National Convening Program Books 2015 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 82

YEO Bios
environmental sustainability. In his professional career, he serves as the in-house expert on regulatory
policy matters at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, working to advance the task force’s policy
priorities in federal administrative agencies and at the White House. He earned his law degree from
Hofstra University School of Law and his B.A. from Texas A&M University. @PatrickPaschall

Roy Paul

Former School Board Member
New York, New York
Roy Paul made history when he became the youngest African American to
ever be elected to public office in New York State at 19 years old. He served
for five years as a school board member in Middletown, N.Y. After leaving
office he served as an on-air political contributor for the ABC 7 affiliate in
New York City. In May and August of 2013, he moderated two forums with
New York City mayoral candidates and with the candidates running for
public advocate, comptroller, and speaker of the New York City Council that same year. He received
his bachelor’s degree from Queens College and his master’s degree from The New School University.
@RoyPaulReports

Eric Payne

Board Trustee
Fresno, California
Eric S. Payne is a Fresno, CA native and serves as a California YEO Network
state director. He brings a hard-working, problem-solving spirit to State
Center Community College District Board of Trustees with a commitment
of ensuring student success, access, and equity. Trustee Payne is a
successful small business owner and regulatory compliance officer for an
environmental engineering firm. Payne is a technical expert for the Joint
Center for Political and Economic Studies, a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a B.S. in
biology and M.S. in microbiology and holds a certificate in health policy and leadership from California
State University Fresno. He is an active member of the Association of Community College Trustees,
Community College League of California, Fresno Rotary, Valley Cultural Arts Coalition, United Negro
College Fund (UNCF), and the NAACP. @MrMagooooo
YEO National Convening | 2015
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Joshua Peters

State Representative
St. Louis, Missouri
Representative Joshua Peters represents portions of north Saint Louis City
(District 76) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He is the youngest
African American ever elected to the Missouri House. In 2010, he graduated
magna cum laude from Lincoln University, where he also became a member
of Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Honor Society. He served on the