Cornell William Brooks

Cornell William Brooks is a distinguished leader and legal expert with an extensive background in public service and community advocacy. Since July 2014, Cornell serves as the President and CEO of the NAACP, leveraging a strong commitment to civil rights and social justice. In addition, Cornell contributes to the national governance of Common Cause as a Trustee and holds a longstanding role as a member of the Board of Trustees for East Orange General Hospital. Prior experience includes serving as Commissioner for the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority and as President and CEO of The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Cornell's legal career began with roles at the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission, along with a brief candidacy for the U.S. Congress in Virginia. Educationally, Cornell holds a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, a Master of Divinity from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University, alongside studies at Yale, Harvard, and Episcopal Divinity Schools.