MEMBERS

   


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Robert J. Kresse, Chairman 
Mr. Kresse resides in Buffalo and is an attorney with Hiscock & Barclay, LLP of Buffalo. Mr. Kresse serves on a number of boards and community organizations including the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, King Urban Life Center, Martin House Restoration Corporation, Green Downtown Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Erie County Medical Center Lifeline Foundation, New York State Preservation League, and the Buffalo Green Fund. Mr. Kresse is a graduate of Canisius College and Georgetown University Law Center. “Bob Kresse’s enthusiasm and longstanding dedication has been instrumental in helping to protect cultural landmarks, support innovative programs and foster successful public-private partnerships that have helped improve the quality of life for Western New Yorkers,” stated former Governor Pataki. “I’m confident his energy and commitment as Chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission at this critical and exciting time will help provide a strong foundation as it works to create opportunities among the scenic parklands and beautiful waterfronts that are hallmarks of the Buffalo-Niagara region.”

Richard M. Soluri, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Soluri, a former executive in the insurance industry, has served as Mayor of the Village of Lewiston since 1994. As Mayor and a lifelong resident of Niagara County, as well as through his extensive involvement in numerous community organizations, Mr. Soluri has played a leadership role in expanding tourism opportunities and economic development in the Village and along Lewiston's waterfront. He is a past Vice Chairman of the United Way of Niagara, a member of the Niagara County Chamber Commission, a member of the ArtPark & Co. Advisory Board, a founder of Service Organizations of Lewiston (S.O.L.E.) and director of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp.

John Giardino, Treasurer   
Mr. Giardino resides in Buffalo and is the Chairman of the Buffalo Niagara Jobs Initiative and serves as a Board member of the Buffalo Urban League, Buffalo Zoo, National Conference for Community and Justice, Olmstead Conservancy, and a number of other community organizations. Mr. Giardino acted as lead negotiator in the innovative Olmstead parks merger and management plan and is Chief Executive Officer of Centerstone Development. Mr. Giardino is also a partner in the Buffalo law firm of Lippers, Mathias, Wexler and Friedman LLP.

Paul G. Leuchner, Secretary
Mr. Leuchner is a resident of Grand Island.  Prior to joining the US Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Office in 1973 he worked as a research assistant spending considerable time in the North Atlantic Ocean on oceanographic vessels operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.   During his career with the Corps of Engineers that spanned more than 30 years he worked as a wetlands biologist, water resources planner and project manager.  The last half of his career was spent managing the Department of the Army water resources regulatory permit program that covered three states.  While employed by the United States Government Mr. Leuchner served as an environmental advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works in Washington.  He also spent time at the Office of the Chief of Engineers where he assisted with the drafting of the national environmental compliance plan for Corps of Engineers operational facilities.  Mr. Leuchner is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary spending considerable time on the waters of the Niagara River.  He is the Chairman of the annual Paddles Up Niagara event sponsored by the Niagara River Greenway Commission. 

Ronald J. Pilozzi, Chairman, Local Government Advisory Committee
Mr. Pilozzi currently serves as the Mayor of the City of Tonawanda. He previously served as Councilman for eight years from 1994-2001 and was a member of the Management Team at General Motors Powertrain, Tonawanda Engine for over 30 years and retired from GM in 2002. Mr. Pilozzi is a past President of the Town of Tonawanda Development Corporation, a member of the Tonawanda Empire Zone Administration Board, a former loaned Executive to the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and served on the Board of Directors and Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 77.  

Paul A. Dyster, Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee
Mr. Dyster resides in Niagara Falls and has extensive community and government experience. He served as a city councilman in Niagara Falls from 2000-2003, is a current member of the Executive Board of the Friends of the Buffalo Niagara Rivers (Buffalo, NY), a member of the Niagara River Environmental Coalition, a founding member of the Niagara Waterfront Revitalization Task Force (Niagara Falls, NY), a member of the Board of Directors of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Inc. and member of the Board of Directors of the Niagara Experience Center, Inc. Previously, Mr. Dyster was Director of the Graduate Program in International Affairs and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He is also the owner of Niagara Tradition, a local business specializing in retail and wholesale supply and manufacturing of ingredients and equipment for brewing and winemaking.

Louis P. Ciminelli, Commissioner
Mr. Ciminelli resides in Buffalo where he is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LPCiminelli Inc., Mr. Ciminelli oversees the vision and overall direction of all corporate entities. Mr. Ciminelli is a passionate advocate of free enterprise, participating in several local and statewide business organizations. His notable contributions to the local and regional economy include his prior appointments with the New York State Power Authority, first as a trustee and then as the chair. Mr. Ciminelli currently chairs the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and is chairman emeritus of 43 X 79. Mr. Ciminelli lends his unwavering support to numerous nonprofits, including cultural groups, schools, and other community organizations. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Ciminelli is a member of the Canisius College Board of Regents. He has previously served on the Buffalo State College Council, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, and the Regional Advisory Board for Empire State Development.

Brett M. Sommer, Commissioner
Mr. Sommer currently serves as President of the North Tonawanda Common Council and teaches government at North Tonawanda High School. He has served as a member of the Common Council since 2001. He also is a past member of the North Tonawanda Waterfront Commission.