Kercena A. Dozier

Kercena A. Dozier is the Executive Director of CDF-NY at Children's Defense Fund. Kercena previously served as Chief of Staff for the New York State Senate from June 2017 to September 2021. In this role, they were responsible for providing leadership in the development, oversight, implementation and integration of the policy priorities and initiatives for a progressive elected official. Kercena also managed the organizational development and an 11-person team that was located across two offices and responsible for driving core goals and objectives across six departments: Community Affairs, Communications, Constituent Services, Government Affairs, Legislation and Scheduling.

During their time as Chief of Staff, Kercena secured over $8 million in state funding for the district to address health disparities, educational inequities, legal aid support for vulnerable populations, workforce development support for vulnerable populations, the digital divide, gun violence, hunger, and support for seniors and the arts community. Kercena also managed the Harlem Covid-19 Health Disparities Task Force, which worked in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, NYC DOH, NYC DOE, NYPD, NYC Office of Faith & Community Affairs, NYS Office of Faith-Based Partnerships, and others to successfully address and deliver on community demands relating to expanded access to testing and vaccination sites as well as contact tracing job opportunities. In addition, they led and managed the Harlem Community Policing Task Force, which partnered with over 50 community organizations and advocacy groups as well as the Mayor’s Office, NYPD, NYC Parks, NYC Permits, and CAU to address and deliver on community-led solutions to drive critical reforms focused on reducing gun violence and providing educational, fitness-related, and fun activities for our youth and adult populations.

Kercena A. Dozier holds an MBA in Real Estate from American University - Kogod School of Business, a JD from American University Washington College of Law, and a BBA in International Business, Economics from Loyola University New Orleans.

Their manager is Starsky Wilson, President & CEO. Kercena A. Dozier works with Bob Farrace - National Director, Public Affairs, Rexanah Wyse Morrissette - Managing Director, Public Policy, and Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald - Executive Director, CDF-SRO.