Biography
Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) is serving
his first full term as a Nassau County Legislator in the 1st
Legislative District, after decisively winning his seat by
84 percent of the vote in a special election in September
2002. The youngest legislator ever elected to the Nassau County
Legislature at age 27, Abrahams comes to his new position
with a wealth of experience gained from serving as the Majority's
Finance Director prior to being elected. Abrahams is also
the youngest African American lawmaker in the State of New
York.
Legislator Abrahams' priorities for his
district, which is comprised of parts of Baldwin, Freeport,
Hempstead, South Hempstead, Roosevelt, and Uniondale, include
forming an economic community task force to address the need
for business growth in many of the economically challenged
areas and addressing the growing problem of gangs. Since taking
office in 2002, Legislator Abrahams has been a strong advocate
for the Counties poor, middle class, and working families.
Abrahams has also put priority on enhancing senior services,
after school programs, and the quality of life for residents
of his district.
Abrahams, a life-long resident of Hempstead, joined the County
Legislature staff as Deputy Finance Director in 2000, eventually
moving up to the position of Finance Director. He brings with
him a wealth of government experience and has served as a
legislative assistant and Deputy District Director for Congressman
Floyd H. Flake and as a District Representative for Congresswoman
Carolyn McCarthy. Abrahams also worked in the private sector
as a Financial Analyst for Astoria Federal Savings Bank. He
holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Queens
College. Currently he works as an analyst for North Shore
Long Island Jewish Health System in its Strategic Planning
Department.
In February 2004, Abrahams was featured
in Ebony Magazine as one of its 30 under 30 leaders. This
accolade is a testament to Abrahams’ leadership abilities.
He has also been recognized as the 2004 Citizen of the Year
by the National Association of Social Workers among other
achievements. Also during the 2003 Congressional Black Caucus,
Abrahams was a panelist on the “Affirming the Playing
Field – Is Affirmative Action Necessary” panel.
In addition, Legislator Abrahams has also appeared on several
network programs to discuss gang prevention, medicaid, economic
and job development, and education.
Abrahams serves as chairperson of the Public
Works Committee; vice chair of the Economic Development and
Labor committee; and as a member of the Finance, Public Safety,
Government Services and Minority Affairs committees.
Legislator Abrahams is a tremendous sports
fan and his favorite teams are the New York Knicks, New York
Jets, and New York Yankees.
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