LaVonne E. Ansari, Ph.D.

LaVonne E. Ansari, Ph.D. is an experienced educator, administrator, recreation therapist and manager with more than 25 years of combined experience. She has a diverse background working in the areas of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action compliance, workforce development, higher education and community-based health care and hospital administration. Throughout her career, Dr. Ansari has been steadfast in her commitment to serve communities that have historically been underserved. She has worked diligently to ensure that all Western New Yorkers have equal access to high quality education, career opportunities and health care services. 

Currently, Dr. Ansari is the CEO and Executive Director of Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., which strives to improve the health and quality of life within city neighborhoods. Prior to her recent appointment as CEO, she was Vice President of Operations and Director of Equity and Diversity at Niagara County Community College.

She has also served the community as associate director of the Education Opportunity Center at the University at Buffalo, associate director of the BRIDGE Program and director of Rehabilitation Occupation and Recreation Therapy for Psychiatry at Buffalo General Hospital. In addition, Dr. Ansari has several years of experience working with community agencies conducting a variety of outreach and educational workshops, which include health and wellness, cross-cultural communications, multicultural training, cardiovascular and health studies. She has been a relentless advocate fighting to improve children’s education, especially within the City of Buffalo.

Dr. Ansari is a member of various local and national boards. She is well known for her advocacy work in the areas of health, education and human rights.