Legislature Elects Three New Members and Re-elects Five Members to Board of Regents

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley B. Mayer, Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Toby Ann Stavisky and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia Hyndman today announced the Legislature’s election of Hasoni Pratts, Dr. Roger P. Catania, Keith B. Wiley, Dr. Frances G. Wills, Felicia M. Thomas-Williams, Brian Krist, Esq, Roger Tilles and Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. to the New York State Board of Regents.

The Board of Regents is comprised of 17 members elected by the Legislature for five year terms. One member is elected from each of the state’s 13 judicial districts and four members serve at-large.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and the Board of Regents plays a critical role in shaping the future of world-class education in New York. The dedication and expertise of these newly elected and returning members will help us build on our commitment to excellence in higher education. I look forward to working with them as we continue creating pathways for success both in New York and across the country.”

“Congratulations to our newly elected regents, Keith B. Wiley, Felicia M. Thomas-Williams and Brian Krist, as well as to our returning regents Hasoni Pratts, Dr. Roger P. Catania, Dr. Francis G. Wills, Roger Tilles and Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr.,” said Speaker Carl Heastie. “New York’s students deserve access to a world class education, and I know that these knowledgeable and experienced leaders will work to address the diverse needs of students across the state, setting them up for a successful future.”

Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, I am pleased to join my colleagues in announcing the elections and re-elections of members to the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents plays a crucial role in guiding education policy and standards for students in New York; and I am confident that the regents elected and re-elected today will bring the expertise, experience, and dedication required for their roles, which will benefit students across the state. Congratulations to Regents Keith Wiley, Felicia Thomas-Williams, and Brian Krist on your election, and to Regents Hasoni Pratts, Dr. Roger Catania, Dr. Francis Wills, Roger Tilles, and Dr. Lester Young on your re-election. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we work to fulfill our obligation to ensure a quality education for all children in New York, regardless of their zip code.”

“As an educator, I know first hand the critical role the Board of Regents has in shaping our education system, and I believe the members we are electing will use their experience to help create environments where students of all backgrounds can learn and grow,” Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto said. “Congratulations to all of our new and returning regents on their election. I look forward to working together to ensure every child has access to a quality education.”

Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “The Board of Regents is unique in setting a long educational policy in New York dating back to colonial times when Alexander Hamilton served as a Regent. Unlike most states, the Regents are responsible for selecting the Commission of Education. Each Regent has demonstrated the leadership and knowledge needed to further New York’s commitment to providing a quality, affordable education for all New York students.”

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Chancellor Dr. Lester Young, Hasoni Pratts, Dr. Roger P. Catania, Keith B. Wiley, Dr. Francis G. Wills, Felicia M. Thomas-Williams, Brian Krist, and Roger Tilles on their elections to the Board of Regents,” said Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia Hyndman said. “I know they will use the knowledge and leadership they’ve earned over their impressive careers to help guide our education system to serve all New Yorkers.”

Hasoni Pratts (Judicial District 2) serves as senior advisor to CEO and President Marc Morial at the National Urban League, where she serves as liaison for federal, state and local equity outreach in underserved communities. She was first elected as a regent in 2024, and now will be serving out a full term.

Dr. Roger P. Catania (Judicial District 4) is an educational practitioner and scholar with a doctorate’s degree in Social Foundations of Education and the History of Education. Mr. Catania served as superintendent of schools for the Lake Placid Central School District for over eight years overseeing all aspects of the school district including instruction, curriculum, budgeting, construction projects, transportation and human resources. Throughout his long career, he has also served as a social studies teacher, school counselor, and a college instructor and has written extensively on an array of educational issues. He was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2022.

Keith B. Wiley (Judicial District 8) is a dedicated educator who has taught math at Houghton Academy in Buffalo for 24 years, including leading his students to multiple Buffalo City School Middle School Math League Championships. In addition, he is currently a member of the New York State Education Department Professional Standards and Practice Board and co-chair of its Higher Education Committee. Mr. Wiley served as an adjunct professor at Medaille University for 10 years teaching Math Methods to undergraduate and graduate teaching candidates.

Dr. Frances G. Wills (Judicial District 9) served as superintendent of schools for the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District and the Putnam Valley Central School District. Prior to her experience in New York, she served in a variety of positions in the Maine School Administrative District for over 10 years. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at a number of universities and authored several articles relating to educational issues. She has served as a regent since 2020.

Felicia M. Thomas-Williams (Judicial District 10) has decades of experience working cross all levels of education. Most recently, she served as Principal of West Middle School from 2013 to her retirement in 2024. Previously, Ms. Thomas-Williams served as principal of Freshman Center and East Middle School, as well as assistant principal of Freshman Center in the Brentwood School District. She began her career as a teacher and teacher’s assistant at Eastern Suffolk BOCES in Central Islip, New York, and then worked as a Special Education teacher for nine years.

Brian Krist, Esq. (At-Large) has served as a public member of the New York State Education Department since 2016, including in his current role as chair of the New York State Board for Certified Shorthand Reporting. Mr. Krist is associate court attorney in the Chambers of the Honorable Jeffrey S. Zellan in the New York State Unified Court System, and previously served in the New York City Law Department, the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, New York City Administration for Children’s Services and the New York City Department of Investigation. He has served as a public member of the New York State Education Department since 2016, including in his current role as chair of the New York State Board for Certified Shorthand Reporting.

Roger Tilles (At-Large) became director of law and legislation for the Michigan Department of Education, was elected to the Michigan State Board of Education and in 1975, became the executive secretary to the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. During his time in Michigan, he taught education and law at the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan University. He was also the counsel to the Michigan Teacher Tenure Commission, as well as a special education hearing officer. Tilles opened his own law practice in Washington D.C., until his return to Long Island where he was the director of the Tilles Investment Companies. He served as chair and a founding member of the Association for a Better Long Island, past acting chair of the Long Island Regional Planning Board, chair of the Long Island University Board of Trustees, on the Boards of WNET/Channel 13 and WLIW/Channel 21, and has been executive vice chairman of the Tilles Center For The Performing Arts, in addition to serving on the Board and Executive Board of the Long Island Association. He has also worked to form the Long Island Arts Alliance, attempting to bring together the cultural institutions of Long Island. He has served on the Board of Regents since 2005.

Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. (At-Large) has served the students of New York City for 35 years as a teacher, principal, community superintendent, senior superintendent, guidance counselor and supervisor of special education. During his tenure as principal, the General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. School, (PS 183 CSD 23 Brooklyn) was recognized as a School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). As a community superintendent, he established some of the more successful high schools and middle schools in New York City and replicated the nationally recognized Algebra Project and Comer School Development Program. Dr. Young also served as senior superintendent, coordinating services in four central Brooklyn community school districts. He also established and led the first New York City Office of Youth Development and School Community Services. In addition, Dr. Young served in the positions of assistant and associate commissioner of education under Commissioner Thomas Sobel and led the department's efforts in New York City. Dr. Young was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2008 and has served chancellor since 2021.