Three New Board Members Join Foundation's Board of Directors

The John R. Oishei Foundation is pleased to welcome Jason Bird, Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall, and Raymond Ganoe,  as the newest members of its Board of Directors.

Together, these three leaders bring decades of experience in finance and community leadership as the Foundation continues its mission to collaborate with communities to change systems and build financial prosperity for a racially just, vibrant Buffalo Niagara region.

"Our Board plays an essential role in helping guide the Foundation's mission," said Christina P. Orsi, President of the John R. Oishei Foundation. "Darren, Ray, and Jason each bring exceptional leadership experience, deep roots in Buffalo, and a strong track record of leading through partnership. As we continue collaborating with our partners and investing in the people, ideas, and organizations that address root causes of inequities through systems change, their perspectives will strengthen our work and help advance long-term financial prosperity across the Buffalo Niagara region."

I'm thrilled to welcome Darren, Jason, and Ray to the Board," said Maureen Hurley, Chair of the Foundation's Governance Committee. "Each brings valuable insight shaped by years of serving our community. I look forward to learning from them, asking good questions together, and helping steward the Foundation's mission in the years ahead."

Jason Bird

Jason Bird is Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families and organizations build and steward financial assets.. He brings deep expertise in investment strategy, philanthropic planning and long-term financial stewardship as well as national relationships and experience in mission-related investing and values-aligned investment strategies. His perspective will help inform the Foundation's continued exploration of how its investments can advance its mission, including supporting community wealth-building and expanding opportunities for asset ownership on Buffalo's East Side.

"The Foundation's mission matches my own belief that people should be able to align their resources with their values," Bird said. "I'm excited to contribute to an organization that is making a long-term, local commitment to racial equity and creating meaningful opportunities for lasting impact."

Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall

Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall serves as Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District following more than 26 years of leadership in public education, including service as Chief of Staff, Associate Superintendent, Principal, and Interim Superintendent for Buffalo Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to expanding educational opportunity and developing future leaders. Dr. Brown-Hall is deeply rooted in community and centers community engagement in his work.  For Dr. Brown-Hall, joining the Foundation's Board is very personal.

"Growing up on Buffalo's East Side shaped who I am," Brown-Hall said. "I'm honored to join the Foundation at a time when it's making such a meaningful commitment to the East Side and investing in the people and communities that have always been its greatest strength."

Raymond Ganoe

Raymond Ganoe serves as Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Health, where he has led significant organizational growth while expanding partnerships and services that address community health needs across the Buffalo-Niagara region. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community partnerships, he has dedicated his career to advancing policies and integrated solutions that support health equity. Ganoe believes lasting progress is built through partnership.

"Throughout my career, I've seen how inequities shape health and opportunity," Ganoe said. "I'm excited to join a group of people who believe lasting change happens when organizations, communities, and residents work together toward a shared vision for Buffalo."

The Foundation looks forward to the insight, leadership, and lived experience that Darren, Jason, and Ray will bring as it continues partnering with communities to advance financial prosperity and address the root causes of systemic inequities.