Colleen C. DiPirro

Colleen C. DiPirro began her illustrious career with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce 30 years ago as the single staff person after graduating from Alfred College. Under her leadership, the Chamber has seen an increase in membership from fewer than 200 businesses to over 2,500. Similarly, the annual budget has grown from $24,000 when she started to today’s high of nearly $2 million. The Chamber currently boasts eight full-time, professional staff and operates out of a suite of offices in Williamsville.

In tribute to her hard work, Ms. DiPirro has received recognition and numerous awards from several prestigious organizations as a leader in her community. She was the first president of the Western New York Chamber Alliance, she has been identified as one of the top 100 most influential people in Western New York by Business First, was the first woman honored as the Executive of the Year by the Buffalo Sales and Marketing Executives, and was named Daemon College’s Citizen of the Year. In addition, she received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Business and in 2009, was named the Buffalo Bills Citizen of the Year. As a steadfast, attentive and dedicated businesswoman, Ms. DiPirro was previously appointed to serve as a commissioner on the Peace Bridge Authority by the Governor and appointed to the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Further expressing her commitment to the community, Ms. DiPirro tirelessly extends her time and talents by serving on the board of directors of New York State Chamber of Commerce Executives, the advisory board for the Buffalo Bills Alumni, and on numerous not-for-profit and community boards of directors, including WNY Autism Foundation, Hospice Playhouse Project, Executive Women International, Buffalo Prep, Unyts and the Williamsville Sweet Home Junior Football Association. Additionally, Ms. DiPirro served as the first chairwoman of the University of Buffalo Leadership Development Program.

As a fitting acknowledgement of her hard work, Governor Cuomo appointed Ms. DiPirro to the Western New York Economic Development Regional Council that received a Best of Plan award and a $100-million allocation for the region. She currently serves as chair of the Council’s communications committee.