Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am so pleased to congratulate Dr. Lester Young, Jr on his historic appointment as Chancellor of the NYS Board of Regents. Dr. Young is an outstanding educator who has committed his entire career to public school students throughout the state, beginning in New York City schools as a teacher. He has led the effort to expand educational opportunities for students living in poverty, particularly in developing and promoting the extraordinarily successful My Brother's Keeper initiative in New York State. I first met Dr. Young through his work implementing the program in Yonkers providing support, mentoring & services for young men of color throughout high school. It is my great pleasure to congratulate Dr. Young, who will be the first African American to lead this important body. I look forward to our continued collaboration to make lives better for all New York State's students."