History

The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) is a professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of Black leadership in the public sector. Founded in 1983, the NFBPA membership has grown to include managers and executives in virtually all disciplines represented in state and local governments. In addition to public service professionals, the association's membership embraces graduate students, deans and faculty at schools of public administration and executives in the corporate sector.

NFBPA is the nation's premier association of Black public leadership, with a growing and proud reputation for strengthening the capacity of state and local government managers in a multitude of disciplines, through intensive training, professional development programs, and a powerful network of Black public leadership. 

The 12 Founders of NFBPA (and positions held in 1983) are:

  • Jacques Avent, Membership Director, National League of Cities, Washington, DC

  • Daniel Boggan, Jr., City Manager, Berkeley, CA

  • John P. “Jack” Bond, III, Deputy County Administrator, Hillsborough County, FL

  • Thomas Coward, County Commissioner, Alachua County, FL

  • Manuel Deese, City Manager, Richmond, VA

  • Henry L. Gardner, City Manager, Oakland, CA

  • Howard Gary, City Manager, Miami, FL

  • Clifford Graves, County Manager, San Diego County, CA

  • Floyd T. Johnson, County Administrator, Broward County, FL

  • Dewey W. Knight, Jr., Deputy County Manager, Metro-Dade County, FL

  • Quentin R. Lawson, Executive Vice President, PTI, Washington, DC

  • Elijah Rogers, City Administrator, Washington, DC

2019-2021


Anthony J. Snipes
Missouri City, TX


2005-2007


Harry L. Jones Sr.
Charlotte, NC



1993-1995


Randall C. Bacon
Henderson, NV


2017-2019


Jelynne LeBlanc Burley
San Antonio, TX



2003-2005


Cheryl Perry League 
Oakland, CA


1991-1993


Cynthia W. Curry 
Miami, FL


2015-2017


Bruce T. Moore
Little Rock, AR



2001-2003


Robert C. Bobb 
Washington, DC


1990-1991


Daniel Boggan, Jr.
Oakland, CA


2013-2015


Verdenia C. Baker
West Palm Beach, FL



1999-2001


Marcia L. Conner 
Durham, NC


1989-1990


*John P. “Jack” Bond, III


2011-2013


Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides
Glenn Heights, TX



1997-1999


Major F. Riddick, Jr. 
Landover, MD


1987-1989


Henry L. Gardner  
Oakland, CA


2009-2011


Jerry N. Johnson
Laurel, MD


1996-1997


Vernon E. Stoner 
Seattle, WA


1985-1987


Floyd T. Johnson
Fort Lauderdale, FL


2007-2009


Anita Favors Thompson
Tallahassee, FL


1995-1996


Regina V.K. Williams
Norfolk, VA


1983-1985


Manuel Deese 
Port Haywood, VA