Board of Trustees

​Elmwood Franklin School is an independent school and is fully accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
 
As an independent school, EFS policies are set and supervised by a Board of Trustees. It is this body’s responsibility, with the guidance of the Head of School, to determine the school’s budget, to develop long-range plans, to provide leadership in raising non-tuition revenue and to promote the school within the community. Selection for this group is based on recommendation from the Committee on Trustees of the Board of Trustees. Members are elected for a three-year term, with an option for one additional three-year term.

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2020-2021 Officers

Cutler Greene '88, President

​Cutler Greene has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2011, serving on the Finance & Investment committee and leading the Buildings & Grounds committee. Cutler is currently a managing partner at Spaulding Greene Wealth Management and brings his 20 years of experience in the finance industry to this new role. He is also an active member of the Buffalo community, having served on the Buffalo Zoo: Pro Zoo Board and the Westminster Church Budget & Finance Committee. His two children, Charlotte and Cutler, are graduates of EFS.

Terri Rich, Vice President

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As an educator, Terri Rich has long been drawn to EFS's focus on creative inquiry and individual learning styles. During her time at EFS, she observed the tremendous benefits of small class sizes and was impressed by the personal attention students received. She also supports the K-8 model because she believes it fosters strong leadership skills in children. Terri and her husband, DJ, have four children, all who attended EFS from Prep-8th grade. Terri has a Master of Science degree in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a marketing minor, extensive leadership training, and curriculum design and writing experience. She is committed to helping EFS continue to grow and thrive for future generations. Terri also serves on the philanthropy committee at Rich Products Corporation, where she works to help other non-profit organizations succeed through education and collaboration to better our surrounding communities.

Darby Fishkin, Treasurer

Darby Fishkin is the Chief Executive Officer at CBRE-Buffalo LLC and Comvest Consulting Inc. A CPA with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and government finance, Darby joined CBRE-Buffalo in 2012. Prior to her tenure at CBRE-Buffalo, Darby was the Acting Comptroller for the City of Buffalo. In addition to Elmwood Franklin School, she also serves as a board member of Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and Erie County Medical Center, is a former Treasurer and current committee member of WNY Women’s Foundation, and a prior Vice President of Compass House. Darby holds an MBA in Professional Accounting from Canisius College and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Her daughter, Devin, is a student at EFS, and her daughter, Ella, is a graduate.

Alon Kupferman, Secretary
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​Alon Kupferman is Administrative Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at M&T Bank. Alon has a BA from The George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. He also sits in the board of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo.

2020-2021 Members

Catherine Beltz-Foley

Catherine Beltz-Foley is a partner at Paul William Beltz, P.C., a leading firm in personal injury law. Kate earned a BA from Denison University, an MS from Boston University, and her JD from Case Western Reserve University. She is member of the New York State Judicial Screening Committee, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, LAWPAC, American Association for Justice, Erie County Bar Association, and WNY Women’s Bar Association. Outside of work, Kate serves on the boards of the Albright Knox Art Gallery and the Bishop’s Council of Laity. She previously served on the boards of Nichols School and Hospice Buffalo. Her three children, Stephen, Maureen, and Claire, attended EFS.

BETSY CONSTANTINE JANOWSKI '89

Betsy Constantine Janowski '89 is the Executive Vice President of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. She joined the Foundation in 2009 after 11 years in financial services in New York City. In her role, she leads the team that works side-by-side with clients to understand what inspires their unique charitable giving and helps chart a course to ensure those wishes are carried out today, tomorrow, and forever. The Community Foundation has 400 active clients and is carrying on the legacies of an additional 500 clients who have entrusted the Foundation with more than $500 million.

In addition to serving on the Board for Elmwood Franklin School, she served as Chair of the Board of Directors at Child & Family Services where she remains a member and is also a member of the WNY Women’s Foundation and Western New York Planned Giving Consortium boards. Betsy’s son, Henry, is a student at EFS.

VICTOR A. FILADORA, MD, MBA

​Victor A. Filadora, MD, MBA, is president of Great Lakes Cancer Care, leading the collaborative oncology efforts between Kaleida Health, ECMC, Cancer Care of Western New York, General Physician PC, UBMD, Great Lakes Medical Imaging, Western New York Urology Associates and Windsong Radiology Group.

Dr. Filadora most recently served as the senior vice president and chief of clinical services at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Filadora spent more than 15 years at Roswell, rising through the ranks of medical affairs and administration. He began his career as a practicing anesthesiologist and quickly assumed leadership responsibilities as the medical director for perioperative services. 

