviving conflict in the Congo and turning it into an inspiring story of resilience. As a proud father and U.S. citizen, he founded Kwetu African Store to help fellow refugees and Syracuse residents to enjoy the flavors of home. As a deacon at Destiny African Nation Church and a worker at Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE), Olivier is deeply committed to supporting others in their transition to American life. His compassion, leadership, and dedication make him a great addition to the CRB Board, where he brings his unique insights to fostering trust and inclusivity.
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