The Buffalo Urban League

Empowering Communities,
Changing Lives

President's Biography

Brenda W. McDuffie has been serving as President/CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc., since October 1998. The Buffalo Urban League is committed to insuring that African-Americans, minorities and disadvantaged individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In her position with the Urban League, Mrs. McDuffie’s energy and talent will be dedicated to making real and positive changes in the lives of people in our community.

Mrs. McDuffie received her bachelor of science in social work from the State University College at Buffalo, and earned a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Management. Mrs. McDuffie started her career as a paralegal aide for Neighborhood Legal Services. She worked for the City of Buffalo Human Resources Department as Senior Manpower Coordinator and later served as Director of Planning at the Private Industry Council where she became Executive Director in 1994.

From 1994 to 1998, Mrs. McDuffie was the Executive Director for the Buffalo and Erie County Private Industry Council, Inc. (PIC). As the Executive Director for the Buffalo and Erie County PIC, she had the very challenging task of working with individuals and businesses to ensure that there was a high quality workforce to allow regional economic growth. While at the PIC, Mrs. McDuffie served as President of the New York State Association of Employment and Training Professionals (NYATEP). As President of NYATEP, she served as co-chair and member of the steering committee which produced the recommendations for New York State's future Workforce Development System.

She currently serves on several Boards including: Western New York Foundation, Buffalo State College, the newly created Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau and is on the Trustee Council for Kaleida Health Systems. She is current secretary for the Independent Health Association and is a recent past President of Leadership Buffalo.

Mrs. McDuffie has received numerous awards and recognition including the Buffalo News Citizen of the Year, NAACP Community Service Award, Business First Forty Under 40, and United Way Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs. McDuffie, her husband Gerald, and three children,Geralinda, Myllissa, and Gerald reside in Buffalo. Mrs. McDuffie and her family realize that all things are possible through God. They worship at the Elim Christian Fellowship.