BALTIMORE—(February 20, 2018) The NAACP elected Karen Boykin-Towns as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at its annual board meeting on February 17 in New York. She replaces former board Vice-Chair Derrick Johnson, who was named NAACP President and CEO last October.
“Karen Boykin-Towns is an amazing talent that the NAACP is honored to have as its Board Vice-Chair,” said Leon W. Russell, NAACP Board Chairman. “She brings a level of accomplishment in the public and private sector, breaking glass ceilings and serving as a model for women of color everywhere,” added Russell.
An NAACP life member, Mrs. Boykin-Towns was the Chair of the Board’s National Health Committee and President Emeritus of the Brooklyn, NY Branch.
Currently Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Pfizer Innovative Health, her career spans 20 years and she served as the company’s first Chief Diversity Officer. In that role, she was instrumental in implementing a global strategy that resulted in Pfizer being recognized as a leader in including diversity and inclusion as a competitive advantage in its operations in over 100 countries. In 2016, she was named by Savoy Magazine as one of the “Top Influential Women in Corporate America.”
Prior to joining Pfizer, Mrs. Boykin-Towns’ served as Deputy Director of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference. She also served as Legislative Director and later Chief of Staff for Senator David Paterson—Paterson went on to become the 55th Governor of the State of New York.
Mrs. Boykin-Towns holds a MBA degree from Baruch College/Zicklin School of Business of the City University of New York (CUNY) as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent where she graduated with honors.
Mrs. Boykin-Towns is married to Darryl C. Towns and they reside in Brooklyn, NY with their two daughters Jasmine and Trinity.
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