Leadership

President: Tracy N. Brown

As Keynote Speaker of the Blair County NAACP’s 2022 Freedom Fighter Gala, Tracy N. Brown made ripples throughout the branch, inspiring several other officers to run for appointed positions and many members of the branch to renew their commitment to community service. Civic service is no stranger to Tracy, however, as a retired Philadelphia firefighter and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He has family roots in Huntingdon County, and the Brown family has long-been involved in the goings-on of Mount Union. He served as a past-Master of Most Worshipful Prince Hall-Affiliate Phoenix Lodge #3. The Branch is made better by his constant dedication to this community and the pursuit of equity.

Treasurer: Harriett Gaston

Harriett Gaston serves as Treasurer of the Blair County NAACP and is a long‑standing historian and dedicated community leader. She is the founder and chair (since 1997) of the African American Heritage Project of Blair County, a research initiative documenting the history and contributions of local Black residents. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Davidson College and a M.Ed. in Student Services Personnel from Vanderbilt University, and has served in student success and advising roles focusing on first- and second-year students.
An active presence in both campus and community life, Harriett participates in Penn State Altoona’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee, the African American Read-In, and the Campus Coalition for Student Success. In Blair County, she collaborates with organizations such as ArtsAltoona, Leadership Blair County, and the African American Heritage Festival. Her extensive research centers on local African American history, preserving stories, archival materials, and oral histories in partnership with the Blair County Genealogical Society and other community members. Her work highlights figures such as early Black residents in Hollidaysburg and members of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment with Blair County roots.

Secretary: Daryle Walton

Daryle Walton currently serves as Secretary of the Blair County NAACP, where he plays a vital role in supporting the branch’s administrative and planning activities. A licensed life insurance agent, and US Army Veteran, he brings to his work a strong commitment to financial education and long-term planning. He is affiliated with Primerica, focusing on serving individuals and families in the Altoona area through life insurance and related financial services.While attending Lock Haven University, Daryle laid the academic groundwork for his career. He draws on those experiences today in both his professional and civic contributions