Leadership Niagara announces 'Leader of the Year'

Begins yearlong leadership development program

Leadership Niagara brought together 41 regional leaders today for its opening overnight retreat and to begin a 12-month leadership development program. The class is the organization's largest in its 31-year history. Class members are from Niagara, Buffalo and Canada.

Leadership Niagara marked the beginning of the new program year by announcing its honorees for the 2015 annual awards luncheon, to be held April 29 at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. The honorees reflect the organization's core values and mission to strengthen regional leadership.

Leader of the Year Award: Cathy Walker, president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corp.

Organization of the Year Award: Greater Lockport Development Corp.

Distinguished Alumnus Award: Harry Francois, New York Power Authority regional manager (2010 graduate)

Emerging Leader Award: Tom Lowe, ReNU Niagara director (2014 graduate)

"This year's honorees represent more than personal success and achievement," LN Executive Director Molly Anderson said. "Our honorees are leaders who demonstrate excellence and humility and make people and the environment around them better."

Leadership Niagara's annual awards luncheon will be co-chaired by 2000 graduates Marsha Koelmel and David Karwick. For more information on the event, contact Anderson at 716-949-3223.

Leadership Niagara is the longest-running community leadership development organization in New York. Since 1984, more than 1,400 participants have graduated from the program.

For more information, visit www.leadershipniagara.com.