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This year, we have seven members joining the HOME Board of Directors. Each
new member brings a unique range of skills and abilities that will help
further the mission of HOME.
Catherine M. Braniecki works at KeyBank as the Community
Development Manager. A member of the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership
and the Leadership Buffalo's Class of 2001, Braniecki said, "I have worked
in housing and community development for over 25 years and it has always
amazed me how people make judgement calls based on the color of your face.
I want to be able to help dispel those myths that because you are an
African American or live in the East Side you are not equal to everyone
else. I am looking to work with HOME to help dispel those myths."
Jean Doerr, Esq. is an
Administrative Law Judge to the Public Employment Relations Board and a
member of the Women's Bar Association of Western New York, the New York
State Bar Association and the Industrial Research Association for Western
New York. Ms. Doerr felt her experience as an attorney would be an asset
to HOME. She explained, "I have limited but nonetheless substantive
litigation experience under the Fair Housing Act." She added, "I would
like to see people hear the name HOME and know instantly what it is the
organization does. It is consistent with my entire point of view and
ethos."
Reverend Theodore Hamilton
is the pastor of the Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness and Evangelist for
the Northeastern District of the National Convention of the Churches of
God Holiness. Rev. Hamilton said, "I am a minister first and foremost. I
became a board member because I wanted to learn more about Buffalo,
housing, and how the government operates. I know that there are members in
my parish that need help, but I would like to help anyone in the city find
housing that needs it."
Gilbert R. Hernandez is
a New York State Labor Service Representative. He also is the treasurer
and a vestry member of St. Paul's Cathedral. Mr. Hernandez expressed his
feelings about joining the board saying, "I am interested in making
whatever contribution I can. I am looking to learn about the organization
and the work it is doing, and how I can apply my skills."
Rosemarie A. McKenna
spent her early childhood on Walden Avenue and grew up in the University
District. She possesses a plethora of skills that make her a
jack-of-all-trades. Educated at the University at Buffalo, she earned a
B.S. in Accounting & Finance and an M.S. in Social Work. She is currently
the E xecutive Director of the Mayor's Advocacy Office for Persons with
Disabilities and works as support staff to the Advisory Committee for
Persons with Disabilities. McKenna is also a member of the Multiple
Sclerosis Chapter Services Committee, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
and a former board member of the Gloria Parks Community Center. Ms.
McKenna said, "One of the things that I am very well equipped to handle is
disability discrimination, because I deal with it every day. I also have
insight into city government and I think I also bring my expertise as a
social worker to HOME."
Leah R. Mervine is the
Resource Development Coordinator at the AIDS Community Services of WNY,
Inc, Ms. Mervine is also a member of the Association of Fundraising
Professionals, Buffalo Events Network and the Temple Shaazrey Zedek.
According to Mervine, "The mission of HOME falls directly in line with my
personal values and mission." She feels she can bring to the board an
awareness of discrimination related to disease, an awareness of
development and her own personal brand of enthusiasm.
Arthur L. Taggart is the
CEO and President of Taggart Enterprises. He is a former New York State
Police Officer who earned his BA in Business Administration from the
University at Buffalo. Mr. Taggart is a member of the International
Association of the Chiefs of Police and the Founder & Parliamentarian for
the local chapter of the Buffalo/Niagara Frontier National Organization of
Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He is also a board member of the
Niagara Council of Alcohol & Substance Abuse, and an active member of the
Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness. Mr. Taggart said, "I am interested in
learning all I can and giving something back to the community." |
