Forest Cotten

Forest Cotten possesses extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and community relations, demonstrated through various leadership roles. Currently serving as an Analyst and Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Disability Rights New York since May 2016, Forest has focused on providing legal and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities. Previous roles include Chairman at Catskill Local Development Corporation, Labor Services Representative at the New York State Department of Labor, and Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, where strategic leadership and community support were key objectives. Forest’s experience also encompasses significant grassroots organizing, notably as Regional Organizer for Food & Water Watch, and a successful campaign manager for Cecilia Tkaczyk for NYS Senate. Educationally, Forest holds a BA in Social Work from the University at Albany, enhancing a strong background in policy advocacy and community service.