Brad Williams, He/Him, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brad Williams earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SUNY Albany in 1984 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Russell Sage College in 1990.

Brad has been the Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) since 1999. Previously, he ran a CIL for almost ten years in the Southern Adirondacks. Brad helped with others to shape the direction of the Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN) and directed it during its formative years. As the SSAN transitioned to the state association, he continued to push hard on the voting access issue, engaging in a wide variety of efforts to move the NYSBOE toward increased compliance with HAVA and polling place and voting machine access for New Yorkers with disabilities. Through the council, he has also worked on efforts in the areas of emergency preparedness and employment.

Brad is a SILC Consultant with the SILC-Net and APRIL networks. He has developed best practices in member recruitment, new member orientation, SPIL formulation, public input strategies, and has incorporated needs assessment and evaluation into the SPIL cycle with the assistance of consultants.

Over the years, Brad has been recognized for his work with several awards, including the 2002 Ted Weiss Consumer Advocacy Award (Brain Injury Association of New York State), 2003 and 2014 Regional Advocacy Award (National Council on Independent Living), 2004 National Thomas Paine Award (American Association on People with Disabilities), 2005 Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. Award (NYS Assembly Disability Awareness Day), and the 2007 Justin Dart Award for Political Advocacy (504 Democratic Club).

Brad Williams resides in Queensbury, New York with his family.

Amy Wink, She/Her, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amy Wink earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from SUNY Oneonta in 1991.  She has been the Program Coordinator of the New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) since 2016.  Amy worked in the nonprofit sector for her entire career, developing particular expertise in event planning, writing, and fundraising.   Her blog, The Never Normal, details her experiences raising a son with severe autism, glaucoma, and violently aggressive behaviors.  Amy has lived with mental illness for many years and is an advocate for mental health, disability rights, and the Independent Living philosophy.  

Amy resides in Albany, New York.  

Emily Bianchine, She/They, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emily Bianchine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from Gordon College in 2019. She has been the Community-build and Media Specialist of the New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) since March 2020. Emily has been a Type-1 diabetic for over 20 years and was the reason she got into advocacy at a young age. She has a passion for filmmaking, photography, and creative design.

Emily resides in Delmar, New York.