Police Accountability Board Welcomes Community Leader Catherine Thomas As New Board Member

Catherine (Cathy) Thomas

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Police Accountability Board is pleased to announce a new addition to the Board. Catherine (Cathy) Thomas was appointed by the Police Accountability Board Alliance and confirmed by Rochester City Council on December 18th.

A proud native of Rochester, NY, Thomas is a product of the Rochester City School District and a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School. She is an alumna of Monroe Community College, SUNY Brockport, Syracuse University, and the University of Rochester.

Thomas brings more than 35 years of experience in the human services field, with a focus on, though not limited to, advocacy for underserved children, youth, and families, as well as work within the juvenile justice system.

Widely known across the Rochester community as a dedicated servant leader, Cathy has lent her expertise to numerous boards and initiatives. Her service includes being a founding member of the Black Women’s Leadership Forum (BWLF), a member of the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI), and a Commissioner on the Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) Commission.

Thomas’s first board meeting will be in the new year: Thursday, January, 8th, 2026.