President Gary A. Olson, and Daemen University trustees and Community Advisory Board members have been named to Buffalo Business First’s 2025 Power 250 list, the 13th annual ranking of the most influential leaders in Buffalo and Western New York.
Olson was among the top 100, ranked at #67. Chairman of Daemen’s Board of Trustees, John Yurtchuk, Genesis Development & Construction, was ranked #54.
Gary A. Olson
Daemen alum, Trina Burruss, Leadership & Innovation ‘06, President & CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, was also included on the list.
Several Board of Trustee and Community Advisory Board members were named, including:
Current Trustees
- Scott Bieler, President & CEO, West Herr Automotive Group
- JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Brian Higgins, President & CEO, Shea’s Performing Arts Center
- Candace Johnson, President & CEO, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
John Yurtchuk
Former Trustees
- Gary Bichler, CEO & President, RP Oak Hill Building Co.
- Peter Hunt, Chairman & CEO, Hunt Real Estate
- Art Wingerter, President & CEO, Univera Healthcare
Current Advisory Board Members
- A.J. Baynes, President & CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce
- Thomas Quatroche Jr., President & CEO, Erie County Medical Center
- Eric Reich, WNY Regional Economic Development Council
- Rocco Termini, President, Signature Development
Former Advisory Board Member
- Howard Zemsky, Managing Partner, Larkin Development Group
“It’s an honor to be recognized with so many influential members of Daemen’s leadership, past and present” said Olson. “Their dedication and passion have contributed to Daemen’s ongoing distinction and I look forward to collaborating with them to continue to propel the institution forward.”
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 2025.