About Us

Eman Adris Wajed, meaning faith, the one who writes, the finder and perceiver of truth. He is a Daemen University senior studying for a Bachelor of Science in Business, Specializing in Marketing and Web Design. Eman is currently interning for IC Success at BNMC. He is a scholar-athlete who graduated from The Park School of Buffalo and received the John R. Oishei Scholarship. As a real estate licensee and a master barber, he wants to create an app that allows barbershops to find barbers to fill their booths and barbers to find those open booths. He can provide a new perspective to this field using the knowledge gained from his future in real estate. His plan is to change the world in various ways and show people how to think and not what to think. He adeptly learns every day with the idea that he can teach every day. 

Jean Carlos Rios is the Program Manager for IC Success at the BNMC. Jean graduated from Canisius College with a degree in Entrepreneurship and a minor in economics. Through relationship building and networking, he has managed to be a part of several great organizations like 43North, Mongoose Research, and Burner Fitness and developed skills as a Ux/Ui Designer. He was born and raised in La Isla de el Encanto, where family values were instilled from a young age and shaped his life. He lives an active lifestyle participating in several basketball leagues. With a passion for helping others, he looks to inspire and help people tap into their full potential.

Transportation Program Manager

Anthony joined the BNMC in December 2021 as the Transportation Program Manager responsible for managing parking at all BNMC parking ramps and lots. Prior to officially joining the BNMC team, Anthony lived in sunny San Diego California working at a transportation company as the Transportation Manager. Outside work he enjoys playing hockey, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and his pets.

Chief Executive Officer

Empowering ideas for significance

Matt is the President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., a pioneering organization that has become a powerful engine of revitalization in Buffalo. Matt is focused on the intersection of energy, entrepreneurship & technology, and how it will drive the new economy in Buffalo and beyond. Matt has led the non-profit organization since its formation in 2002 to address shared issues among Campus institutions. Today, Matt oversees a team focusing on diverse, interrelated initiatives designed to lift the entire community including those in transportation, access and safety; energy, entrepreneurship, health & active living, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and youth & education. Under Matt’s leadership, foundations, private enterprises, research labs, local community leaders, hospitals, and educational institutions are collaborating to create a model for re-energizing the city that has applications all over America. Prior to returning home to Buffalo, Matt worked in the entertainment industry in L.A. and New York, for Broadway Pictures and with Lorne Michaels at Saturday Night Live. He is currently active on the boards of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation. Matt also serves as a commission member on the U.S. Commission on Transportation Sector Efficiency, part of the Alliance to Save Energy; and on the Advisory Boards for Niagara University, Daemen College, and the School of Visual Arts Design for Social Innovation in New York City. Matt is married and lives in Buffalo with his family.

Facilities Site Manager

Harmony joined the BNMC team in October of 2020 as the Facilities Site Manager responsible for tenant operations and maintaining a safe and innovative working environment. Harmony takes great pride in working directly with tenants to help their business succeed and grow on campus. Prior to joining the BNMC, Harmony oversaw the research labs at 73 High Street, and was a Project Manager with Buffalo Biolabs. Harmony received his Bachelor’s degree from Fredonia State University and Project Management certification at the University of Buffalo. An active member of Buffalo’s thriving music scene, Harmony lives in the Parkside neighborhood with his wife, son, and rescue pooch.

Associate Director of Health and Well-Being

Building healthy environments for all

Marla Guarino is a Registered Dietitian devoted to promoting healthy living in communities through access to good, affordable food and active spaces to learn and play.  Food access and equity is the foundation of her career. She joined the BNMC in the Department of Health and Wellbeing in September of 2019 working to implement the grant-funded USDA Local Food Promotion Program: Farm to Hospital Initiative.  With a deep understanding of the food system, she works to enhance food chain transparency from farm to distributor to institution while increasing awareness and knowledge among consumers of local food procurement efforts and benefits. She has expanded her role at the BNMC to include Food As Medicine promotion and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being programs.  

Prior to the BNMC, Marla worked at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County first as a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator and then Community Coordinator for the New York State Department of Health grant, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, working on food access, worksite wellness, food standards, and Complete Streets implementation. Before her career in the non-profit world, she had a twenty-year career in the food and beverage industry and operated a popular Buffalo restaurant featuring local, sustainable foods.

Marla has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Allegheny College and a Bachelor of Science from the Dietitian Education Program at SUNY Buffalo State College. She graduated Leadership Buffalo Class of 2021 and is Dare To Lead Certified.  She happily lives in the city of Buffalo with her teenage daughter and enjoys reading, biking, and exploring.  

Director of Planning & Implementation

Creating a framework for success

Jamie assists BNMC with internal strategic planning efforts and oversees the planning and operations of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. This includes working with our team to establish goals, objectives, and programs that advance our mission; working with our partners on streetscape, infrastructure, and real estate projects; overseeing the BNMC Parking & Transportation program; and overseeing public space management initiatives focused on ensuring a clean, welcoming, attractive and accessible district. Jamie holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo, is a Board Member of the City of Buffalo Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board, and is the President of Shared Mobility, Inc., which works with communities throughout the country on the development of equitable shared mobility services.  Jamie is also a Member of the NFTA’s Citizens Advisory Committee and a Mentor for EforAll Buffalo. Additionally, Jamie has experience in community and corporate sustainability and in building entrepreneurial support ecosystems.  He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY.

