The Buffalo Urban League Announces Two Key Appointments

TheBuffalo Urban League announced two key management appointments to the organization. Melissa Archer PMHNP-BC, MSN has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and Michelle Sawyers, MS, hired to the role of Chief Program Officer.

“We are confident that elevating Melissa and hiring Michelle to these roles will maximize their talents and enable our organization to execute our strategic purpose to help the community,” said Thomas Beauford, Jr., President, and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League. My goal is to create a strong leadership team to increase efforts within organizational efficiency and continue to develop a culture of innovation within the company”.

Melissa is a Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Buffalo Urban League in 2021. She served as the Director of Health Equity and the Program Coordinator for NY Project Hope, a FEMA-funded, Crisis Counseling Program to provide COVID Emotional support program at the Buffalo Urban League. She currently serves as a board member on the Mental Health Advocates of WNY, Women’s Health Broadcast Board, Park School Board of Trustees, and the Collaborative Center for Social Innovation. In addition, Melissa is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a graduate of D’Youville University and Trocaire College.

Michelle is an experienced higher education administrator and non-profit operations leader; she has worked to have an impact in the areas of education, workforce development, and student services. She is a student-centered professional,dedicated to student success. She previously served as Dean of Student Support Services at Medaille University and as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Her portfolio included several grant-funded programs, Academic Success Center, and the Say Yes to Education student support department. In addition, Michelle has served on Medaille’s administrative leadership team, contributing to operational decisions that support academic persistence, retention, and institutional growth.

Michelle graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.