NU's Michael Freedman named 'Spotlight Professional' by Buffalo Niagara 360

Michael Freedman, Niagara University's associate director of public relations and manager of online content, has been chosen as a "Spotlight Professional" by Buffalo Niagara 360, a program for young professionals that's coordinated by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

Freedman was recognized during the Buffalo Niagara 360 Kickoff Celebration, which was held Thursday at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

"This is a well-deserved honor for Mike and his family," said Tom Burns, Niagara's associate vice president for PR, communications and marketing. "As a public relations professional, Mike is usually the person responsible for promoting the many great successes of others at NU. He has been an incredible asset to the university, and he has earned his place in the spotlight."

Individuals selected for the award must be engaged in the community (with impact/results), demonstrate leadership skills, and their work must be aligned with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's pro-Buffalo/Niagara mission of furthering regional development and growth.

A Town of Niagara resident, Freedman has worked at Niagara University since August 2010, acting as the university's liaison for print and broadcast media, coordinating internal communication initiatives, and establishing and implementing plans for all online content, including the university website and social media sites operated by the university.

Freedman serves on the boards of the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara. He is a member of the marketing committees for the Taste of Buffalo and the Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

The SUNY Geneseo and Lewiston-Porter High School graduate previously served as the director of communications at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo. From 2004-09, he held the same position at Artpark in Lewiston. He is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in strategic marketing at Niagara.

Since 2008, Buffalo Niagara 360 has served as the region's premier young professionals program. Its mission is centered in the tenets of leadership development, business networking and community engagement. Together with its sponsors and vast network of strategic partners, the organization represents thousands of the region's best and brightest young professionals. BN 360 works to provide employers with opportunities designed to attract and retain highly skilled talent, while identifying and grooming the next generation of top executives.