Economic Development Department Staff

Michael A. Casale, Commissioner

Phone: (716) 278-8750
Email: [email protected]

Mike oversees the Empower Niagara, Business & Community Enhancement, and Business Growth & Retention, and Niagara County Economic Development Alliance programs. As Commissioner, he is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the Department.

Cathie L. Synor, Confidential Assistant to the
Commissioner of Economic Development

Phone: (716) 278-8750
Email: [email protected]

Cathie is responsible for coordinating the Niagara County Virtual Business Workshop Series, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, William G. Mayne Business & Community Enhancement Program and Agribusiness Outreach Forum. She also provides administrative support for the Niagara County Economic Development Committee, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Ad Hoc Committee, Empower Niagara and Niagara Falls International Airport Stakeholders Group.  In addition Cathie manages the Community Partnership Funding Program. 

Andrea L. Klyczek, Deputy Commissioner

Phone: (716) 278-8761
Email: [email protected]

Andrea is responsible for devising long term business attraction, site adaptation, and economic development strategies.

Amy E. SCHIFFERLI (Fisk), AICP, Brownfield Program Manager

Phone: (716) 278-8754
Email: [email protected]

Amy is responsible for managing Niagara County's Brownfield Program.  She is President of the Niagara County Brownfield Development Corporation, and administers and manages grant programs from EPA for brownfield assessments and cleanup.  In addition to grant and project management, she oversees solar development, with an emphasis on siting solar on brownfields, closed landfills and former industrial sites.  Amy also assists with site development and works with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County on agricultural issues.

NATHANIEL BONAFEDE, PlannER

Phone: (716) 278-8756
Email: nathaniel.bonafede@niagaracounty.com 

Nate is responsible for managing county and regional planning projects, providing technical assistance on land use and development regulations, assisting with the site selection process, managing grants, GIS mapping and data analysis. He also serves as staff to the Niagara County Planning Board.

MARGIT DENNING, ACCOUNT CLERICAL III

Phone: (716) 278-8753
Email: [email protected]

Margit is responsible for the Department’s finances including payroll, budget, grant reimbursement and Empower Niagara. She is also the Niagara County Planning Board Secretary and the Brownfields Program Treasurer.

 

JOSEPH MARRANCA, MARKETING SPECIALIST

Phone: (716) 278-8768
Email: [email protected]

Joseph is responsible for creating both digital and printed content related to efforts to attract and retain domestic and international businesses in Niagara County. Joseph is also responsible for marketing events, workshops, incentives, and programs provided through the Niagara County Center for Economic Development.

Frank Campbell, Sportfishing Program Coordinator

Phone: (716) 282-8992 x303
Email: [email protected]

Frank works out of Destination Niagara USA where he is responsible for Niagara County outdoor promotions including sportfishing promotion, conferences and tradeshows, hosting members of the outdoor media, and writing articles on outdoor recreation.