Long Island Educator Named to State Board of Regents

Related Media

Felicia Thomas-Williams

ALBANY, NY (03/04/2025) (readMedia)-- Felicia Thomas-Williams, recently retired middle school principal from the Brentwood Union Free School District (UFSD) in Suffolk County and 2020 New York State Secondary Principal of the Year, has been elected as a new member of the New York State Board of Regents. The announcement came today in Albany.

Thomas-Williams has extensive experience in both education pedagogy and leadership that she brings to this new state leadership position. Beginning her career as a special education teacher at Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Brentwood, Thomas-Williams' leadership abilities elevated her into various school administration roles. She led West Middle School in Brentwood for 11 years as its principal prior to retiring. While at the middle school, Thomas-Williams was honored as the 2020 New York State Secondary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). She went on to serve SAANYS as a member of its Government Relations Committee, advocating for students and public education at the local, state, and federal levels to secure resources to enhance learning environments.

Reflected Thomas-Williams, "It is both an honor and a humbling privilege to continue my lifelong mission of serving New York State public schools and scholars at such a meaningful statewide level. This opportunity allows me to advocate for and support the educators, students, and communities that are the heart of our education system, ensuring that every student has access to the excellence they deserve."

SAANYS Executive Director Jennifer Carlson praised the appointment, stating, "The appointment of Felicia Thomas-Williams to the New York State Board of Regents is a tremendous victory for New York's schools, and especially for our students. Ms. Thomas-Williams has time and again demonstrated her knowledge and passion for advocating for public schools at both the state and federal levels. Her extensive and recent experience as a school principal, combined with her determination to improve the educational experience for students across the state, will be a significant asset to the Board of Regents, and her SAANYS colleagues wish her the best in this new endeavor."

Thomas-Williams' leadership and commitment to helping her community are long-standing and go beyond her work in the school system. She serves on the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Suffolk County Girl Scouts Board of Directors, and the Eastern Shore (NY) Chapter of The LINKS Incorporated.

In addition to being named the SAANYS/NASSP New York State Secondary Principal of the Year in 2020, she is also the recipient of the National Association of Professional Black Women Trailblazer Award, the NAACP Community Service Award, Hollywood Full Baptist Cathedral Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Long Island Caribbean Coalition Woman of Valor Award, the Suffolk County Legislator Women in History Outstanding Educator Award, the Educator of the Year award by Suffolk County Legislator Monica Martinez, a Woman of Distinction Award by Assembly Woman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, and Legislator Jason Richberg's Educator Appreciation Award.

Thomas-Williams received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Old Westbury, her Master of Science in special education from Long Island University, and her school/district administrator/supervisor certification from Touro College.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retiree leaders. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

###