Liz Benkovich
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.
Kristine Bieniek
Manager, Government Affairs & Workforce Development
Role: In my role at the BNP, I support government affairs initiatives and work to create talent pipelines for employers. In part, this process includes working with training and educational partners to develop programs that provide candidates with the skills and competencies to meet the employer's needs.
Michelle Braswell
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
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
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
Anita Genovese
Vice President & CFO
Role: As Vice President & CFO, I am responsible for managing the budget, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
Stephen Grimm
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
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
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
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
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.
Katie Meyer
Manager, Talent Programs
Role: As the project manager for Employ Talent, I coordinate the recruitment and skill building work done by our partner The Service Collaborative to directly channel prospects to BNP members in need of trained talent.
Seth Piccirillo
Director, Economic Development
Role: I help our members increase their competitiveness and ability to thrive in the local, national and international economy.
Laura Smith
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
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
Manager, Government Affairs & Economic Development
Role: I communicate with members about local, state, and federal legislation.
Stephanie Wehrlin
Assistant Event and Program Manager
Role: As the Assistant Event and Program Manager, I have a specific focus on our Young Professional division, BN360. I create an engaging platform for young professionals in the Buffalo Niagara region to connect, collaborate, learn, and be empowered.