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New members, officers elected to Buffalo Niagara Partnership Board of Directors

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July 26, 2024

A new chair, four new officers and 11 new regional executives were recently elected to the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Board of Directors.

“Their vast expertise from various sectors, including public, private and nonprofit, will undoubtedly enrich our organization and contribute to our mission of fostering a stronger and more vibrant regional economy,” says Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Dottie Gallagher.

Thomas R. Emmerling, CPA, CFP, CGMA, Managing Partner, Dopkins Company, LLP, Managing Member Dopkins Wealth Management, LLC will serve as Chair of the BNP’s distinguished 69-member board. He previously served as treasurer.

In addition to Emmerling, four current board members were elected as officers:

Vice Chair and Secretary: Jonathan Dandes, Corporate Vice President, Rich Products Corp.
Vice Chair: Donna DeCarolis, President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp.
Vice Chair: Gregory Duval, Regional Executive & Managing Director, Great Lakes Region, HSBC Bank USA, NA
Treasurer: Kimberley Minkel, Executive Director, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

The 11 new regional executives elected by BNP board members:

Tricia Barrett, CEO, Crowley Webb
Deidre Batson-Griggs, President, Kiper LLC
David Beaton, Founder & CEO, Kelton Enterprises LLC
Don Boyd, President & CEO, Kaleida Health
Eric Feldstein, Western New York Regional President, Head of Business Banking, M&T Bank
Bethanne Hollis, Vice President-Variable Operations, West Herr Auto Group
Jazslyn Leon, Owner/Operator, Executive Sweeps LLC
Joyce Markiewicz, President & CEO, Catholic Health
Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO, People Inc.
Pat Roche, CEO, Moog Inc.
Julie R. Snyder, CEO, Forest Lawn Cemetery Group

Click here for the complete listing of current BNP board members.

In Honor of Small Business Week, BNP Opens Doors to Regional Small Businesses

By communications@thepartnership.org | May 8, 2025

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP) will host an exclusive tour day on Thursday, May 29, dedicated to small businesses throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. This special event is designed to recognize and celebrate the critical role small businesses play in driving the regional economy.

Empowering Young Professionals to step into advocacy

By communications@thepartnership.org | April 14, 2025

How does business advocacy actually work? And why should young professionals take interest?
Those were the driving questions behind Be The Change, a high-energy informational event hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Young Professionals (YP) group. Held at The Establishment, this members-only session gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how business advocacy shapes the regional economy, and how emerging leaders can play a role in that impact.

Full speed ahead: Inside the BNP’s top priorities for 2025

By communications@thepartnership.org | January 16, 2025

As the regional chamber of commerce, we’re already known as the go-to resource for assisting growth, advocating for employers, and amplifying the voices of business leaders. This year, we’re accelerating on our mission to make Buffalo Niagara stronger and more connected than ever. Like a train running full speed ahead, we plan on driving forward last year’s momentum, forging new tracks this year, and working to help every member meet their goals.