Buffalo Urban League Announces its New President [Interview]

The Buffalo Urban League has a new leader! It introduced its new President and CEO on August 24, 2020.

Thomas Beauford, Jr. is the new Buffalo Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer. He was chosen via a nationwide search, according to a press release. Beauford received unanimous backing from the Urban League's Board of Directors. His role will officially begin on August 31. He will be the sixth leader of the Buffalo branch, succeeding Brenda McDuffie, who is retiring after 21 years of service.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am excited for the opportunity to welcome Thomas Beauford as the new President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League. We are looking forward to his leadership in the coming years, and are excited to see what the future holds for the work of the League under his direction.” ~ Steve Finch, Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Search Committee via a press release

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Beauford is coming into the Urban League with a background in banking. Beauford has worked for M&T Bank since 2014. He also worked briefly for Citibank and spent 13 years with HSBC. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and has previously held a seat on the Board of Directors of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, the International Institute of Buffalo, the Buffalo Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, the board of the Buffalo Urban Development Corp and was an adjunct professor at Medaille College.

“I am truly honored to be following in the footsteps of Brenda McDuffie and the other giants of the Buffalo Urban League. This is a unique opportunity that comes at a crucial time for the League, our city, the Buffalo-Niagara region, and our country. I pledged to the Board and all League members that I will work tirelessly to fulfill the League’s mission.” ~ Thomas Beauford, Jr., incoming Buffalo Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer via a press release