Patterson-Howard Named African American Mayors Association President

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has been sworn in as the African American Mayors Association's new president in Washington, D.C.

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) announced that Patterson-Howard assumed the leadership role Friday during the non-profit organization’s national conference.

"We are thrilled that Mayor Patterson-Howard is taking the helm at this pivotal juncture as AAMA supports its member mayors throughout the country and elevates its presence in the business and public sector," AAMA CEO Phyllis Dickerson said of the appointment. "We thank outgoing president Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. for his outstanding accomplishments during his term with the organization and for uniquely positioning us to meet the urgent needs of our members.”

Patterson-Howard has been mayor of Mount Vernon since 2020. She is the first woman elected mayor in the city’s 200-plus year history.

Patterson-Howard has a track record that includes more than three decades of public service and gained a reputation as a leader in the early fight against the HIV-AIDS epidemic. She built her public service bonafides as a social worker and non-profit executive director.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Patterson-Howard has kept a focus on innovative solutions to public health, addiction and health equity, immigration programming and public safety issues. She also helped to establish the county’s first drug treatment court.

During her inaugural term, Patterson-Howard rose to prominence on the national stage through her advocacy for women’s health, environmental justice, public safety and economic development. She also fought for resources to remedy what she has described as the remnants of racist infrastructure.

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"I am honored and grateful to serve as the new President of the African American Mayors Association, and I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for trusting me with this responsibility," said Patterson-Howard said accepting the national leadership role. "I also want to extend my thanks to Frank, AAMA staff and the entire leadership team for their stewardship and service to AAMA over the last year."

During her one-year term, Patterson-Howard said she plans to leverage the collective strength of the association to deliver real impact for historically underserved and marginalized communities. She promised to be a strong voice for all Black mayors, regardless of the size of their platforms, and focus on developing strategic partnerships with nationally allied organizations and leaders.

Patterson-Howard said AAMA's policy priorities will be anchored around key areas that are critical to the well-being of its communities. The association will prioritize public safety, address the affordability crisis, improve healthcare access, and build and reinforce 21st century cities through investments in transportation and infrastructure, as well as environmental justice.