LIA Health, Education & Not-for-Profit Committee Hosts NYS Regent representing Long Island

LIA Health, Education & Not-for-Profit Committee Hosts New York State Regent representing Long Island Felicia Thomas-Williams and Regent-at-Large Roger Tilles   Click for pictures from the event

 
Regent Thomas-Williams was appointed in March 2025 and served as a community advocate for 34 years, including as principal of the Brentwood School District where she received the New York State Principal of the Year award. Regent Tilles was first elected to the Board of Regents to represent the Tenth Judicial District (Long Island) in 2005, and re-elected in 2010, 2015, and 2020. In 2025 he was elected to serve At-Large and continues to be a champion for education.
 
The Regents explained the “Portrait of a Graduate” for K-12 students which will address all aspects of learning and whole child development (academic, social, emotional, and cultural) to prepare students to demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, communication, reflection, and global awareness so they can be prepared to learn, grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. The New York State Department of Education plans to release additional guidance to support initial local implementation of the Portrait by summer 2027, including graduation requirements and learning standards.
 
The Portrait also emphasizes career and technical training through internships and work-based learning needed for both college and careers, so students are prepared for their future professions.
 
“Long Island has among the best K-12 schools in the nation, and our strong educational system is critical for a thriving economy so students can get quality jobs on Long Island and stay here after they graduate. I thank Regents Thomas-Williams and Tilles for coming to speak to the LIA and give an update on what the New York State Board of Regents is working on,” said LIA President & CEO Matt Cohen.
 
“Like the many other times I’ve talked with LIA members, I find that educators need to have the input of business and that business needs to know what the education future will bring,” said Roger Tilles, New York State Regent.  
 
“The Portrait of a Graduate reflects what families, educators, employers, and communities have long told us—students must leave our schools with knowledge, purpose, adaptability, and a sense of belonging. This is not aspirational language; it is a call to action to build equitable systems that honor multiple pathways and ensure every student is prepared not just to graduate, but to thrive,” said Felicia Thomas-Williams, New York State Regent.
 
The Health, Education and Not-for-Profit Committee convenes LIA members to hear directly from business and government leaders about issues impacting K-12 education, colleges and universities, the healthcare sector, and how to support the work of not-for-profit organizations. The Committee is co-chaired by LIA Board Members Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, and Dr. Kimberly Cline, President of Long Island University.