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Spotlight Professionals

Meet some of Buffalo Niagara 360's Spotlight Professionals, individuals who have a proven track record of success, a compelling story, and the dedication and drive to live, work, play and stay in Buffalo Niagara. They are just a few examples of the many successful professionals right here in our region.

Young Professionals and the Waterfront - Spotlighting Those Making a Difference
To help kick off our second year, BN360 is spotlighting young professionals who are making a difference for our waterfront, one of Buffalo Niagara’s greatest assets.

Jason Schwinger is the owner of BFLO Harbor Kayak (link below) which has the distinction of being the first recreational amenity at the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation's newly developed Central Wharf. Started in May, BFLO Harbor Kayak offers kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals along Buffalo's waterfront. In an effort to highlight the rich history of the Erie Canal and the surrounding 'Canal District', tours are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the season and take paddlers down the Buffalo River and meander through the hulking grain elevators and industrial sites that put Buffalo on the map at the turn of the century.

www.BFLOHarborKayak.com

Julie O’Neill is the Executive Director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper (www.bnriverkeeper.org), a not-for-profit organization that uses legal, scientific, and policy tools to defend the Niagara river region, ensuring clean water, healthy environments, and access to those waters, for life and play. The Niagara and our Great Lakes are WNY’s most important natural resource and are critical to our revitalization and quality of life. Riverkeeper works to restore WNY’s relationship with the Niagara by 1) raising awareness of the River and Great Lakes as globally significant assets; 2) empowering citizens to reduce their individual impact on our local water resources; 3) addressing long standing contamination, water quality and habitat loss problems and 4) improving public access to our water through the implementation of the Niagara River Greenway Plan – particularly in the Valley/First Ward; along Niagara Street in Black Rock/Buffalo’s West Side and in Niagara Falls’ LaSalle neighborhood. Not only great for the water, our work has the potential to create at least 60,000 jobs in the fields of environmental engineering, construction, landscape management and ecological restoration. Plus, it’s fun, dynamic entrepreneurial work!

Kate Mini, Director, Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education Foundation

Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education was born from a deep passion for experiential education, a form of education dedicated to making connections through interactive experience. I first observed the profound effects of this type of education when I was part of the development of the New York Harbor School in Brooklyn, NY. Young people who had never left their neighborhoods found themselves on a traditional schooner and exchanged their provincial cultural barriers for individual pride and curiosity in their ability to experience new things. After my experience in New York, I vowed to dedicate my life to facilitating this process.

I see BUOE as one part of the solution to engaging disconnected youth of all backgrounds in this region. In a generation of youth increasingly disconnected from and fearful of the natural world, culture world and one another, young people are in need of increased exposure and opportunity to true hands-on experience and new perspectives. BUOE’s platform of the traditional sailing vessel incorporates elements of teamwork, self-esteem and history with standards-based lessons, but also offers intangible elements of quietude and reflection that most young people don’t ever experience in our technology-driven world. Our first season has been an incredible success and only reflects the great need for innovative educational programs in our region.

Matt Davison is currently the Director of Public Affairs for the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), the state agency tasked with revitalizing Buffalo’s long-neglected waterfront. Matt’s responsibilities consist of overseeing the day-to-day operations of ECHDC’s public affairs effort, including media coordination, government and public relations, community and stakeholder outreach, as well as general communications activity and messaging. In addition, Matt helps manage special events and programming at the Erie Canal Harbor site, and works with Buffalo Place Inc. to ensure the general maintenance and upkeep of the 12.5 acre waterfront location.

With substantial progress being made in the waterfront redevelopment effort almost daily, it is critical that the WNY region stay informed of these continued successes, in order to generate and maintain momentum for the overall revitalization effort. Some of the key advancements Matt recently helped publicize include the grand opening of the $53 million Erie Canal Harbor site, demolition of War Memorial Auditorium (the Aud), reclamation and remediation of the General Donovan State Office Building and the unveiling of the 2009 Erie Canal Harbor summer events and activities schedule.

Brian P. Smith is the WNY Program Director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). In 2001, Brian began working at CCE, an environmental advocacy organization with offices in Buffalo and across NYS and Connecticut. He started as a field manager and quickly advanced to WNY Program Director. He leads CCE campaigns to advocate for protection of public health and the natural environment in WNY and beyond. His responsibilities include lobbying, public relations, research, and more. He is passionate about improving the quality of life in WNY, working on issues such as restoring our Great Lakes, increasing renewable energy generation, and developing “green” jobs.

