Roseline Freeman is a resilient, purpose-driven individual whose life journey reflects strength, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. Born into the union of Mr. John B. Kerkula and Mrs. Mahannah Mond in Liberia, West Africa, Roseline’s early life was shaped by both hardship and determination.

She began her educational journey in Liberia, where she quickly demonstrated a passion for learning. However, her path was far from easy. Roseline endured rejection, faced false accusations, and was at times deprived of what was rightfully hers. Despite these challenges, she refused to allow her circumstances to define her future.

In 1981, Roseline gave her life to Christ, and her faith has remained a guiding force ever since. She developed a deep love for music and dancing and used her gifts to serve in her church community. She served faithfully at St. John Lutheran Church in Liberia as a Praise and Worship Leader, a choir director, and a secretary for the Youth Department. Through these roles, she uplifted others, mentored young people, and strengthened her leadership and spiritual foundation.

As a survivor of the civil crisis that devastated Liberia, Roseline experienced firsthand the effects of war, displacement, and uncertainty. Yet even during those hardships, she chose to rise above her circumstances. Rather than giving up, she committed herself to being part of the solution.

After the war, Roseline dedicated her efforts to rebuilding her community. She served as a Field Agent with the American Refugee Committee, where she worked to empower families, particularly women and children, by helping them gain financial stability and access to basic needs. Her work focused on restoring hope and creating opportunities for those who had been deeply affected by the crisis.

Roseline’s commitment to education remained strong throughout her journey. She graduated from Dolokelen Gboveh High School and obtained her high school diploma in Gbarnga, Liberia. She furthered her development through the Belgian/Liberian National Red Cross Society Youth Social Reintegration Project, completing the program in Bookkeeping and Typing, on June 17, 1999.

Driven by a desire to serve in the healthcare field, Roseline earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Don Bosco Polytechnic Mother Patern College of Health Sciences in August 2008. After relocating to the United States, she continued her academic journey, earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York, and later a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Care Studies from D’Youville University.

In 2026, Roseline expanded her professional skills by earning a Certificate in Phlebotomy from EOC/BCAT, further demonstrating her belief that it is never too late to grow, learn, and pursue new opportunities.

At the core of Roseline Freeman’s life is a deep commitment to truth, justice, and equality. She is passionate about helping others build better lives for themselves and their families. Her work, her story, and her voice are all centered on one mission: to uplift, empower, and inspire.

Roseline believes that every person has value, every struggle has purpose, and every individual deserves the opportunity to succeed. She finds joy in seeing others thrive and is dedicated to creating positive change wherever she goes.

Through her journey—from a young girl learning by observation, to a survivor of war, to a community advocate, faith leader, and healthcare professional—Roseline Freeman stands as a powerful example of resilience, faith, and determination.

Her life is a testament to the belief that no matter where you start, with courage, persistence, and purpose, you can rise above any obstacle and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Leecia Eve is a stakeholder communications, operations, public policy, and governance expert with more than 30 years of experience in federal, state, and local government and the private sector, including advising government and Fortune 500 clients with mission-critical initiatives.  She currently serves as a strategic advisor to clients undertaking transformative work in economic and community development and in energy, including the largest public utility in the nation.

Previously, Leecia served as a partner at the consulting firm Ichor Strategies, founded by her brother Eric.  Prior to Ichor, she served for eight years as a senior executive at Verizon, where she accelerated the deployment of 5G across the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area and oversaw public policy, state and local government and regulatory affairs, and philanthropic initiatives in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

She has also served as General Counsel of Empire State Development and as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development for New York State, overseeing eleven state agencies and billions in public-private capital investment. Previously she served as Judiciary Counsel to then-Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr., when he served as the ranking member of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, and later as Senate Counsel and Homeland Security Advisor to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

By virtue of appointment by Governor Hochul, Leecia serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.  She also serves as a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where she chairs the Security Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.

Ms. Eve began her legal career as Law Clerk to New York State Court of Appeals Judge Fritz W. Alexander II. She has practiced at the law firm of Covington & Burling in Washington, DC and was elected a partner of the law firm of Hodgson Russ in Buffalo. She is a graduate of Smith College (AB), the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (MPA), and the Harvard Law School (JD).