Welcome, New Board Members! 

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center announced the appointment of an outstanding group of new additions to our board! "We thank our board members for the time, support, and guidance that they each contribute towards fulfilling our mission," says acting director Scott Propeack.  "Their dedication to the work of Charles E. Burchfield and the art and artists of our region is inspiring and deeply appreciated. We welcome this new cohort of leaders who bring their diverse sets of skills and backgrounds to help shape the bright future of the organization."

Janet Wetter Chairwoman of the Board

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Janet Wetter as Chairwoman of the Board. Janet has served on the Board since 2018 and is a longtime supporter of the museum. She is an active docent and serves on several board committees. Janet has a background in interior design and spent a decade working at Western New York Heritage Magazine.

Stacy Lewis Beauford

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Stacy Lewis Beauford, Lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Division of the Buffalo Police Department. A 25-year veteran of the BPD, Stacy investigates internal and citizen complaints and is dedicated to fostering improved police/community relations. She holds an MBA from Canisius College, is on the steering committee for the UB Community Health Equity Research Institute, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, Junior League of Buffalo and the President of the Buffalo State College Alumni Association. Stacy served on the Burchfield Penney’s Gala Committee before joining the board.

Cynthia Ciminelli

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Cynthia Ciminelli, Public and Community Relations Manager at ARC Building Partners. Cynthia is experienced in fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and community outreach for political, nonprofit, and business organizations. She is actively involved in the community, notably with the Oishei Children’s Hospital Healing Arts Initiative. Cynthia is a longtime supporter of the Burchfield Penney and has served as both chair of the gala and a member of the gala committee. 

Bill Collins

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Bill Collins, Principal Attorney at Collin & Collins Attorneys LLC. Bill has been practicing law since 1982, representing people for serious personal injuries throughout the United States. He takes special interest in complex industrial and commercial negligence, including explosions, chemical exposure, construction mishaps and unsafe work practices.

Reena Dutta

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Reena Dutta, an attorney at Hodgson Russ LLP. Reena specializes in helping clients – in a variety of industries – comply with complicated legal regimes to avoid unwanted and unwarranted government scrutiny. She has a background in white collar criminal defense and has extensive experience representing clients in connection with civil and criminal government investigations and prosecutions.

Mary Jo Hunt

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Mary Jo Hunt, Executive Director and Secretary of the James H. Cummings Foundation. At the Foundation, Mary Jo oversees the distribution of funds for vulnerable youth; older adults and vulnerable adults; and medical research, science, and post-secondary education in Buffalo, Toronto, and Hendersonville, North Carolina. She also provides consulting and facilitation services to groups to advance their organizational development through improved leadership. Mary Jo has been a longtime community volunteer and supporter of the Burchfield Penney, Junior League of Buffalo, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, WNY Women's Foundation and is currently the President of the Board of Read to Succeed.

Francesco Lagutaine

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Francesco Lagutaine, Chief Marketing, Communications, and Digital Officer at M&T Bank. For over 20 years, Francesco has been working at the intersection of where brand, marketing, and customer experience meet. He is passionate about ensuring that clients get an extraordinary experience that lives up to brand expectations in a meaningful way. Francesco was born in Italy and has lived around the world, working for advertising agencies and financial services companies.

Odie Porter, MBA

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Odie Porter, President and Owner of Odie Porter Consulting (OPC). Odie is an executive with a 15-year demonstrated track record of success in start-up ventures, public benefit corporations, and turnaround business units. She is experienced in strategy development, fiscal management, building collaborative partnerships, working with boards of directors, and navigating tribal governmental/business environments. OPC provides premium business and financial management services to tribal governments and companies doing business in Indian Country.

Zachary Schneider 

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Zachary Schneider, founding partner and CEO at FIFTEEN. He has decades of professional experience in marketing and advertising and has devoted his life’s work to elevate his client’s brands. Zack returns to the board after serving as a trustee from 2015-2017.

Cynthia Baird Stark

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Cynthia Baird Stark. An educator and longtime supporter of the arts in Buffalo, Cynthia is a trustee of The Baird Foundation, Chair of the Art Committee at the Garret Club, and works part time with Nardin Academy’s Montessori Program. She has been involved with the Burchfield Penney for many years as a board member, Chair of the Education Committee, and volunteer. Cynthia returns to the board after a year off.

Patti Thomas

The Board of Trustees of the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State announce the appointment of Patti Thomas, Artist, business owner, and co-founder of The Thurman Thomas Family Foundation. As Chief Business Development Officer at 34 Group, she is responsible for utilizing her relationship-building skills on behalf of their family-owned construction company. Her career as an artist, known as The Ghost, is growing with past and current exhibits both locally and nationally. Patti continues to be a strong advocate for her community through her work with their family foundation. She served on the Burchfield Penney’s Gala Committee before joining the board and is on the Development Committee.