Buffalo Prep Announces New Board President and Welcomes New Board Members
Buffalo, NY – July 17, 2024 – Buffalo Prep is proud to announce Jodyann Galvin as the new President of the Board of Directors, alongside welcoming several new board members. These individuals were selected for their commitment to racial and educational equity and support of Buffalo Prep’s mission.
New Board President: Jodyann Galvin, Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP
Jodyann Galvin has been a dedicated member of the Buffalo Prep board since 2016, most recently serving as Governance Chair. With over 25 years of experience as a business litigation partner at Hodgson Russ, Jodyann advises businesses on disputes and risk management, conducts internal investigations, and handles sensitive personnel and financial matters. In addition to her legal work, Jodyann passionately advocates for educational access and equity through her volunteer efforts with Buffalo Prep and UB’s Discover Law program. She is an active mentor, assisting with non-profit governance and administration, and also serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, volunteers for 43North, and advises start-ups on risk mitigation and management.
“Assuming the role of Board President at Buffalo Prep is a tremendous honor,” said Jodyann Galvin. “I look forward to collaborating with our board and staff to further our mission of empowering students through education and making a lasting impact on our community.”
New Board Members:
Tricia Barrett: CEO, Crowley Webb and President, Praxis Communications
Tricia Barrett is the CEO of Crowley Webb and Associates, Inc., and President of Praxis Communications, LLC. Since joining Crowley Webb in 2003, she has overseen client relations, financial management, and compliance, driving the agency’s growth. Both Tricia and Crowley Webb have been long-time supporters of Buffalo Prep. Tricia is actively involved in her community, serving as vice chair of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and participating on numerous boards, including the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and Buffalo Niagara Partnership. Her achievements include Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40, Women of Influence, and Power 250.
Ryan Gilbert: Assurance Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ryan Gilbert has 15 years of public accounting experience serving large multi-national clients. Since 2015, he has been part of the Banking and Capital Markets practice, serving public and private banking, investment advisors, broker/dealers, and fintech clients. Ryan is a current board member of First Tee of WNY and previous board member of Journey’s End Refugee Services and served on the Buffalo Prep Business Council and Canisius University Alumni Board of Directors.
Courtney Hunter: Director of Client Services and Operations Manager, Miller Gesko Wealth Management
Courtney Hunter is the Managing Director of Client Services and Operations Manager at Miller Gesko Wealth Management. She supervises client service managers, reviews client portfolios, ensures client satisfaction, and manages financial forecasting. Courtney is actively involved in the community, currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Gateway Longview Foundation. She has been involved with Buffalo Prep since 2009, including her role as Co-chair of the Prep Collective.
Lauren Lewis: Partner, StaffBuffalo and HRBuffalo
Lauren Lewis is the Partner and Founder of StaffBuffalo LLC, a women-owned recruiting and human resources consulting organization. In her role, Lauren develops close relationships with businesses and job seekers, bringing enthusiasm and positivity to her work every day. Lauren has volunteered with Buffalo Prep since 2016 and is highly engaged in community service, serving on the board of directors at Graycliff and in various volunteer roles at the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association, Child & Family Services, and Nardin Academy. Her contributions have been recognized with awards including Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40, WGRZ’s City Shaper, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Nardin Academy.
Kyria Stevens: Chief Network Officer, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Kyria Stevens is the Chief Network Officer at Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC), where he cultivates strategic relationships, develops networking strategies, drives innovation, and oversees grant funding and sponsorships. Previously, he served as the Director of Inclusion and Community Initiatives at BNMC. His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including Buffalo Business First’s Diversity and Inclusion Spotlight, Buff City Award for Excellence in Community Engagement and Entrepreneurship, and a Black Achievers Awardee. Kyria also serves on the board of the African American Cultural Center and is actively involved in several professional organizations.
“I am excited to welcome Jodyann Galvin as our new Board President,” said Patti Stephen, president of Buffalo Prep. “Her leadership and steadfast commitment to educational and racial equity will be pivotal as we strive to empower more students. Alongside her, our new board members bring a wealth of expertise and passion that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of Buffalo Prep.”
These individuals join a passionate Board of Directors committed to fostering educational equity and excellence. With Jodyann Galvin’s leadership and the dedicated new members, Buffalo Prep is excited to work together to continue making a positive impact on its students and community.
About Buffalo Prep:
Founded in 1989, Buffalo Prep advocates for educational access and equity and provides programming to academically ambitious scholars of color. Buffalo Prep has grown exponentially since inception and now serves over 750 students and alumni annually. Through its unique pipeline of enrichment programming, Buffalo Prep empowers its scholars as they strive toward their most vivid potential and become shining examples of what a powerful, more inclusive, and more equitable community should look like.
For more information about Buffalo Prep, visit buffaloprep.com or facebook.com/buffaloprep.
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