Brian is active with a number of local committees, including the Erie County Environmental Management Council, Erie County Water Quality Committee, Wind Action Group, and others. He resides in the Town of Tonawanda with his wife, Jennifer and daughter, Abbey.

Brian was born and raised in the Town of Tonawanda. He is a graduate of Sweet Home High School in Amherst, and earned a bachelors degree in Political Science at SUNY Fredonia.

Three years ago, Jay McCarthy started the non-profit Buffalo Micro Parks to build urban micro parks that re-energize neighborhoods and motivate residents to invest in assigning new recreational uses to our existing natural spaces, paved areas and architectural features. Micro parks are popular amenities found in active cities. These small spaces provide recreational areas for table and field games, parks for exercising pets, areas for comfortable reading, conversation, skating, fishing, biking, strolling and for the visual and performing arts – these urban areas can provide something for everyone.

Jay's plan builds upon the successful volunteer energy that two years ago established the LaSalle Off-Leash Area, now in its permanent location and known as The Barkyard. These projects have the potential to enlist many other sources of support as well. Micro Parks has determined that a skate plaza built in downtown Buffalo has the potential to be the high-profile, ambitious project that will best serve the goal of leveraging broad-based community support. Volunteers involved thus far are united by civic pride, a compelling interest in waterfront development, and the conviction that an outstanding system of parks and recreational facilities is essential to our economy, to sustaining our community, to keeping our talent, and to attracting new residents and financial resources to the area.

Jeremy Laubacker
Project Manager, Medicare, Independent Health

Jeremy Laubacker grew up in Alden, NY and feels fortunate to have been afforded opportunities that allowed him to stay in the Buffalo area throughout his school years and into his career. It is important to him to remain close to his family, who resides in the area. He has a genuine appreciation for the lifestyle Western New York offers - a small town atmosphere with many big city attributes.

He started his career at Independent Health in 2000 as a marketing research analyst. With hard work and dedication, he later advanced into his current role as project manager for the company’s Medicare line of business. Jeremy is responsible for leading project teams to implement Medicare product operations initiatives that accomplish business objectives and comply with government regulations.

He attended Saint Mary’s High School in Lancaster, NY and is a graduate of Canisius College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Jeremy also earned a master’s degree in business administration from The University at Buffalo.

Jeremy cares about Buffalo, believes in it, and wants to see it flourish. Since 2003, he has been an active member of the Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce. Also, he has served in various leadership roles on its board of directors, including president and chairman of the board.

He currently lives in North Buffalo and enjoys golf, running and is an avid sports fan.

Andrea Morris

Reliability Engineer, Greatbatch, Inc.

Andrea works to ensure customers receive quality and reliable capacitors and batteries for implantable medical devices such as pace makers, defibrillators and neuro-stimulators. She joined Greatbatch, Inc. in 2005 as an R&D Engineer supporting the electrical testing of R&D batteries. Throughout her time at Greatbatch, Andrea’s technical and leadership skills are nourished and encouraged to grow.

She is a 2007 graduate of the University at Massachusetts with a Masters in Business Administration and completed her undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. Additionally, Andrea is a Rising Leaders 2008 graduate of Leadership Buffalo.

As a Western NY native, Andrea has strived to give back to her community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Buffalo Education Center, an organization dedicated to educate out of school youth. She also participates as a project manager for a community impact project created by a partnership of young and talented professionals and local not-for-profit organizations, such as Hearts of City Neighborhoods. Andrea has also been a volunteer for other not-for-profit organizations, including the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy and Brush Up Buffalo.

Andrew D. Demmin
Human Resources Information System Administrator, Independent Health

Andrew Demmin is a life-long resident of Western New York. Born and raised in North Tonawanda, Andrew has grown to love the region he calls home. Currently, he is an active member of several community-based organizations including Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Society, Society for Human Resources Management, Niagara County Republican Committee and the Niagara County Young Republican Committee. He also serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Andrew joined Independent Health in 2005 and began his career as an intern in the human resources department. Through his hard work and dedication to making a difference, he was hired as department assistant. Andrew quickly excelled and took on additional roles within the department and was promoted to human resources information system administrator.

