Legal Services Executive Director Appointed to the Board of Trustees of Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
Buffalo, NY, March 16, 2026 – The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is proud to announce that Karen Nicolson, Esq., CEO/Executive Director, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, an independent private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care outcomes across western and central New York.
In this role, Nicolson will join a diverse group of community and business leaders providing strategic guidance and oversight to support the Health Foundation’s mission of advancing racial and socioeconomic health equity in the region. The board’s leadership is integral to advancing the Health Foundation’s strategic plan, ensuring grantmaking and organizational decisions are supporting efforts in advancing health equity.
“I am honored to be elected to a position on the Board of Trustees of the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. I believe deeply in the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and health care of people and communities across our region, with a focus on those facing poverty, older adults, and young children.” said Nicolson. “This commitment aligns seamlessly with the work we do at the Center for Elder Law & Justice, where for decades we have served some of the most vulnerable older adults across Western and Central New York.”
At Center for Elder Law & Justice, Nicolson is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing its growth, and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of older adults and vulnerable individuals across Western New York. In her role, she responds to emerging issues affecting seniors, including cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety-net programs, and advocates for stronger protections and resources.
As a registered lobbyist, Nicolson works both independently and with partner lobbyists to influence legislation impacting older adults and to secure essential funding for the organization’s programs. She represents the organization through service on statewide committees and boards, including AARP New York, the Advisory Committee for the Master Plan for Aging, the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice and the New York Legal Services Coalition. Nicolson states, “Through my work leading an organization engaged in these issues, I’ve gained a perspective that I hope can be useful as part of the Foundation’s broader effort to reframe and strengthen the systems that shape health and aging. I would welcome the chance to contribute alongside others who are committed to this work.”
“The Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees is composed of experienced, knowledgeable, and caring professionals who advance our mission with strategic guidance and thoughtful direction, and the addition of Karen Nicolson will enhance that impact even more,” said Nora Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation. “We look forward to collaborating on innovative solutions for community health issues.”
About the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent, private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care for the people and communities of 16 counties in western and central New York. The foundation’s vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. For more information, please visit hfwcny.org
About Center for Elder Law & Justice
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the Center for Elder Law & Justice advocates for justice at every stage of life, empowering individuals to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, our team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive civil legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents throughout Western New York. With satellite offices in Niagara and Chautauqua counties, we work to break cycles of poverty, protect vulnerable populations, and advance justice across the region. To learn more, visit www.elderjusticeny.org
