Johanna Duncan-Poitier, M.A., is the Senior Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges and the Education Pipeline for the State University of New York (SUNY). She provides system oversight and coordination for SUNY's 30 community colleges that educate a quarter of a million students with an annual operating budget of $1.8 billion. In her dual role, she also provides leadership to strengthen STEM education, teacher preparation and connections between SUNY's 64 campuses and New York State's (NYS) Pre K–12 schools and business leaders to improve college readiness, completion rates, and prepare a highly-qualified workforce. At SUNY, she led the launch and development of a statewide collaborative of cradle-to-career partnerships, the Smart Scholars Early College High Schools, the SUNY Empire State STEM Learning Network, and the development of a multi-million dollar consortium of 30 community colleges dedicated to high-demand careers. Ms. Duncan-Poitier also serves as one of six New York State Commissioners for the Education Commission of the States (ECS).

Ms. Duncan-Poitier formerly served as the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education P-16 for the New York State Education Department; responsible for regulatory oversight of the 700 school districts, all NYS public and private colleges and universities, and the preparation and licensure of 750,000 licensed professionals in 47 health, business and design professions. In addition, she previously provided campus-based leadership for the City University of New York (CUNY) at Queens College, York College, and Bronx Community College.

Ms. Duncan-Poitier earned a baccalaureate degree from Queens College and a master's degree from Bernard M. Baruch College, both from the City University of New York. She received two honorary degrees including a Doctor of Laws from Saint Joseph's College and a Doctor of Humane Letters from D'Youville College. She has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including: the Governor's Outstanding Leadership Award; the President's National Award for Excellence in Administering Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Programs; and the New York State Association for Women in Administration – Pathfinder's Award.