His professionalism is surpassed only by his patriotism. Andrew also proudly serves in the New York Air National Guard out of Niagara Falls. His tours of duty have taken him all over the Middle East and around the world. For his service he has received numerous awards and currently holds the rank of Technical Sergeant.

David Kuerzdoerfer
Stop Loss and Sales Support Administrator, Independent Health

Born and raised in South Cheektowaga, Dave credits his parents for his work ethic that has made him successful throughout his life. He has strong family roots and feels blessed that his family has remained close by, raising families of their own in Western New York. His parents showed both him and his sisters everything that Western New York has to offer by taking them on many weekend adventures. He loves the numerous outdoor activities this region offers right at his doorstep.

Dave attended Daemen College where he studied to become a high school social studies teacher. Unable to secure a permanent teaching position in Western New York, he decided to switch career paths. He accepted a position at North American Health Plans (now Meritain Health) and began his career in health care. At North American, Dave worked in multiple departments including claims, auditing, provider relations and stop loss.

Dave joined Independent Health in 2006. He works with the self-funded services product line. He markets and secures stop loss (or reinsurance) policies for both current self-funded clients as well as prospective self-funded clients. In addition to his marketing duties, Dave creates internal and external reporting for Independent Health’s self-funded clients.

Dave loves talking to his professional contacts outside of Buffalo, telling them all about the positive attributes of the region. It is his way of doing his part to reverse the stereotypes, and he is happy to do it.

Christina Brozyna
Service Manager and Vice President, M&T Bank

Christina’s responsibilities include ensuring that M&T customers receive the best possible experience when they call the bank’s Telephone Banking service. The Western New York native earned an undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration from the School of Management at the University at Buffalo. She began her professional career at M&T Bank in the Commercial Division and later accepted a position in the Retail Branch Banking Network, where she was a manager for nearly ten years.

Christina later joined the Contact Center team, where she has helped create an initiative called the First Response Unit within the department. This program entails creating a smaller queue, designed to find ways to provide customers, who have perhaps the most challenging concerns or issues, with exceptional experiences. Those concerns might stem from special mailings, current account questions or employee banking needs.

Christina lives in Williamsville with her husband Glenn and two young sons, Robert and Tommy.

Kevin J. Cavalieri
Vice President, Investment Group, M&T Bank

Kevin currently serves as a business and planning manager within the division. In this capacity, his responsibilities cover a wide range of activities, including budgeting, strategic planning, acquisition analysis, and human resource management.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science from the University of Michigan in 1999. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2007. His career at M&T began with a summer internship in June 1998, and in 1999 he accepted a permanent position as a participant in the bank’s Management Development Program. Since that appointment, his responsibilities have included loan analysis and marketing in the Business Banking group, and insurance acquisitions and technology infrastructure in the property and casualty insurance subsidiary.

Kevin was promoted to his current position in July 2008. Today, he works with all levels of management to develop Investment Group strategy and to support senior level programs within the organization.

The Western New York native has demonstrated his commitment to the community with several years of service to the Food Bank of Western New York and the Taste of Buffalo. He currently sits on the boards of directors of both organizations as vice chairman and immediate past chairman, respectively. Kevin has also been a volunteer for other not-for-profit organizations, including the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy. He periodically speaks to local high school and college students regarding careers in the financial services industry. Kevin resides in North Buffalo with his wife, Kristin.

Kevin Berchou
Assistant Vice President, Retail Strategy and Planning, M&T Bank

Kevin works as the Strategic Development Manager, helping the division develop its Value Proposition and supports the department’s objectives and priorities. He has been instrumental in building awareness around the bank’s customer focus and working to ensure alignment across the bank’s Retail Division. Colleagues describe him as an engaging presenter with polished communication skills and a diligent work ethic, seemingly tailored to his responsibilities.

A 2003 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, Kevin was also a sports writer and columnist for the campus newspaper and involved in student government.

He joined M&T Bank in 2003 by way of the Management Development Program and began his career in the bank’s Retail Branch Network, ultimately serving as branch manager for the Orchard Park office. In addition, he has worked in the bank’s Retail Sales Administration, supporting the marketing activities at more than 80 Buffalo area branches. Kevin is currently leading a project to build a prototype ‘branch of the future’ near a Western New York college campus.