Dr. Filadora graduated from State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He also holds Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees from UB.

CHARLES GIDNEY, JR.

​AMY HABIB RITTLING '82

Amy Habib Rittling ’82 is a partner at Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP where she serves as the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group Co-Leader and manages the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Amy earned a BA from Boston College and her JD from the University at Buffalo Law School. She is actively involved in her community, currently serving on the boards of the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, University at Buffalo Foundation, Law Enforcement Foundation of WNY, and Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund. Amy is an ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient, a Women of Influence Award Recipient, and a graduate of Leadership Buffalo, and was named one of Buffalo’s “40 Under Forty” by Business First.  Her four children, A.J., Haleigh, Bedie, and Kara, are students at EFS.

BART KRESSE

Bart Kresse is the Market Leader for Western New York at the Buffalo, NY office of M&T Insurance Agency, Inc.  Bart has over 20 years experience in banking and insurance. He focuses on ensuring that M&T Insurance delivers on our promise to listen to our clients and customize risk mangement programs that will appropriately and efficiently protect their instituions.  Bart is accountable for ensuring that clients managed from our Buffalo office receive proactive guidance and responsive service.  Bart is licensed by New York State as a Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and an Accident and Health Insurance Agent.  

Prior to joining M&T Insurance Agency, Bart worked at M&T Bank, having had many roles in marketing and product management within M&T’s Consumer Bank business. Prior to M&T, Bart worked in banking and investment management in New York City for 10 years.

Since moving back to his hometown of Buffalo, Bart has been very active in the community and non-profit organizations. In addition to Elmwood Franklin School, he currently sits on the Board of Trustees of The Olmsted Parks Conservancy where he serves as Treasurer, and is on the Chippewa Alliance Board. He also remains active in supporting advancement of NativityMiguel Middle School and his alma mater, Canisius High School.​

Bart received his Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University in 1998. Bart resides in Buffalo, NY, with his wife Melissa and their three children, Parker, Cameron, and William, who are students at EFS.

BRIAN J. LIPKE

Brian Lipke retired as CEO of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. in December 2014 and served as Chairman of the Board through May 2015. Brian started his career with Gibraltar in 1972, became President in 1987, and Chairman of the Board in 1993. He attended SUNY College of Technology at Alfred and the University of Akron. His two children, Katherine and Elissa, are graduates of EFS.

HELEN MARLETTE '73

​Helen Marlette '73 is Head of School at Buffalo Seminary. Her career in education spans more than three decades in independent secondary schools. 

​Prior to her appointment as Head of School in 2015, Mrs. Marlette served as SEM’s Assistant Head, overseeing day to day operations. From 2011–2013, she was responsible for External Relations, overseeing SEM's admissions and development programs. Building deep and broad experience in many aspects of independent school education, Mrs. Marlette has also served SEM as Dean of Students, Director of Athletics and coach of the varsity field hockey team, and is a faculty member in the history department.

Before her appointment at SEM, Mrs. Marlette spent 24 years at Nichols School in Buffalo where she served as Director of Admissions, Director of Alumni Relations, Assistant Director of Athletics, history department faculty member, Form Dean, and Coach. She was also appointed Faculty Association Head, representing Nichols' Faculty and Staff on the school's Board of Directors.

Mrs. Marlette is a graduate of EFS, Nichols School, and Middlebury College, where she earned a BA in Political Science with a concentration in Russian Literature, Mrs. Marlette began her teaching career at Oldfields School, a boarding and day school for girls in grades 8-12 in Glencoe, Maryland.

Mrs. Marlette is the proud parent of three children who attended Elmwood Franklin School.

GREGORY K. MEYER, CPA, CGMA

​Greg Meyer is the owner and principle consultant of Business & Technology Consulting, Inc. and brings over 25 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and operations management to the EFS Board. Prior to joining the board, Greg served as the interim finance director for Elmwood Franklin. Greg maintains memberships in organizations both professional and civic, including the AICPA, CEPA Gallery, and Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. He previously served as the chairman of St. Mary of the Assumption RC Church's finance council which provided oversight to the parish school. Greg has bachelor’s degree in economics from SUNY at Buffalo and an MBA in Professional Accounting from Canisius College.

