Our Staff

Francine Sinkoff has served as Director of Communications for the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors since May 2015. She oversees the Conference’s communications strategy, member communications, publications, website, social media, and other communications supporting New York’s Directors of Community Services. She also supports the Conference’s public affairs and advocacy communications and works with state agencies and partner organizations on statewide behavioral health initiatives.

Francine manages the Conference’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) initiative, including its MHFA Higher Education/Harm Reduction Project, which partners with colleges and Local Governmental Units to expand MHFA capacity, strengthen connections to local behavioral health resources, and provide ongoing support to participating campuses. She also helps develop and coordinate onboarding, continuing education, and other resources for new and established Directors of Community Services.

Prior to joining the Conference, Francine spent nine years in the communications and development department of the Addictions Care Center of Albany, a community provider of treatment, housing, prevention, and recovery services for individuals impacted by substance use. She received her undergraduate degree in American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.