Get to Know Us
Meet The Board
Meet the 2024 Board of NYSFDW
Introducing the Powerhouse Board Members of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women. These remarkable women, each a force to be reckoned with in their respective fields, have come together to champion and support democratic women. With this exceptional team, we are dedicated to fostering unity, promoting democratic values, and creating positive change for women across New York State. Join us on this empowering journey.
Denise Murphy McGraw
President
Denise Murphy McGraw is the president of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women. She is also co-chair of Upstate for Biden-Harris, the administrator of the official New York for Biden-Harris social media accounts, and is National co-chair of Catholics Vote Common Good. She is a partner at the Albany-based public affairs firm Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth covering a portfolio of issues that include mental health, the arts, manufacturing, and construction. Denise, her husband David and their daughter Caroline, a recent college graduate who has twice been elected as a Biden delegate to the Democratic Convention, live in Niskayuna, New York.
Debby McCormick
1st Vice President
Debby McCormick is First Vice President of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women. She is also President of Democratic Women of Cayuga County and City Chair for the Cayuga County Democratic Committee. She was the first female Auburn City Clerk followed by two 4 year terms as City Councilor in Auburn NY. Debby has managed two successful County Legislature Campaigns and worked as a volunteer for many local and state campaigns. She serves as Secretary on the First Amendment First Vote Board. Debby, her husband Mike, live in Auburn, New York.
Amy Kobler
2nd Vice President
Amy Kobler is currently a Legislative Assistant to the Erie County Legislature Democratic Caucus. Amy is a Founding Member of and serves as President of the Erie County Federation of Democratic Women. In October 2022, she was unanimously elected as the first female Chair of the West Seneca Democratic Committee. A long-time Erie County Democratic Committee member, Amy proudly began serving as a New York State Democratic Committee Member for the 142nd Assembly District in 2023. In 2019, Amy was elected as the West Seneca Town Clerk. She has been engaged in politics as an activist and community leader who is a strong advocate for human rights, equality, and women’s reproductive rights.
Carolyn McAleese
3rd Vice President
Andrea Smyth
Treasurer
Andrea is public policy consultant and association management executive who lives in the Capital District. She has run for public office, offering a choice to residents of areas of NY traditionally represented by Republican elected officials.
Shannon Sharpe
Secretary
Shannon is the current President of Democratic Women of Broome County, Secretary of NYSFDW, Endicott Democratic Committee member, Executive Director of It’s Raining Lemonade, Beautification Coordinator for Endicott Proud, former Poll Inspector Chairperson at the Broome County BOE. Currently employed full time at BAE Systems in Endicott.
Nantasha Williams
Parliamentarian
New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams is the representative for Council District 27 in Southeast Queens, NY and its communities of Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Addisleigh Park, and Springfield Gardens.
Nantasha is a community leader and social justice advocate committed to affecting real change in her community. Creating new economic opportunities, youth development, housing, and protecting our seniors are her top priorities. It is her mission to serve the residents of her hometown, Southeast Queens, New York and continue its rich legacy into the future.
Diane Lechner
Former President
Diane Ferranti-Lechner has held various leadership positions within the New York State Democratic Party and has been a strong advocate for women’s issues for over a decade. As founder of the Democratic Women of Tioga County, Diane raised thousands of dollars for the county’s domestic violence shelter, and as immediate past president of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women, she developed exciting new voter engagement programs such as the Lunch and Learn series. Diane was elected fifth Vice-President of the National Federation of Democratic Women in 2023 and currently chairs its Administrative Documents Committee. Diane co-founded New York Women for Biden-Harris in 2020 and continues to lead the campaign’s digital organizing effort targeting women voters in New York.
Lena Bishop
Founder
Lena Bishop is a trailblazer with a remarkable legacy of achievements in both the political arena and community service. As the founder and first President of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women (NYSFDW), Lena has played a pivotal role in empowering women in politics. She revitalized the Democratic Women’s group, serving as its President, and was appointed to the State Committee in the 123rd Assembly District by former Chair Tony Fiala. Her leadership extended to the national stage as the 4th Vice President of the National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW). Lena’s dedication to the Democratic cause is exemplified by her 20 years of volunteer service at Democratic headquarters and her successful organization of a National Convention in Albany. Her enduring commitment and numerous contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of Democratic women in New York and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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What does NYSFDW stand for?
NYSFDW stands for New York State Federation of Democratic Women.
How can I contact a board member?
You can contact a board member by email at [email protected].
How do I become a member of NYSFDW?
You can click on the Join button below or sign up on the Become a Member page.