MATTHEW MONTANTE

​Matthew Montante is Chief Operating Officer and Principal of the Montante Group of companies, which includes TM Montante Development, Montante Solar, and Montante Construction. TM Montante Development’s portfolio of projects includes the former Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital as well as the 200-acre clean energy business park in Tonawanda, Riverview Solar Technology Park. In 2009, Matthew co-founded Montante Solar, a regional leader of commercial solar installations and in 2013, Matthew co-founded Montante Construction, which recently managed the transformation of the of the former Spaghetti Warehouse in the heart of downtown Buffalo into the Planing Mill Lofts. Matthew sets the strategic direction for the Montante Group of companies and is in charge of company operations, including development, design, operation, and integration of all project delivery systems. Under his leadership, the companies have significantly expanded their capabilities and their portfolio of projects, while entering new markets. After 16 years of living in New York City, Matthew moved back to Buffalo with his wife Mara, and two children, Jackson and Theo. Jackson is a graduate of EFS and Theo is a student at EFS.

Rachelle Nurse PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC

​Dr. Rachelle Nurse is a women’s health nurse practitioner and professor at Texas Woman’s University and a multi-state owner and operator of Urban Air Adventure Park Franchises. In her career, she has held the positions of advanced practice nurse, nurse administrator, and nurse educator in areas including ambulatory care, women’s services, information technology, and academia.
 
Dr. Nurse has been active on several boards in Houston, Texas, including the Texas Medical Center Women’s Health Network and the Elnita McClain Women’s Shelter. She is the current national Chairwoman of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
 
Dr. Nurse graduated from the University of Texas School of Nursing with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Houston Baptist University and received her PhD from Texas Woman’s University. 
 
Dr. Nurse has two children, Joseph and Gabrielle, who attend EFS.

Jafar W. Siddiqui, MD

Dr. Jafar W. Siddiqui is a Physiatrist, Interventional Pain Management at University at Buffalo Neurosurgery. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine. With fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Siddiqui treats and diagnoses many spinal conditions with interventional pain management techniques.

Dr. Siddiqui has been awarded the Compassionate Doctor Recognition for 2013 by Vitals.com and was a 2011 Healthcare Top 50 Recipient by Buffalo Business First magazine. He is a member of the North American Neuromodulation Society, International Neuromodulation Society, North American Spine Society, Spine Intervention Society, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Siddiqui received his Bachelors of Science degree in 1992 from Michigan Tech University. He completed his medical coursework and earned a graduate degree at the University of Florida in 1995. He received his medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine in 2003. He completed his internship and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois where he graduated in 2007. He then completed a two-year fellowship in Interventional Spine and Pain Management at Spinal and Skeletal Pain Medicine graduating in 2009.

Matthew Thomas, PhD

Dr. Matthew Thomas is a epidemiologist and senior scientist at the University at Buffalo. Before relocating to Buffalo in 2018, Dr. Thomas worked as a public health survey design consultant, data analyst, infectious disease epidemiologist, and university instructor.
 
Dr. Thomas graduated from the University of Washington School of Public Health with his Master's and Doctoral degrees in epidemiology. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Biology from Wesleyan University. 
 
Dr. Thomas has one child, Leo, who attends EFS.

Roger Walcott, MD

Dr. Roger Walcott is a board certified surgeon who specializes in vascular and endovascular surgeries. Dr. Walcott graduated from Harvard University, then proceeded to the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, where he met his wife, Karen. He went on to the Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess general surgery program and then Georgetown University for his vascular and endovascular fellowship.

Dr. Walcott is board certified in both general and vascular surgery. He has specialty training in carotid surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, lower extremity reconstruction, and venous disease.
He has a special interest in complex aortic repair and is certified in fenestrated aneurysm repair.

Dr. Walcott moved back to Buffalo with his wife in 2009, and his four children are current students at EFS.

Daniel weinrieb '94

Daniel Weinrieb '94 is the Executive Vice President of Government Programs for Shearwater Health, a global healthcare and clinical solutions company that delivers services and care to millions of patients across the United States. In his role, he collaborates with clients to achieve key-corporate initiatives that focus on innovation, operational efficiency, medical expense management, quality and revenue- all aligned with federal and state regulatory requirements for health insurance companies and large health systems. He is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and received his BA from Clarkson University in 2003, where he also played Division 1 Hockey.
 
In addition to serving on the Board for EFS, Daniel is on the Board for the Elmwood Village Association. He is a former student at EFS, and he, and his husband Brian Walsh are the proud parents of Declan, a first grader at EFS.