Albany, NY - Founded in 1893, the New York State Council of Churches  is a living, collaborative witness—nine denominations joined together in shared purpose, rooted in faith and committed to serving congregations and communities across New York State. As we continue to grow and adapt while holding fast to our core values, we are delighted to welcome a new chapter of leadership.

It is with both pride and confidence that we formally announce Rashida Tyler as Executive Director (acting). Over the past three years, Rashida has served as Deputy Executive Director and Project Manager of the Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative, where her leadership has already left a lasting mark.

Rashida brings to this role a rare combination of strategic clarity, organizational strength, and deep commitment to the Council’s mission. She is focused on strengthening internal capacity, enhancing operational effectiveness, and ensuring faithful stewardship of our resources—particularly in the areas of programming, finance, and administration. At the same time, she is working to elevate the voices of clergy and faith leaders and deepen partnerships with social justice advocates across the state.

In the months ahead, Rashida will be reaching out to clergy and denominational leaders to listen, learn, and discern how the Council can best serve in a changing landscape. She is committed to expanding outreach to diverse communities, strengthening relationships with our current member denominations, and welcoming new partners into our shared work.

Her leadership of the Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative—including organizing its first annual Housing Summit last June—demonstrates her passion for building partnerships, strengthening congregations, and advancing a bold public witness. In her new role, she is working closely with the Council’s three commissions—the Social Justice Commission, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission, and the Chaplaincy Commission—to carry this work forward with renewed energy and purpose.

We enter this new chapter with gratitude for the leaders who have come before us and with great hope for what lies ahead. Rashida’s commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and faithful service reflects the very heart of who we are. Together, with Rashida’s leadership, we move forward—grounded in our shared values and inspired by the possibilities of our future together.