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Leadership

Oct 22
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Deanna Brennen

Niagara SBDC Advisor Deanna Brennan Earns Advanced Business Advisor Certification

By News Archive

October 22, 2021

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jun 21
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Jason Cafarella

Cafarella elected as Chairperson of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees

By News Archive

June 21, 2021

Newly elected SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Chairperson Jason Cafarella

Newly elected SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Chairperson Jason Cafarella

SANBORN, N.Y. – At the board meeting on June 15th, Jason Cafarella was elected as the chairperson of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees, with Gina Virtuoso being elected as vice chairperson, Kevin Clark being elected as financial secretary and Bonnie Sloma retaining her position as secretary for another term.

Chairperson Cafarella will be replacing outgoing chairperson, Gina Virtuoso who was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2009 by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.  Virtuoso served as chairperson for one term, and received statewide recognition in 2019 for receiving the Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service given by the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT).   Cafarella will assume leadership of the board as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more in-person classes and activities resume on campus.  The board will continue to make recruitment initiatives a priority and focus on several capital improvements on campus, including the renovation of a cafeteria, upgrades to athletic facilities and the creation of new welding facilities and an E-gaming center on campus.

Chairperson Cafarella previously served as financial secretary, and was appointed to the board in 2015 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.  A lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, Cafarella is an alumnus of SUNY Niagara, graduating in 1998.  He went on to complete his education at SUNY at Buffalo Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2005.  Cafarella currently specializes in family and real estate law, and serves as primary counsel for the Niagara Falls Housing Authority and as a prosecutor for the Town of Niagara.  In addition, he is a full-time Fire Captain and has been employed by the Niagara Falls Fire Department since 2004.

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jun 17
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Robert Garris - Liberty

Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Hosts Free Virtual Summer Camps for Middle and High School Students

By News Archive

June 17, 2021

Robert Garris shows collection of “kindness stones” created for the SUNY Niagara Liberty Kindness Rock Garden.

Robert Garris shows collection of “kindness stones” created for the SUNY Niagara Liberty Kindness Rock Garden.

Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara is home to one of forty-seven highly successful Liberty Partnerships Programs throughout New York State. Sponsored by a Department of Education Grant, this program currently serves over 280 students in Niagara County. The Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Niagara provides year-round college and career planning, mentoring, leadership, service learning, community engagement, wellness, and social/emotional development to students.

During the month of May, students in the program worked on “kindness stones” with the goal of promoting random acts of kindness to recipients by painting and sharing inspirational rocks.  These painted rocks were decorated with inspirational messages, with some being added to the Liberty Kindness Rock Garden on campus at SUNY Niagara.  Liberty student Robert Garris was especially moved by the project, showing extra effort and dedication by making over 80 kindness stones.  “I think once I told him how much those rocks can change someone’s day around, especially when they are having a really bad day, he got more into it and understood the reason behind it,” said Robert’s mother Gina.

Community engagement is just one small part of how the Liberty Partnership Program enriches the lives of the youth participants.  The staff of the program helps to provide students and families a foundation for a successful and engaging school experience, through programs that assist them throughout middle and high school.  The ultimate goal is to transition participants into a successful college or career pathway.

This summer, Liberty Partnerships will be hosting free virtual summer camp, including a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) camp, and reading camps for grades 5-12, as well as a self-paced career exploration camp for high school students.  While the camps themselves are being offered virtually, each one will include a field trip for participants.

The Future Leaders Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Niagara is now enrolling new students in grades 6 through 8 who reside within partner school districts of Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Niagara Wheatfield. Please contact Program Director, Jamie Reid, via email at jreid@niagaracc.suny.edu or by phone at (716) 614-6891 to reserve a spot for your student. This program is free and the educational rewards are many.

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Nov 24
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Jesse Goldberg

Goldberg named Interim CIO at SUNY Niagara

By News Archive

November 24, 2020

SUNY Niagara has appointed Jesse Goldberg as Interim Chief Information Officer.  Goldberg assumed this post-effective Monday, November 9 in addition to his existing role as Director of Technical Services, which began in 2011.  His experience spans over twenty years in the field of information technology, having worked previously at the University at Buffalo and Kistler Instrument Corporation.  Goldberg is a graduate of SUNY at Buffalo with a degree in Cultural Anthropology.

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Sep 11
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Wayne Lynch

Wayne Lynch Named New Vice President at SUNY Niagara

By News Archive

September 11, 2020

SUNY Niagara has named Wayne Lynch as Interim Vice President of Administration effective September 1, 2020. Lynch has served as Interim Vice President of Operations at SUNY Niagara since November 2018.

In his new role, Lynch oversees the College’s Business Office and the Office of Information Technology. He will continue to manage operations of the College including Facilities, Maintenance, Grounds, Construction Planning and Design, Custodial Services, and Public Safety departments.

Lynch’s leadership shined at the SUNY Niagara campuses during the COVID-19 PAUSE in New York State. He accepted the role of Chair of the Re-Opening Committee and developed new cleaning and public health protocols at the Sanborn and Niagara Falls Culinary Institute locations. These measures include mandatory masks, smaller room capacities, individual health screenings for all who enter either location, scheduled room, constructing plexiglass barriers, and staggering the return of employees and students.

Lynch, a resident of Lewiston, is a graduate of SUNY Niagara with degrees in Mathematics and Science, as well as Mechanical Process Piping and Industrial Design. Following his studies at SUNY Niagara, Lynch went on to receive a BS in Business Administration from Buffalo State College and an MBA from the University at Buffalo.

Lynch states, “As the Institution continues to mitigate the impact of declining volume and revenues, every position will be analyzed. My new role is evidence of this forward-thinking action, combining the VP of Operations role with the VP of Finance and OIT. These types of actions will be critical to the long-term financial stability of our organization. They will allow us to provide high-quality education to the greater community at large.”

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Feb 26
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

SUNY Niagara welcomes community leaders to annual event

By News Archive

February 26, 2020

SUNY Niagara will welcome community representatives from business, education, religious groups, non-profit organizations, and legislative leaders to a luncheon at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) on Thursday, March 12th. This event will feature presentations from various areas of the college, highlighting SUNY and college advocacy initiatives, as well as developments at SUNY Niagara. Updates from Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, Grants, and a Strategic Plan overview will be presented by faculty and staff of SUNY Niagara.

In addition to college representatives, attendees will hear from Katie and Nick Graves of Craft Coffee House in Pendleton. The couple, both SUNY Niagara graduates, will share their experience as former students and now community partners. The Leadership Luncheon is the third annual event of this nature, an initiative that started under President William J. Murabito, Ph.D.

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu