Saeeda Lesley Dunston

Chief Executive Officer

Saeeda Dunston has served as Elmcor’s chief executive officer since August 2014. With deep personal and familial ties to Queens and the East Elmhurst/Corona communities, Ms. Dunston has the privilege of working on behalf of her community each and every day.

Recognized for her leadership in developing culturally competent programs for marginalized communities in New York State, her work focuses on empowering individuals and families to be active change agents in their communities.

Before joining Elmcor, Saeeda held several senior management positions throughout her career, addressing poverty, anti-racism, and healthcare needs in various New York City boroughs and citywide advocacy and policy-focused coalitions. Under her leadership, Elmcor has solidified its role as a key service provider and advocate at the neighborhood level. She has played a vital role in enhancing Elmcor’s capacity through partnerships with public and private entities, addressing socio-economic and health disparities in Queens communities.

Saeeda has significantly contributed to developing and improving programs focused on behavioral health, health equity, social and economic justice, anti-stigma initiatives, and community education. Notably, she spearheaded Elmcor’s first Supportive and Affordable Housing Project, providing essential housing solutions to the chronically unhoused, individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and older adults. Additionally, her vocal, impassioned grassroots advocacy forged the groundwork that ultimately prompted the inclusion of a funeral assistance fund operationalized in the Biden-Harris administration to support families who lost loved ones during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saeeda is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother.

Saeeda’s motivated by the following quote:

The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X