Maurice Garner

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Maurice Garner, President of an influential lobbying firm—Garner Associates LLC, is often referred to as a political sage for his countless achievements in Western New York’s political landscape. Garner is a prominent political strategist and player, who has long supported and organized urban-focused initiatives, including the campaigns of various public servants in Western New York and, namely, the first African-American mayor of the City of Buffalo, Byron W. Brown.

In his most recent position as the Neighborhood Services Director for Erie County’s Community Action Organization, Garner initiated various citizen participation and capacity building programs; developed business opportunities to anchor inner-city communities; and, secured record investment and grant dollars for the agency. While serving as the Deputy City Comptroller from 2000-2003, Garner utilized his extraordinary ability to create solid, focused, organizational objectives that yielded copious, cutting edge outcomes for the City of Buffalo. He was noted for successfully addressing multifaceted, complex financial issues while maintaining the integrity of the Comptroller’s office. From 1992-2004, Garner worked as Senior Executive Assistant to County Executive, Dennis T. Gorski. In this capacity, Garner thrived with integrity, competency, and accountability in one of the highest positions in County Government ever held by an African-American. Exemplifying his long standing commitment to the Western New York, Garner has held other positions as an Organizer for Citizen Action of New York and Youth Counselor for Community Action Organization, where he made long standing impacts.

As he often states, Garner is “committed to ensuring that government actions and electeds foster progress, accountability, and opportunities for all to participate in the liberty of the American promise.”