Councilwoman Viviana Russell 

In November 2009, Viviana Russell made history by becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the North Hempstead Town Board.  The seat in the 1^st Councilmatic District was vacated by now Nassau County Legislator, Robert Troiano, who ‘passed the torch’ as the first African American male to serve on the Town Board to Viviana.   The 1^st District includes, New Cassel/Westbury, Carle Place and the Villages of Westbury and Old Westbury.

Viviana Russell was born and raised in East Elmhurst, Queens. She has been a resident of New Cassel since 1999 with her husband Gary and their 3 children Gary Jr., Imani & Malachi.   Viviana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, is a certified Para-Chaplain, licensed Real Estate Agent and a Notary Public.

Six years ago Viviana participated in a community wide visioning process that started through a partnership with Sustainable Long Island, Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation, a local community – based development organization, and the Department of Planning and Economic Development of the Town of North Hempstead, and local churches. The purpose of this collaborative effort was to encourage residents to work together to develop a plan of goals to accomplish in the community. This process resulted in the adoption of The Visioning plan that is now a national model for communities seeking economic and social redevelopment.

Viviana is a concerned, committed and involved resident of Westbury with powerful grassroots community building skills and comprehensive knowledge of the community's needs and governmental functions. 

Volunteering for community and youth initiatives are all important to Viviana.   She has been an advocate for the quality of life for residents at Magnolia Gardens Senior Complex, working with Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation as a program coordinator and Block Captain and volunteering as a committee member on the Weed and Seed Coalition.

She serves on the board of the McCoy Center Family and Youth Services and the Unity Circle Mothers’ Center.  She is also a member of the NAACP, National Association of Business and Professional Woman, Samaritan Women of God liturgical dance ministry and is also a member of the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury where she serves as a Deaconess.

Prior to becoming Councilwoman Viviana gained governmental experience working at the Town of North Hempstead’s 311 Call Center from its inception, servicing residents throughout the Town and as a Constituent Liaison for New York State 13^th Assembly District.   She is currently the Communications Project Manager for the National Association of Mothers’ Centers.

As Councilwoman for the Town of North Hempstead Viviana intends to continue the visions set forth by the communities throughout the Town. In addition Viviana believes in personally SOWing into the community - Strengthening bonds between residents, the community, organizations and government, Overcoming obstacles and Welcoming new ideas.