Celebrating Blythe T. Merrill

As we continue our shared work in 2024, we find ourselves amidst significant transitions. After a remarkable 20-year tenure at the Oishei Foundation, Executive Vice President, Blythe T. Merrill, retired in March. While we bid farewell to Blythe, we also celebrate her considerable contributions, unwavering impact, and exceptional leadership that have left an indelible mark on our community.

Throughout her tenure, Blythe has been a driving force behind our Foundation’s commitment to youth, equity, and education. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of transformative initiatives such as Say Yes Buffalo, the Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology (BCAT), and the Bison Children’s Scholarship Fund. Her dedication to organizations like Buffalo Prep, the Education Collaborative of WNY (EdCo), and Read to Succeed Buffalo has positively impacted countless children across our region.

Beyond education, Blythe’s passion for community development has been evident in her longstanding service on the LISC WNY Local Advisory Board and her role as a founding member of Preservation Buffalo Niagara. Her advocacy for cultural institutions, including the Roycroft, Buffalo Museum of Science, and the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, has forever enriched our community’s cultural landscape.

Blythe’s commitment to racial equity has been unwavering. As a founding member of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable, she has championed initiatives that have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable Buffalo. Her leadership in guiding the Oishei Foundation’s journey towards centering racial equity helped lay the foundation for our new strategic direction.

As Blythe embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her tireless dedication, kindness, and generosity. While she will be dearly missed by colleagues, partners, and friends, we know Blythe’s spirit of service will continue to inspire us all.