Niagara Global Tourism Institute Advisory Board Announced
A 15-member advisory board formed to oversee a Niagara University-led initiative to transform the regional tourism industry was announced today.
The Niagara Global Tourism Institute Advisory Board will be co-chaired by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and Christopher Schoepflin, president and CEO of USA Niagara Development Corporation.
Its members include:
- Rev. James J Maher, C.M., President, Niagara University (co-chair)
- Christopher Schoepflin, President & CEO, USA Niagara Development Corporation (co- chair)
- Hon. Paul Dyster, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls
- Daniel Hamister, Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Hamister Group Inc.
- Barry Freilicher, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Delaware North Companies
- Christopher Glynn, President, Maid of the Mist Corporation
- Deanna Alterio Brennen, President and CEO, Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce
- Frank Strangio, Chairman, Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation; Chairman, Niagara Hotels Association
- Duncan Ross, President, Arrowhead Springs Winery
- Sam Ferraro, Executive Director, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency
- Mark Thomas, Western District Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- Dr. Bonnie Rose, Executive Vice President, Niagara University
- Dr. Tim Downs, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Niagara University
- Mary Borgognoni, Associate Vice President for Operations and Outreach, Niagara University
- Dr. Eddie Friel, OBE, Director, Niagara Global Tourism Institute (ex-officio)
“We are very pleased that an extremely talented and impactful cross-section of local leaders has volunteered to see this project through,” said Father Maher. “By bringing partners together from the sectors of government, business, education and tourism, we will collaboratively reestablish Niagara Falls as the bastion of hospitality and improve the quality of life for every citizen in this community.”
“It is both important and gratifying that the Niagara Global Tourism Institute is able to attract this very accomplished group of individuals to work on the startup and establishment of the Niagara Global Tourism Institute,” added Schoepflin. “We are especially grateful for the group’s collective willingness to serve the industry and community in this capacity.”