Uncrowned Community Builders

Ellen E. Grant Bishop is a Buffalo native who began her career as a nurse at Erie County Medical Center in 1968. Dr. Bishop then worked at Buffalo General Hospital for 15 years. When she left the General in 1988, she was vice president and administrator of its Community Health Center.

Dr. Bishop was the first African American to be appointed Erie County Mental Health Commissioner. She served in this position, under the administration of Erie County Executive Dennis T. Gorski, for 12 years.

In January 2001, Dr. Bishop was appointed chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center was the first woman to hold the title of CEO since the hospital was formed in 1895. Under Dr. Bishop's leadership a Women's Health Initiative that included a refurbished OB-GYN unit and a community services center was opened. Following her position at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Bishop has worked as a consultant with clients throughout the United States.

Dr. Bishop serves on numerous boards, including St. Bonaventure University, the Western New York Healthcare Association, the Western New York Women's Fund, and the Black Women's Health Study at Boston University's School of Medicine. She is the past President of the New York State Association of Counties and the current president of the New York State Chapter Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers.

Dr. Bishop has received numerous awards and citations and in 1996 received an Honorary Doctorate for Exemplary Community Service from Medaille College in Buffalo.