Elaine M. Frazier

Elaine Frazier, a dedicated public servant, educator, and community leader whose career spanned more

than five decades in New York State government, higher education, and civic life, passed away on

September 3, 2025. She was 75.

At the time of her passing, Ms. Frazier had just completed a term serving as a member of the New York

State Independent Redistricting Commission, where she brought her deep experience in government,

policy, and education to one of the most vital aspects of democratic representation.

Born in 1950 in Albany, New York, Ms. Frazier devoted her life to public service and social equity. After

earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Old Westbury in 1972 and

later a Master of Science in Education from the College of St. Rose in 1985, she pursued advanced

studies as a Revson Fellow at Columbia University and as a doctoral student in Social Welfare at the

University at Albany.

Elaine’s career began in education and community development, directing after-school and enrichment

programs for youth in Albany before moving into policy and leadership roles with the Urban League of

Northeastern New York. Her early work on health professions training programs and adolescent health

reflected her lifelong commitment to opening doors for underserved communities.

Over the next four decades, she became a trusted advisor and leader in state and city government. She

held senior roles in the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the Office of the State

Comptroller, and as Counselor to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. She went on to serve as Vice

President of Student Affairs at SUNY Old Westbury, Chief of Staff and Director of Policy and Education for

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr., and Director of Administration for the Albany County District

Attorney’s Office.Among her significant statewide achievements, was her role as co-author in the implementation and

expansion of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and other state education opportunity

programs including the NYS Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). These landmark initiatives

played a crucial role in expanding access to higher education for thousands of underserved students

across New York State, enabling them to attend and graduate from colleges and universities. Ms. Frazier

was also instrumental in shaping education reform in New York City as Executive Director of the Office of

Charter Schools under Chancellor Harold O. Levy. In every role, she combined strategic insight with

compassion, ensuring that policy decisions translated into real benefits for families, students, and

communities.

Her leadership was recognized not only in her professional life but also through her civic involvement.

She served on the Albany City Redistricting Commission, the Albany County Juvenile Community

Accountability Board, and as a board member of the Capital Area Urban League.

Elaine was a very spiritual person who cherished African and Brazilian Spirituality and its honoring of our

Ancestors. She loved both the mountain air and the ocean leading her to make short trips to both at

every chance. As a supporter and great enthusiast for music and the entire spectrum of arts, she was

most at home immersed in one of its forms in addition to occasionally writing.

Elaine will be remembered as a tireless advocate for education, fairness, and opportunity, who was also a

trailblazer that broke barriers for women and people of color in government leadership, in addition to

being a mentor to countless young professionals.

She is survived by her Son Onaje Harper, Daughter in law Dr. Katrina Harper, and Granddaughter Kiara Harper

beloved cousins, and close friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Johns Church of God in Christ in Albany, New York on Tuesday,

September 16, 2025 at 10:30 followed by the interment of her ashes at Memory Gardens, in Colonie, New

York. The doors will open at 9:45.

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