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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership today announced that Grant Loomis has been promoted to President & Chief Operating Officer and will succeed Dottie Gallagher as Chief Executive Officer in June 2026.

Gallagher, who has led the BNP for more than a decade, first shared her retirement timeline with the BNP’s Executive Committee in 2021. Since then, the organization has executed a deliberate succession plan to ensure continuity of leadership during a period of transformational growth.

“From the beginning, our goal was to ensure a thoughtful and transparent succession plan,” Gallagher said. “Grant’s leadership, commitment and proven track record make him the right person to guide the Buffalo Niagara Partnership into its next chapter. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and our region, and I am confident the BNP will continue to thrive under Grant’s leadership.”

Loomis joined the BNP more than a decade ago and has been instrumental in advancing advocacy, policy and strategic initiatives. As president and COO, he will continue working closely with Gallagher, the BNP’s board and members to advance the organization’s priorities.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me by Dottie, our board and the entire BNP membership,” Loomis said. “Over the past decade, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this organization has on our region – from advancing economic opportunity to building collaboration across Upstate New York. I look forward to building on Dottie’s remarkable legacy and ensuring the BNP remains a strong voice for Buffalo Niagara’s employers and economy.”

The Executive Committee voted unanimously to name Loomis as Gallagher’s successor, which “reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead,” said Tom Emmerling, Chair of the BNP Board of Directors.

“His deep experience, dedication and strategic vision position him well to guide the BNP at this pivotal time, as our region seizes new opportunities for economic growth,” Emmerling added. “On behalf of the board, I thank Dottie for her extraordinary leadership and commitment. She has positioned the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for continued success, and Grant is ready to carry that work forward.”

The announcement comes at a time of growth for the BNP. The organization has expanded its staff, opened BNP @ the cobblestone – a new conference center and co-working space at 79 Perry St. – and taken on a leading role as co-convener of the NY SMART I-Corridor, a regional effort to maximize the opportunities created by semiconductor industry growth.

Your next read:

• The Buffalo News: Gallagher to retire as Buffalo Niagara Partnership CEO in 2026
• Buffalo Business First: Buffalo Niagara Partnership names next CEO as Gallagher plans retirement