Edward Lawson

Edward Lawson, Jr. is a distinguished change agent and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in public service, advocacy, fund development, and executive management. Holding an MBA from Manhattan College and a JD from the University of Virginia, Mr. Lawson has dedicated his career to advancing social equity, strengthening families, and creating impactful community initiatives.

 

As the President and CEO of Family and Community Engagement Services, Inc. (FACES), a NYS Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Mr. Lawson provides strategic consulting to empower organizations and leaders to address complex social issues. Under his leadership, FACES offers expertise in social and economic development, organizational management, and fund development, delivering customized solutions that drive measurable impact. His work has supported organizations such as the Vin Baker Bouncing Back Foundation, Mentoring in Medicine, Blacc Vanilla Community Foundation, the New Rochelle City Court Opportunity Youth Part, and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center, each addressing unique community needs.

 

In his pivotal role at the Nepperhan Community Center (NCC), Mr. Lawson managed the Lower Hudson Valley Healthy Marriage and Relationship Initiative, funded by a $10 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through this program, he launched integrated services in job readiness, career advancement, parenting, and financial literacy, effectively meeting the diverse needs of the community. Additionally, he established the Yonkers MBK Plan and the Lower Hudson Valley MBK Alliance, a coalition focused on supporting boys and young men of color, which helped secure NCC’s designation as one of 10 Obama Foundation MBK National Impact Communities.

 

A proponent of equity and inclusion, Mr. Lawson developed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework (DEIF), an innovative tool for fostering inclusive environments, successfully applied in institutions like SUNY (New Paltz and Albany) and Westchester County DOC. Mr. Lawson also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Black Studies Department at SUNY New Paltz, where he contributes to education and social equity.

 

Mr. Lawson and his wife, Sandra, recently celebrated 31 years of marriage. They have two accomplished children: a daughter specializing in health policy law and a son, a physician in residency at UCLA Harbor Medical Center.