Assembly Resolution No. 1489

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

CONGRATULATING Dottie Gallagher upon the occasion
of her retirement as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose professional lives and civic
endeavors have contributed immeasurably to the economic vitality and
well-being of the communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Dottie Gallagher upon the occasion of her retirement as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership
in June 2026; and

WHEREAS, Dottie Gallagher has rendered more than a decade of
exemplary service as the leader of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the
region's chamber of commerce and privately funded economic development
organization, whose membership collectively employs more than a quarter
of a million people across the Buffalo Niagara region; and

WHEREAS, Since assuming leadership in 2013, Dottie Gallagher has
overseen the organization's mission to advocate for business-friendly
public policies, promote workforce development, and foster meaningful
connections among employers throughout Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Under her steadfast leadership, the Buffalo Niagara
Partnership achieved national distinction, earning a prestigious 5-star
Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and successfully
attaining reaccreditation at the same elite level in 2025, a testament
to the organization's excellence and impact; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Dottie Gallagher has played a vital
role in advancing initiatives critical to regional growth, including
efforts to address workforce challenges, reduce structural barriers to
employment, and promote greater economic inclusion across the community;
and

WHEREAS, She has been a leading voice in collaborative economic
development efforts across upstate New York, including service as the
Buffalo convener of the NYSMART-I Corridor Tech Hub, helping to secure
significant federal and state investment to support innovation and
long-term growth; and

WHEREAS, Dottie Gallagher has also championed the revitalization of
downtown Buffalo, encouraging business engagement and a renewed
commitment to in-person collaboration as a means of strengthening local
commerce and community life; and

WHEREAS, Her thoughtful leadership has extended to addressing
complex public policy issues, including energy affordability and
reliability, ensuring that the needs of businesses and residents alike
remain central to statewide discussions; and


WHEREAS, Prior to her tenure at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership,
Dottie Gallagher served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Visit Buffalo Niagara, the region's tourism promotion bureau, and before
that, devoted nearly 15 years to The Buffalo News, where she served as a
member of its executive management team; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dottie
Gallagher has demonstrated an enduring commitment to community service
through her participation on numerous boards dedicated to economic and
civic development in the region; and

WHEREAS, Dottie Gallagher earned her undergraduate degree from
Towson University, a Master of Business Administration from the
University at Buffalo, and a Doctor of Commercial Science degree from
Niagara University, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence and
lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, With her retirement, Dottie Gallagher leaves behind a
stronger, more resilient organization, well-positioned for continued
success and growth, and a legacy defined by vision, collaboration, and
unwavering dedication to the Western New York community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the economic strength and civic fabric of their communities
merit the highest recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dottie Gallagher upon the occasion of her retirement as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Buffalo Niagara
Partnership, and to commend her for her outstanding service to the
people and businesses of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dottie Gallagher.