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BNP: Staff

Liz Benkovich

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Vice President, Member Engagement & Development

Role: As a coach, manager, and mentor, the entire team and I work to inspire members to help them gain the full benefits of the BNP allowing them to grow, thrive and to reach their full potential.

Michelle Braswell

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Manager, Events & Programs

Role: In my role, I create, coordinate, and manage events and programs both virtually and in-person. I embrace the challenges of transitioning from event concept to execution.

Ann Brooker

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Manager, Member Engagement

Role: As Manager of Member Engagement, I seek to collaborate with businesses and devise appropriate strategies for growth using our in-depth programs, services and regional connections. Through strong relationships, we will assist businesses with local and regional issues,  talent deficits and development goals for now and the future.

Maura Cotter

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Marketing Communications Specialist

Role: I work to communicate the value of the BNP to our members and region through marketing initiatives, increasing awareness of BNP programs, opportunities, events, and resources.

Dottie Gallagher

Buffalo Niagara Partnership
President & CEO

Anita Genovese

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Vice President & CFO 

Role:  As Vice President & CFO, I am responsible for managing the budget, Human Resources, and Information Technology.


Stephen Grimm

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Director, Marketing

Role: In my role, I oversee the brand and marketing strategy of the BNP to effectively empower our members through timely communication, strong brand presence, and new membership opportunities.

Kenya Hobbs

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Director, Community Engagement & Equity Initiatives

Role: My role centers on advancing BNP's Employ Buffalo Niagara initiatives, working collaboratively with industry leaders and experts to coordinate the WNY workforce ecosystem. I am also involved in deploying and managing the BNP's current suite of DEI offerings, as well as helping develop new programs and services that assist employers in building equitable workplaces.

Charlene Janiga

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Senior Coordinator, Marketing & Events

Role: As the Senior Coordinator, Marketing & Events, I handle all BNP event registration and provide support to our Marketing & Events team.

Brooke Kibrick

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Director, Events & Programs

Role: As Director of Events & Programs, I oversee an extensive event portfolio and work to optimize the benefits of the BNP's programs, including young professional, leadership, and executive development initiatives.


Grant Loomis

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Senior Vice President

Role: As Senior Vice President, I am responsible for developing and advancing the BNP’s economic development, workforce, and government relations initiatives. With government experience at the federal, state and local level, I work to ensure government leaders and decision-makers know what is important to our members, and the policies we need to grow private sector investment and economic opportunity in Buffalo Niagara.

Seth Piccirillo

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Director, Economic Development

Role: I help our members increase their competitiveness and ability to thrive in the local, national and international economy.

Laura Smith

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Consultant, Economic Development

Role: As a Consultant for Economic Development, I focus on policy reform and provide input in the Economic Development department, including the councils, grants, and workforce development.

Kathleen Sullivan

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Executive Assistant

Role: As Executive Assistant to Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO, my role is to support the Senior Leadership Team. My focus is to work with all team members to engage them in the BNP's values every day.

Josh Veronica

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Manager, Government Affairs & Economic Development

Role: I communicate with members about local, state, and federal legislation.

Cassidy Wirth

Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Manager, Member Engagement

Role: In my capacity as Manager of Member Engagement, my aim is to partner with businesses to develop tailored growth strategies through our comprehensive programs, services, and regional networks.

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