Staff Accountant

Everyone counts!

Trent joined BNMC Inc. in June 2019 as a Staff Accountant, responsible for various accounting functions, including processing accounts payable invoices, entering journal entries, assisting in the monthly close process by completing reconciliations, and more. Prior to joining BNMC, Trent was a Staff Accountant at Mark I Adamchick, CPA & Associates, in Springville, NY where he gained experience in the field. He holds a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from Daemen College, where he also worked as an IT Helpdesk Trainer, responding to technological issues, and training new staff. In his spare time, Trent enjoys golfing and riding motorcycles. Trent resides in Lancaster with his wife Tiffany

Operations Manager

Keeping systems working smoothly

Patrick joined the BNMC in January 2020 as the Operations Manager responsible for managing day to day operations of BNMC’s parking and transportation system, GOBNMC programs, event management and BNMC groundskeeping. Prior to officially joining the BNMC team, Patrick worked at Allpro Parking as the Operations Manager for the BNMC parking system, where he gained experience with the BNMC as well as grounds management and maintenance. Patrick is from Buffalo, NY and received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport. Outside work he does landscaping work and enjoys spending vacation time with his wife Kait.

Chief Financial Officer

Creating insight, strategy and solutions

Pat joined the BNMC team as the Chief Financial Officer in January 2013, bringing his expertise in finance, human resources, information technology, operations, business development, and entrepreneurism to the BNMC’s operations. Pat offers strategic accounting analysis and management to the team as investment activity increases and the Medical Campus grows. Prior to joining the BNMC, he served as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, where he oversaw the implementation of a leading real estate software suite and managed financial and tax reporting for nearly 120 real estate investment entities. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the Albright Knox Art Gallery, overseeing accounting, finance, information technology, human resources, security and building operations. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for a privately held pharmaceutical company where he was responsible for structuring debt and equity financing, research and development and product license agreements, and negotiations for and the sale of company subsidiaries. Pat is currently a member of the Board of NAIOP Upstate New York, the Martin House Finance Committee, and is a past Trustee and Board President for the Newfane Central School District, Board member of Lockport Ice and Sports Complex, Inc., and member of the Niagara University Accounting Advisory Board. He resides in Newfane, NY with his wife.

Controller

Linda joined the BNMC in August of 2021 to serve as Controller. She has worked in the finance sector for more than 30 years in a variety of industries including banking, manufacturing, nonprofit, and education holding several positions with Chase Manhattan Bank, Johnson and Johnson, Sacred Heart Academy, and Sigma International, a small infusion pump company. Linda has volunteered in the dog therapy program at Roswell Park, and has also volunteered with the national pet therapy organization Pet Partners. She is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University. In her spare time, Linda enjoys golfing, biking, and taking walks with her dogs.

Director of Community Well-Being

Community collaboration cultivates health

Beth Machnica, Director of Health and Well-Being at BNMC, leads the development and growth of various healthy eating, active living, and well-being initiatives on the Medical Campus and surrounding community. Beth develops strategies and programs to create and transform workplaces, community settings, and institutions into places of well-being. She has broad experience working in corporate wellness, community food access, public health research, social design, and food systems. Beth is committed to serving the community to advance policies, environments, and cultures that favorably shift human health outcomes and equity. Beth is a Registered Dietitian with Masters’ degrees in Public Health and Clinical Nutrition from the University at Buffalo.

Chief Innovation Officer

Digital Artisan

As Chief Innovation Officer of the BNMC, Sam Marrazzo is looking to the future. With a focus on driving economic opportunity to position local companies for future growth and attract young people to the area, Sam leads BNMC’s efforts to develop an innovative, reliable and secure information technology environment at BNMC and throughout the community. Sam develops innovation strategy and fosters collaboration with industry, education and start-ups to help local organizations prepare for, and capitalize on, current and future technologies. Sam is helping local companies re-think their business practices and cultures in order to optimize their positions in a fast changing world Sam has broad experience working in accounting and supply chain systems, logistics, sales, transportation and information technology and has worked at Fortune 200 companies including Praxair, Avnet, and McGraw Hill. His roles have included IT Management and Strategy, project management, architecture consulting and development practices. He has lectured on technology for UB and has been instrumental in attracting and organizing technology-focused events to the area including the 2017 TopCoder Open. He has a BA degree in Business Systems from Daemen College and an MBA from SUNY Buffalo School of Management and served in the United States Navy.

