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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership recently elected nine new members to its Board of Directors and appointed officers for the upcoming fiscal year.

Collectively, the new board members bring more than 250 years of leadership experience across some of Western New York’s most influential sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, media, economic development, higher education, professional sports, tourism and cultural institutions.

The following regional leaders were elected to the BNP Board of Directors:

• Bill Brandel, Executive Vice President & Global Group President, North America, Ingram Micro
• Mike Buczkowski, President, Rich Baseball Operations
• Jim Dentinger, Executive Vice President & Buffalo Regional Director, Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
• Raymond Ganoe, President & Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Health
• Pete Guelli, President of Business Operations, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres
• Katie Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Moley Industries
• Sean Jacobson, President & Publisher, The Buffalo News
• Gary Marchiori, President, EnergyMark
• Gary Siddall, President & Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve

The group includes founders, CEOs, presidents and senior executives from both locally headquartered companies and global organizations. Their collective experience spans workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare, manufacturing, media, sports and economic development, further strengthening the BNP’s ability to advocate for and support regional growth.

“These leaders bring a remarkable breadth of experience and perspective to our Board of Directors,” says Grant Loomis, President and incoming CEO of the BNP. “Their expertise spans many of the industries driving our regional economy, and their guidance will help strengthen the BNP’s work on behalf of employers across Buffalo Niagara.”

Thomas R. Emmerling (pictured above), CPA, CFP, CGMA, Managing Partner of Dopkins Company, LLP and Managing Member of Dopkins Wealth Management, LLC, will continue serving as Chair of the BNP Board of Directors.

Additional officer appointments include:

• Vice Chair: Jessica Cox, President, Highmark Western and Northeastern New York
• Vice Chair & Secretary: Kevin Cross, Managing Partner & Chairman, Lippes Mathias LLP
• Vice Chair: Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets
• Vice Chair: Greg Duval, Managing Director, U.S. Head of Industrials & Transportation Sector, HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
• Treasurer: Kimberly Minkel, Executive Director, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
• President & CEO: Grant Loomis, Buffalo Niagara Partnership

As the BNP transitions leadership from CEO Dottie Gallagher to Grant Loomis, the board and officers will provide valuable guidance and continuity. Their collective expertise and commitment to the region will help shape the organization’s strategic direction and support its mission of strengthening Buffalo Niagara’s business climate.

A closer look at the experience and expertise the nine new board members bring to the BNP:

William Brandel
Executive Vice President & Global Group President, North America, Ingram Micro

Bill Brandel has spent nearly 30 years with Ingram Micro, advancing from sales representative to a top global leadership role at one of Western New York’s largest employers. Today, he oversees strategy, operations and business execution across the United States and Canada for one of the world’s largest technology distribution and supply chain companies. He recently helped lead the opening of Ingram Micro’s new 160,000-square-foot office in Downtown Buffalo.

Mike Buczkowski
President, Rich Baseball Operations

Mike Buczkowski oversees the Buffalo Bisons, Northwest Arkansas Naturals and West Virginia Black Bears as President of Rich Baseball Operations. During more than three decades leading the Bisons, he guided the organization to multiple championships, league-leading attendance and national recognition for operational excellence while remaining deeply involved in several community organizations throughout Western New York.

Jim Dentinger
Executive Vice President & Buffalo Regional Director, Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

Jim Dentinger is leading the $25 million transformation of the former Buffalo News building into a hub for entrepreneurship and workforce development as Executive Vice President and Buffalo Regional Director of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship. He brings more than 35 years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate and business leadership across Western New York.

Raymond Ganoe
President & Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Health

Raymond Ganoe leads Evergreen Health, a regional healthcare organization that employs more than 600 professionals and serves communities across Western New York. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and behavioral health, he has focused his career on expanding access to care and improving health outcomes for underserved populations.

Pete Guelli
President of Business Operations, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres

Pete Guelli oversees business operations for both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, bringing leadership experience from professional sports organizations across the country. His career includes executive roles with the Bills, New York Giants and Charlotte Hornets, and he is currently helping guide preparations for the opening of the new Highmark Stadium this fall.

Katie Hurley
Chief Executive Officer, Moley Industries

Katie Hurley leads Moley Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial magnets, electric motors and related equipment serving customers throughout North America. She brings a diverse background in manufacturing, healthcare, workforce development and organizational strategy, including leadership roles at Highmark and service on several regional industry and workforce boards.

Sean Jacobsen
President & Publisher, The Buffalo News

Sean Jacobsen serves as President and Publisher of The Buffalo News, bringing extensive experience in advertising, marketing and digital media. Prior to joining The News in early 2025, he held senior leadership positions with Hearst’s Bay Area media operations, helping drive growth and innovation across major news brands.

Gary Marchiori
President, EnergyMark, LLC

Gary Marchiori is the founder and President of EnergyMark, an independent energy services company serving commercial, industrial and power generation customers across North America. A longtime entrepreneur and energy industry leader, he has successfully launched and grown multiple companies while remaining active in industry advocacy and mentorship.

Gary Siddall
President & Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve

Gary Siddall leads the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, the organization that stewards the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve. He previously served as President and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara, where he oversaw significant growth, capital improvements and the organization’s first accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.