WNY Advisory Board

The WNY Regional NAF Advisory Board is a 501(c)(3) organization representing thirteen school districts in Western New York who are currently operating a NAF Academy program. A NAF Academy is a structured, high school educational program dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be college and career ready. NAF is a national non-profit whose mission is to assist school districts by providing the Academy model and ongoing support for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Western New York Regional NAF Advisory Board?

The WNY Regional NAF Advisory Board is a 501(c)(3) organization representing thirteen school districts in Western New York who are currently operating a NAF Academy program. A NAF Academy is a structured, high school educational program dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be college and career ready. NAF is a national non-profit whose mission is to assist school districts by providing the Academy model and ongoing support for success.

Why Was the Board Created?

The Board was created to:

  • Inform and educate the Western New York community regarding Academy programs and the benefits they provide to students’ education;
  • Act as a forum for business and education professionals to share ideas on education and student preparedness; and
  • Function as a non-profit capable of raising funds toward educational programs, scholarships, and other student-directed activities.

Who Are the Board Members?

The Board is comprised of the Academy Directors of each school district and WNY businesses, higher education, and community leaders. All of our volunteer members dedicate their time and expertise to helping improve educational opportunities for Academy students.

First Name Last Name School/Business Sub-Committee
* Christian Blum Bryant & Stratton College Programs
* Rick Campbell Hamburg CSD / Equitable Advisors Bylaws Committee
* Heather Hartmann Clarence CSD Finance Committee
* Kristin Klein Wheaton Hamburg CSD/Goldberg Segalla Co-Chair, Bylaws Committee
* Kristin Lawrence Hamburg AOF Co-Chair, Outreach/Marketing Committee
* Andrew Reading Dopkins & Company, LLP Treasurer
* Doug Thompson Wilson CSD/State Farm Insurance Outreach/Marketing Co-Chair
* JoAnn Allender Lewiston Porter CSD Secretary
Amanda Ornowski Lake Shore CSD Finance Committee
Danielle Arnone Lake Shore AOBF
Paul Bahr Bryant & Stratton College Internship Committee
Amy Boutet Grand Island AOF Outreach/Marketing Co-Chair
David Buckley Lake Shore CSD
Eileen Cartonia Depew UFSD Internship Committee
Kristen Casto OP AOF Finance Committee
Cheryl Chamberlain Grand Island AOF Outreach/Marketing Committee
Ann Marie Coric Maryvale UFSD
Scott Dixon Lancaster CSD
Danielle Dubois West Senenca CSD Outreach/Marketing Committee
Annette Follendorf North Tonawanda CSD Internship Committee
Stosh Kajfasz North Tonawanda CSD Internship Committee
Justin Kloss Clarence CSD/Kloss, Stengler & Gormly
Jim Pendolino Lancaster AOF Outreach/Marketing Committee
Rich Marasciulo Lancaster AOF Marketing Committee
Robert Merkle West Senenca CSD Outreach/Marketing Committee
Roscoe Naguit Lewiston Porter CSD/Niagara University Outreach/Marketing Co-Chair
Dr. Joseph O’Donnell OP AOF/Canisius College
Christina Palermo Wilson CSD Outreach/Marketing Committee
Fred Press NAF
Jeff Rabey Superintendent  Depew UFSD Outreach/Marketing Committee
Brandon Sears Maryvale UFSD
Phil Struebel Erie Community College
Fred Vosburgh Clarence CSD/JP Morgan Chase Internship Committee

 

*Indicates Exec. Committee

Who Benefits From the Board?

The Board represents over 1,300 high school students in Academy programs throughout Western New York. Through the efforts of the Board, students have access to networking events, business conferences, scholarships, and community outreach programs that lead to new educational opportunities, work-based learning experiences, and more.