Director of Construction & Infrastructure

Coordination, Consultation, Construction

Mark is responsible for project management and contractor oversight on BNMC-owned projects including the renovation of 73 High Street and 640 Ellicott Street, the construction of the Michigan Goodrich parking garage, and the Ellicott Streetscape Project. Mark joined BNMC, Inc. in 2006 as the 5th staff person and has witnessed the growth and development of the Medical Campus first hand. He leads projects to advance the Medical Campus’ Green Initiative, such as the installation of a 141 panel solar array at the Innovation Center and deployment of 21 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations campus-wide. Mark is a resident of the City of Buffalo and is overjoyed to be playing a small role in the revitalization and renaissance taking place in the City of Buffalo. Mark serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Avenue Project and is the current Board President of the Big Easy in Buffalo. In his off-time Mark enjoys gardening, golf and spending time with his family. Mark previously worked for L.C. Whitford Co. Inc. as a Landscape Superintendent, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of commercial landscape projects. Mark has an A.A.S in Landscape Development from Alfred State College and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Alfred University. He also has a Master’s of Urban Planning degree from the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. Mark lives in the City of Buffalo with his wife and two daughters.

Director of Strategic Communications

Maria joined the BNMC in November of 2020. A graduate of the Marketing Institute of Ireland, she has been in the marketing and communications field for more than twenty five years and has held positions in a range of industries. Most recently, she was director of Communications at Buffalo’s Albright-Knox Art Gallery, a position she held for fifteen years, leading the museum through a number of branding and strategic communications initiatives. Since joining the BNMC, Maria has been leading a branding and redesign project that will prepare the organization for its next phase of development supporting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators that will spearhead the next wave of economic growth and development in Buffalo. Maria has served on several boards and committees, including the Marketing Committee for Visit Buffalo Niagara. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks with her family and their dog, Maisie.

Director of Inclusion & Community Initiatives

Healthy Communities Make Healthy Cities

Kyria is the Director of Inclusion and Community Initiatives at the BNMC and through his role he helps foster a collaborative and inclusive organization. His goal is to allow the BNMC to become an example for diversity and inclusion for other businesses and organizations throughout Buffalo and across the country. Prior to working at the BNMC, Kyria was the district manager of Blue Wireless. Also while working, Kyria is a hard-working volunteer for many organizations and businesses and a youth advocate. Kyria is a Buffalo native, attending City Honors School then graduating from both ECC and Buffalo State College. He resides in Buffalo with his wife and three children.

Digital Communications Manager

Adriana A. Viverette the Digital Communications Manager in the BNMC’s Marketing & Communications Department. She develops and implements the digital strategies that support the mission and vision of the BNMC, amplifying our work in Buffalo and beyond. Adriana’s digital communications career began with her tenure at the Community Action Organization of Western New York where she served as the social media coordinator. She later advanced her career in digital communications and marketing working with clients like New Era Cap Company, Say Yes of Buffalo, Sirius XM, and several small businesses, charter schools, and higher education institutions where she also served as an adjunct professor teaching Digital Communications and Marketing. In addition to her career in digital communications and marketing, Adriana is a seasoned Journalist and Radio Broadcaster for local and national media outlets. Adriana is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Leadership Buffalo Chair, Buffalo Association of Black Journalists. She is also a board member at PeacePrints of WNY and the Medaille College Alumni Board. Adriana holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Buffalo and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Medaille College.

Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Juweria Dahir is a dynamic leader in the world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance. She serves as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where she oversees IC Success, and continues to drive economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship. She supports entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey to launch, build and grow. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor of Business and Entrepreneurship at Daemen University, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of leaders.

With a background in business development, fundraising, and executive leadership, Juweria is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience. She has successfully led many companies in her portfolio and has a proven track record of managing large teams effectively. Additionally, her passion for community engagement and connecting donors with mission-driven impact sets her apart, as she works tirelessly to foster a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Prior to joining the business sector, Juweria spent 6 years in government, where she put her skills and expertise to work for the benefit of the community. As a City Planner and External Affairs Manager for the City of Buffalo, she served as a key advocate for policies that would help cities, neighborhoods, and businesses thrive. Juweria leveraged her background to work towards scaling government solutions, growing the workforce through economic development initiatives, and implementing neighborhood beautification and restoration projects.

Juweria holds a Masters from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the Buffalo Niagara community. She is the recipient of several awards, including the 2022 Buffalo Business First IDEA Awards, the 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, the 2021 LISC Community Builder Award, the 2019 Business First “30 Under 30” Award, and the 2015 Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals Community Engagement Award.

In her free time, Juweria leads H.E.A.L. International, a non-profit organization focused on women empowerment, economic development, and youth enrichment programs, where she works with disadvantaged communities to promote self-sufficiency. Juweria brings a unique blend of strategy, creativity, and is a skilled public speaker, community builder, and is fluent in four languages. With her passion for helping others, Juweria is dedicated to making Buffalo a better place for all residents.

Aaliyah Mya is a serial Entrepreneur in Buffalo, NY. She is currently the Program Coordinator for the Innovation Community Success (IC Success) program at BNMC. She is passionate about helping underserved communities. She was a Buffalo transplant at a young age; her family, originally from The Bronx, has been in Buffalo most of her life. AAliyah also enjoys volunteering at non-profit organizations such as Roswell, Little Angels Animal Sanctuary, and F Cancer. She hopes to continue on the path to community development and entrepreneurship. She lives in Buffalo with her mom, kid brother, and puppy Rhodes.