Empower announces staff and leadership appointments

Empower, the not-for-profit organization formerly known as Niagara Cerebral Palsy, has announced several leadership appointments:

•Sherri Kaminski of Lockport was promoted to director of the Empower Children's Academy. Before this, she was educational services coordinator, since 1980.

•Karen Korn of North Tonawanda was promoted to Medicaid service coordination supervisor. She previously served as residential program coordinator, and she has been with Empower since 2008.

•Eric DesSoye of Amherst took on a new position as director of managed care readiness. He previously served as director of community housing since 1997.

•William Krayss of Newfane was promoted to director of community housing. His previous role was day habilitation and transportation coordinator. Krayss has been with the agency since 1999.

•Karen Smith of Niagara Falls was named manager of community health programs. Prior to this role, she acted as program director with the Health Association of Niagara County Inc.

•Elizabeth Cardamone of Lewiston joined Empower as director of communication and development. Previously, she worked in nonprofit management in both Philadelphia and Chicago.

With 300 employees and a $14 million budget, Empower is one of Western New York's 50 largest nonprofit organizations. The administrative offices, preschool, community clinic and service coordination program are located on Lockport Road in the Town of Niagara. The job training and day programs division is based in Niagara Falls, while residential facilities are located throughout Niagara County.

Licensed by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Education Department, Empower is an affiliate of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and is a member agency of the United Way of Greater Niagara.