Kevin has demonstrated his commitment to the community by serving on the boards of the Orchard Park Boys and Girls Club and the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Alumni Board. He resides in North Buffalo and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Rochester’s Simon School.

Ryan Grady, CPA
Senior Manager, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPA’s, PC

Ryan is a senior manager in Freed Maxick’s audit and accounting practice, and is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed to practice in New York State. Born in the Midwest, Ryan settled in Buffalo with his family in the late 1980’s and has called Buffalo home ever since.

Ryan attended Williamsville North High School and completed his undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo, with a dual major in Accounting and Finance. Upon graduation, Ryan joined the Buffalo office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as an associate in PwC’s assurance practice. Ryan spent close to seven years with PwC, including two years in the Washington, D.C. practice, where he focused on audits of large public companies and healthcare entities. He returned to the Buffalo area with PwC in 2006 to reconnect with friends and family, and to start a family of his own.

In 2007, Ryan joined Freed Maxick to further his career in the Buffalo area. Freed Maxick provided substantial opportunity to remain and grow professionally in the Buffalo Niagara region, while also affording him opportunities to pursue other related interests. Ryan is currently a member of the Buffalo Niagara 360 Advisory Council and serves on the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of CPA’s. Ryan currently lives in Wheatfield with his wife and daughter.

Cathy Rojek
Human Resources Manager, Greatbatch, Inc.

Cathy Rojek was born in Buffalo, New York. She attended Buffalo State College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Her early career goal was to pursue a job in law enforcement, and started working in Loss Prevention at Tops Markets. After 3 years in that position, Cathy saw an opportunity in the Human Resources Department, and decided to try a change in direction of her career. That was in 1996, and she has stayed and progressed on her Human Resources career track since then.

Cathy started at Greatbatch in October 2005 as the Compensation Analyst. After six months with the company, she volunteered for a temporary assignment in Columbia, Maryland as the Plant Human Resources Manager, where she assisted in transition of the business to Tijuana, Mexico. This experience allotted her the opportunity to get more involved in the manufacturing process and decision making that took place to help facilitate a successful plant shut down. She moved back to Buffalo at the completion of the assignment in early 2008 and immediately led the implementation of a new company-wide wellness program. Her most recent assignment is Corporate Human Resources Manager, acting in a global integration role. She has traveled to Greatbatch’s France and Switzerland locations frequently, beginning to learn about the business’s processes, policies, and the culture of the areas. Her initial project is to establish a common grade and job structure for these locations to enable an understanding of the relationships between comparable positions across the company. Cathy has also begun to study French to support this assignment.

Currently, Cathy is an active in her church and volunteering in various outreach programs. Her future goal is to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.

Fernando Garcia

Banking Center Manager, Bank of America

Fernando Garcia was born in Guadalajara Mexico, and is the youngest of eight children. In 1990 he migrated to Los Angeles, California where he spent most of his early 20’s and started his professional career. In 1999 while visiting friends in the Buffalo-Niagara region, he rapidly fell in love with the friendliness of its people and its beautiful surroundings. One year later he decided to move to Buffalo, New York seeking life and career growth opportunities. Likewise, fulfilling a dream of becoming a homeowner and since has immersed himself in the Buffalo community spirit, calling the area his hometown.

Early in his career Fernando started out as an Account Manager in a small company, and then moved onto retail management, receiving several recognitions for outstanding sales achievements. He worked in the retail industry most of his career and made a change in 2005 to the retail banking industry with Bank of America; as a Banking Center Manager. He has since been promoted and received nationwide recognition for his outstanding performance in the company.

Currently, Fernando is an active member of several community-based organizations; such as The Hispanic Alliance of WNY, Stonewall Democrats, Human Rights Campaign and is an officer of the Diversity Team for Bank of America. He has volunteered as a lead in the Taste of Buffalo, The Hispanic Grease Pole Festival, The Gay Pride and many other Bank of America sponsored programs and events. Fernando’s success is owed to his passion and drive to excel.

To nominate someone to be featured as a Spotlight Professional email 360info@thepartnership.org