Wolfgang honored for community service

Jerald I. Wolfgang of Lewiston was among several recognized for their community service contributions at the National Federation for Just Communities Community Leaders Awards Luncheon, held Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Buffalo Convention Center.

Wolfgang, who is active in the Niagara Falls community, was honored for his decades-long legacy of community leadership and giving to others.

As executive director of the Western New York Regional Education Center for Economic Development, he has worked since 1983 to provide funding and opportunities for training unemployed and/or dislocated workers. Wolfgang also serves as vice president of Liaison Service LTD, a woman-owned consulting service, where he has worked as an advocate of those in need. He also has been a teacher, a civil servant, and a behind the scenes voice in state politics. In all areas, he has seized every opportunity to help others and has dedicated himself personally and professionally to helping others.

Wolfgang is former president of Temple Beth Israel and co-chair of its 300 Club and Reverse Draw annual Dinner. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, having served as club president and chair of many committees, and is on the board of both the Mount St. Mary's Hospital Foundation and the Niagara County Community College Foundation.

He also has given thousands of hours of volunteer and leadership time in support of the United Way. Wolfgang serves on the boards of the United Way of Niagara and of New York state. He is past general campaign chair, where he led a diverse team of volunteers, and a key volunteer on the campaign cabinet serving as a division chair and a group chair.

The event was chaired by Christopher T. Greene, Esq., who serves as chair of The NFJC of WNY Inc. and also of Damon Morey LLP, Attorneys at Law. Luncheon co-chairs were Gretchen R. Geitter, vice president of community relations for the Buffalo Bills, and Glenn S. Jackson, administrative vice president, retail banking, for M&T Bank. The event was co-sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and M&T Bank.