(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – Oct. 17, 2024 – ASPA Buffalo Niagara Chapter – the local chapter for the American Society for Public Administration – recently announced recipients of its 5th Annual Awards and elected new officers and board members for the 2024-2025 year.
ASPA Buffalo Niagara Chapter proudly recognizes the following individuals in 2024 for their outstanding contributions to the field of public administration (listed in order below and pictured left-to-right in photo next to Ryan Gadzo, MPA, 2023-2024 President of ASPA Buffalo Niagara Chapter):
The event, held in May at Wurlitzer Events during Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the achievements of:
- Melissa McMahon, MPA, Director of Certification, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, honored for Excellence in Government Administration.
- Lisa Parshall, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, Daemen University, recognized for Excellence in Public Administration Education.
- Cheryl Buttino, Director of Senior Services, Schiller Park Senior Center, awarded for Excellence in Non-Profit Administration.
ASPA Buffalo Niagara Chapter recognized the award recipients during a first-ever Awards Dinner event at the Tower Room in Wurlitzer Events, held during Public Service Recognition Week in early May.
The Chapter separately held elections earlier this summer for a slate of officers and board members. Taking the helm as president for the 2024-2025 year is Michael Hughes, MPA (pictured), management and program analyst with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. He lives in Amherst with his wife, son and two daughters.
ASPA Buffalo Niagara 2024-2025 Officers:
- President-Elect: Laurie Buonanno, Ph.D., SUNY Buffalo State University
- Secretary: Patricia Patton, MPA, New York State Department of Health
- Treasurer: Kenneth Stone, MPA, SUNY Buffalo State University
- Communications Officer: Tony Astran, MPA, APR, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Board Members Include:
- Brian Bray, MPA, Erie County Department of Personnel
- Makenzie Docteur, MPA, M&T Bank
- Christopher Kuwik, Erie County Clerk’s Office
- Marisa Maloni, MPA, New York State Unified Court System
- Suparna Soni, MPA, MSW, Ph.D., SUNY Buffalo State University
- Julia Witherell, MPA, Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services
The ASPA Buffalo Niagara Chapter continues to grow since its revival in 2018, now with nearly 30 members. The organization works to promote excellence in public service and administration through events like the annual Public Service Recognition Week conference held each April at SUNY Buffalo State.
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