Mount Vernon Mayor To Hold Women's History Month Celebration

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. -- Mount Vernon will celebrate Women's History Month by swearing in Nichelle Johnson as City Court judge and Shawyn Patterson Howard as commissioner of planning and community development and executive director of the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency at a ceremony today at 2 p.m. in City Council chambers at City Hall, 1 Roosevelt Square North.

Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and Shawyn Patterson Howard, the city's new commissioner of planning and community development.
Photo Credit: *Zak Failla*

Jay Waitkus

04/05/2016 4:00 a.m.

Mayor Richard Thomas will also present his Phenomenal Woman Award to four of Mount Vernon's most esteemed women: Patrice Wallace-Moore for her work in public service; Frances Lightsy and Linda Gordon for their work in education; and Rella Fogliano for business.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate Women's History Month than by honoring these six women who have done so much for the people of Mount Vernon,” Thomas said. “These women exemplify our rich diversity and proud heritage and I am humbled to honor them."

Before becoming the City Court’s newest judge, Johnson spent more than two decades as a litigator. She has served Mount Vernon in a number of capacities, including as corporation counsel/acting chief of staff.

Howard, a Mount Vernon native, has worked in the public health, criminal justice and urban development sectors. She has served as CEO of the YMCA in Yonkers.

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