The United States Senate has confirmed the appointment of Daemen University Board of Trustees member Robert Gioia as a commissioner of the International Joint Commission (IJC).
Gioia was nominated by President Biden in February 2023 to serve on the IJC, which was established to prevent and resolve disputes over the U.S. and Canada’s shared waterways, including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
“It’s critical to have a New Yorker like Robert Gioia as one of the three U.S. IJC Commissioners because the IJC’s decisions impact New Yorkers every day from Buffalo to Rochester to the North Country. Gioia has dedicated his career to making Upstate New York a better place,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement following the confirmation. “I am so proud this Western NY native and Lake Erie homeowner will serve as a leader on the IJC and help protect our region’s beautiful waterways for decades to come. He will make a world of difference with his years of experience serving our community and I know he will bring dignity and excellence to his new role.”
Gioia has dedicated decades to improving the region and has led many important initiatives. He served as the president of The John R. Oishei Foundation, chair of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Great Lakes Health, chair of the board of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), and chairman of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. In addition to the Daemen board, he also serves as the chairman of the board of Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology.
“On behalf of the Daemen community, congratulations to Robert on his confirmation to the International Joint Commission,” said President Gary A. Olson. “For decades, he has played an integral role in making our region a better place to work and live. I have no doubt he will have the same success with the IJC.”
Gioia will serve as the commencement speaker at Daemen University’s graduate ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.