Gary A. Olson
Daemen University President Gary A. Olson and members of the Board of Trustees and Community Advisory Board are among the most influential business leaders in Western New York, and have been named to Buffalo Business First’s 14th annual 2026 Power 250 list.
Olson and John Yurtchuk, chairman of Daemen’s Board of Trustees and Genesis Development, were again recognized in the top 100, ranking at #62 and #66, respectively. Scott Bieler, Board of Trustee member and President & CEO of West Herr Automotive Group was ranked in the top 10 at #6.
John Yurtchuk
Additional trustees, advisory board members, and alums were repeat honorees, including:
Current Trustees
- JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, #26
- Brian Higgins, President & CEO, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, #107
- Candace Johnson, President & CEO, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, #13
- Thomas Quatroche Jr., President & CEO, Erie County Medical Center, #31
Scott Bieler
Former Trustees
- Gary Bichler, CEO & President, RP Oak Hill Building Co., #154
- Peter Hunt, Chairman & CEO, Hunt Real Estate, #49
Current Advisory Board Members
- A.J. Baynes, President & CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce, #32
- Eric Reich, WNY Regional Economic Development Council, #54
- Rocco Termini, President, Signature Development, #244
Alums
- Trina Burruss, Leadership & Innovation ‘06, President & CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, #89
“To be in the company of this stellar group of successful leaders who continue to make a positive impact in the community is an honor,” said Olson. “I am proud to be affiliated with this impressive list of Daemen trustees, advisory board members, and alums who have made countless contributions toward the success of our institution, our graduates, and our region.”
Buffalo Business First reporters and editors nominate individuals for the list, with rankings based on extensive research and in-house discussions. Overall, the list is composed of local leaders from a range of organizations and industries the selection committee believes will make a difference in 2026.