NEW Pride Agenda Announces Kei Williams As Next Executive Director
Williams previously served as Interim Executive Director following the departure of Elisa Crespo
NEW Pride Agenda also announces the addition of Amit S. Bagga to its Board of Directors
The NEW Pride Agenda (NPA), New York State’s leading LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, is proud to announce that Kei Williams has been named as the organization’s new full-time Executive Director, effective immediately. Williams has served as Interim Executive Director since November 2024, following the departure of former Executive Director Elisa Crespo.
Kei Williams joined NPA in 2022 as Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives and quickly became a vital force in growing the organization’s impact across the state. They are the visionary behind NPA’s Public Health Ambassador Program and have played a central role in expanding NPA’s community engagement and advocacy efforts.
A native of central New York, Williams brings more than a decade of experience as a community organizer and strategist, and has helped develop powerful political campaigns spanning the intersections of racial, gender, and climate justice movements. In addition to their work at NPA, Williams previously served as a National Organizer at the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, where they helped shape national strategy to protect and uplift Black trans lives, and as a Community Organizer for the People’s Climate Movement, where they helped bridge environmental and racial justice efforts.
“I’ve had the honor of guiding the NEW Pride Agenda through a period of transition while remaining rooted in our mission of liberation, equity, and care,” said Kei Williams, Executive Director of the NEW Pride Agenda. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together — a statewide movement committed to uplifting queer and trans voices, while centering those who live at the margins. As I step into this role permanently, I remain deeply committed to fostering community-led solutions that bring lasting, systemic change to LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.”
Under Williams’ interim leadership, NPA has continued to advocate for increased investment in LGBTQIA+ health and human services, build grassroots power in communities across the state, and deepen its commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice. The organization remains at the forefront of statewide advocacy — advancing policies, funding, and programs that meet the urgent needs of historically marginalized communities.
“We could not be more thrilled to officially remove the ‘interim’ tag from Kei’s title and welcome them as the new, full-time Executive Director of the NEW Pride Agenda,” said Kyle Ishmael and Victor Sanchez, Co-Chairs of the NEW Pride Agenda Board of Directors. “Kei has already proven to be a transformative leader during their time as interim. They are not only a passionate advocate — but also a proven builder, having designed and led initiatives that empower LGBTQIA+ communities from the ground up. Their leadership embodies the values NPA was founded on, and their appointment reflects our continued commitment to Black trans leadership and to the kind of continuity and community-rooted power this moment demands. Kei’s strategic vision, commitment to equity, and deep roots in community organizing make them the right person to lead NPA into its next chapter. ”
Williams succeeds Elisa Crespo, who led the organization from 2021 to 2024 and oversaw tremendous growth, including the establishment of the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Nonbinary Wellness & Equity Fund, the launch of NPA’s headquarters and Empowerment Center, and millions in new state funding for trans-led organizations.
As Executive Director, Williams will continue building on that foundation and guiding NPA’s mission to center the voices and leadership of queer and trans people of color in the ongoing fight for equity, justice, and empowerment.
This appointment was made in partnership with Koya Partners, an executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to placing leaders who create lasting social impact.
The NEW Pride Agenda also announced that Amit S. Bagga has joined its Board of Directors. Bagga is Principal of Public Progress, a strategy and public affairs firm that has helped lead major civic and electoral initiatives across New York. A longtime public servant and advocate, Bagga has held senior roles at every level of government and was the architect of NYC’s historic 2020 Census campaign. A proud queer New Yorker and the son of refugees, Bagga brings deep experience in movement-building and a lifelong commitment to equity and justice.
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