Brad Williams earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SUNY Albany in 1984 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Russell Sage College in 1990.

Brad Williams is currently the Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC). The council provides technical assistance and training, promotes public awareness about disability issues, and pursues a public policy agenda that results in systemic change for people with disabilities.

During this time period, Brad has also worked with colleagues and stakeholders in various capacities to help direct advocacy and/or media support for several positive systems advocacy outcomes. He served on the Governing Board of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), Co-Chaired the New York State Interagency Partnership on Assistive Technology, was a member of the New York State Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities’ (OAPWD) Advisory Board, and was appointed to the original and follow up HAVA State Implementation Task Forces.

Brad has also been recognized for his work with several awards: 2002 Ted Weiss Consumer Advocacy Award (Brain Injury Association of New York State), 2003 Regional Advocacy Award (National Council on Independent Living), 2004 National Thomas Paine Award (American Association on People with Disabilities), 2005 Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. Award (NYS Assembly Disability Awareness Day), and 2007 Justin Dart Award for Political Advocacy ((504 Democratic Club).

Mr. Williams resides in Queensbury, New York with his wife Cathy, son Ryan, and daughter Hannah.

Joe Adler, joea@nysilc.org

Joseph Adler

Joe joined the NYSILC staff as office manager in June 2005, following a diversified career as a college instructor in history, rehabilitation counselor and coordinator of services, and a small business owner. He earned graduate degrees both in history and counseling. In addition to overseeing NYSILC's office operations, Joe assists Brad in public policy issues, especially disability voting. He is also co-editor of NewsBriefs. With a personal and professional background in mental health, Joe has advocated for reform legislation such as Timothy's Law. Joe and his wife Miriam, a social service administrator , have two married sons, a granddaughter and a grandson. Joe's outside interests are antiquarian books, storytelling, current events, yoga and baseball.

Patty Black, patty@nysilc.org

Patty Black

Patty joined NYSILC in March 2006 as the administrative assistant.

She helps to maintain day to day office functions and really enjoys co-editing the newsletter as well as learning about disability policy. She has an AAS in Human Services and will be completing her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and diversity at Empire State College, which she attends part-time. Patty enjoys spending time with her young daughter Jessica and they love reading, Burger King, playgrounds, swimming and outdoor festivals the most. They also enjoy hanging out with their adorable cats Cheeto and Sylvie.