Ambassadors

These highly-respected representatives from various community sectors will join us as we move forward in our mission to Create a Culture of Character in WNY.

These ambassadors will foster the growth and development of WNY’s character initiative by:

  • Striving to maintain and demonstrate a high standard of personal character excellence;
  • Striving to model ethical principles, thereby inspiring good character in others;
  • Becoming a visible and vocal advocate for the Character Council and WNY’s character initiative.

Elizabeth Bradley, Ed.D.

Elizabeth Maess Bradley was born, raised and attended college and university in Western New York. She and her husband Archie have been married for 41 years and are the proud parents of Bridgette and Daniel. They have four wonderful grandchildren.
Elizabeth Bradley, Ed.D. was the Assistant Superintendent…

Vincent J. Coppola, Ed.D.

Dr. Vincent J. Coppola, after serving seven years as the Executive Director of the Western New York Educational Service Council at the North Campus of the University at Buffalo, now serves the Council as a full-time Search Consultant.  The Western New York Educational Service Council has been…

Michael R. Cornell – Superintendent of Schools

Michael Cornell currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Hamburg Central School District, which educates nearly 3500 students each day in four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Mr. Cornell also serves as the President of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association and is the Co-Chair of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) Legislative Committee. He has also served two terms on the NYSCOSS House of Delegates.

David Esposito, Managing Partner, Harvest Time Partners, Inc.

David is a combat veteran, business executive, husband, father, and creator of character-building resources that help individuals, families, and businesses reach their full potential in an uncertain world. He launched his business career as a sales…

Andrew P. Fleming, Esq.

Andrew P. Fleming was admitted to practice in New York State in 1986. He is a graduate of SUNY at Buffalo Law School and a 1979 graduate of Pace University where he received his B.A. cum laude. Mr. Fleming served three years on active duty with the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer before attending law school…

Russ Gugino

Born and raised on Buffalo’s West Side as one of 4 children to Italian-American working class parents, Russ attended Buffalo Public Schools. After graduating from Riverside High School, Russ matriculated to SUNY Binghamton where he not only earned a B.A. in Political Science, but he also met his future wife Jileen…

Gerald P. Glose Ed.D

Gerry was born and bred in Western New York. He grew up in Amherst and attended St. Benedict’s elementary school and Canisius High School. After receiving his BS in Mathematics from LeMoyne College, he completed his Masters of Education in Mathematics at SUNYAB…

Ann Heraty, Former Character Council of WNY Board of Director

Ann Heraty is currently a member of the Champions for Character Advisory Board of the Character Council of Western New York after serving for nine years on its Board of Directors. During that time, Ann held the positions of Recording Secretary and Vice-President. She also chaired the Media…

Patrick Heraty, Professor, Hilbert College President, Heraty Management Services

Patrick Heraty is a native of Chicago, Illinois, the son of Irish immigrants and the second youngest of 7 children. Heraty attended elementary and secondary school in Chicago, and then was awarded a Chick Evans Scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Dr. Richard Hughes

Dr. Richard Hughes was born and raised in the Western New York and graduated from Perry Central School in 1992. He attended Allegheny College for his Bachelor of Science in Biology, completed his Master of Science and administrative certification at SUNY Fredonia and earned his Doctorate of Educational Leadership from…

Mary Ruth Kapsiak

Mary Ruth joined the Character Council of Western New York to continue her desired involvement with students. She is currently working with the scholarship and other committees. Mary Ruth recently retired from the Buffalo Board of Education after serving nine years as Central District Representative. She served as President of the Board…

Mark Laurrie, Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Mark Laurrie has been an educator in the Niagara Falls City School District for the past 36 years. He has served in a variety of capacities during that time including In-School Suspension Room Monitor, Teacher of Grade 3, Teacher of Special Education, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal of two schools…

Thomas J. Moses, Mayor

Hamburg Village Mayor Thomas J. Moses Sr. was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania. However, he can be considered a native of Hamburg because he has lived here since 1954. His Alma Maters include Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School and Hamburg High School. Tom has dedicated much of his life in service to the Hamburg community…

Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. President, Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY

Casimiro was born and raised in WNY. He has lived a lifetime of advocacy for Buffalo’s Latino Community in different areas of education, health, social and economic equality.  He earned a BA in American Government from University at Buffalo and also studied management from…

Sue Santandreu

Susan graduated from Alfred University in 1983 with a degree in Elementary Education. She got her Masters in Elementary Ed from Boston College and taught second grade and fourth grade at Nardin Academy Elementary School for three years. She and her husband, Paul married in 1986 and Susan stayed home to raise their five children…