Uncrowned Community Builders

I was born in Buffalo, New York, the 11th child of Walter and Ruth's 14 children. I was educated at P.S. #15 and 37. I graduated from McKinley High School in 1974. after high school, I joined the Marine Corps and received my honorable discharge in 1977. then it was on to college under the G.I. Bill at Erie County Community College, City Campus. I worked in the Veterans Office, earning my A.A.S. Business Administration Degree in 1978.

After graduation I enrolled in the State University College at Buffalo's Business program. I continued to work in the Veterans Office while taking night classes. During my senior year I applied for and was selected to for an internship in the New York State Assembly. I earned my B.S. Business Degree in1980. I was hired at Niagara Mohawk in 1983 and held various union positions, having my longest tenure in the Underground Cable department, where I achieved the position of Crew Foreman.

Still thirsting for knowledge and challenge I applied for Canisius College's M.B.A. program. Upon my acceptance, I enrolled for nigh courses in 1997 and received my M.B.A. in 2002 from Canisius. Shortly after this I applied for and received a supervisory position at Niagara Mohawk, which is now known as Niagara Grid.~none~~In October 2004 I volunteered for a special assignment to work on the M-Work project in Syracuse, New York. In March of 2005 I accepted the position of Supervisor of Maintenance Inspections and Assessment. This department had never existed in Niagara Mohawk. It had to be developed from start to finish and this is where my career stands today.

My volunteer work includes ministering to the inmates at the Erie County Holding Center. I provide two services each Sunday. I am an associate Minister at Calvary Baptist Church and I'm active in a number of organizations including[semiColon] the Black Leadership Forum, the City of Buffalo Board of Ethics and the Buffalo Athletic Club. In 2005 I was honored to be selected and receive Buffalo's Outstanding Black Achievers Award in Industry. I'm married to Marcella and we have a lovely daughter, Morgan.~none