University at Buffalo Alumni Association elects new officers

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Six University at Buffalo alumni have been elected to serve a two-year term on the UB Alumni Association Board of Directors, a group that represents the interests of more than 280,000 graduates around the world.

New members elected for the 2022-24 term are:

Kirk Berry, BS ’21, of Philadelphia, Pa. Berry is CEO and Founder of KB Foundation Inc., an organization devoted to building the developmental and social competencies teens in the Philadelphia area through educational, recreational and hands-on learning experiences. Program mentors provide activities that promote team building, healthy mind/body decision-making, community connectedness, conflict resolution, educational obtainment and career exploration. A former UB Bulls football player, Berry says the experience “contributed to my success today, and I want other students to see their UB experience the same way: What they participate in on campus...contributes to their future success.”

Deepa Nagarajan, MS ’09, of Bangalore, India, is a serial entrepreneur and founder and CEO of OKR League, the consulting arm of Deepa Nagarajan LLP. It provides OKR (objective and key results) and strategy management solutions, including organization performance management, BSC (balanced scorecard), OGSM (objective, goals, strategies and measures)
and other framework-based solutions for startups and large organizations. She also coaches several startups around the world. Nagarajan participates in UB alumni programs in India and has delivered several strategy-related presentations to alumni around the world. “UB has such wonderful and talented alumni,” she says, “with so much to offer to bring the community closer for more enriching experiences.”

Henry Nowak, JD ’93, BA ’90, of Buffalo, N.Y. Nowak is a New York Supreme Court Justice presiding over myriad matters, from personal injury actions and foreclosures to petitions for guardianships. His most recent area of concentration is hearing civil cases with a focus in medical malpractice. Nowak is an adjunct professor in the UB Honors College, co-teaches a clinic in the law school, and has served as an advisor for law interns since 2010. The former board member of the UB Law Alumni Association says, “The size, quality of the faculty, resources and the involvement of the local community in UB combine to provide a perfect environment for growth of our students and the confidence necessary to become trailblazers in their fields.”

Gary Winston, BA ’03 of New York, N.Y., is a finance manager in the global financial planning and analysis organization for The Knot Worldwide, an American media and technology company that provides content, tools, products and services for couples who are planning weddings, celebrating a milestone or starting a family. Winston leads the annual budgeting process, monthly forecast cycle and prepares the company’s consolidated financial performance reporting for the board of directors. As a student he was active in numerous clubs and activities, including serving as vice president for the Black Student Union, working as a diversity advocate in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, was a member of the French and geography clubs and more. “UB gave me so much during my time there, and I want to see [it] continue to prosper and provide opportunities for others as it did for me,” Winston says.

Paul Wittmann, BA ’80, of Jupiter, Fla. Wittman is president of luxury home builder Wittmann Building Corporation where he oversees employees, meets with clients, visits job sites and reviews reports and data related to company finances. “Becoming involved with the UB Alumni Association is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to UB for providing me and my family with an outstanding education,” he says. “Giving back brings me satisfaction knowing my contribution will help support the future generations of students at the university.”

Jen Wozniak, MBA ’96, BA ’92, of Denver, Colo., is chief communications officer for Stanley Consultants, where she is responsible for marketing, communications and business development including strategic sales activities, proposal development, website, social media, public relations, internal communications and digital marketing. She formerly served on the alumni association board of directors from 1997-2005, including as president from 2003-05; was a member of the inauguration committee for UB’s 14th president, John Simpson; and was a founder of the Denver alumni association chapter. “I believe in the quality of the education I received at UB and want to serve as a proud advocate for UB wherever I live and work,” Wozniak says.

“We are grateful for the leadership these six individuals bring to the UB Alumni Association Board,” says Thomas McArthur, associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving. “Their commitment to UB, service, philanthropy, and dedication are crucial to the success of UB and our global alumni network.”

The UB Alumni Association is a volunteer-led international organization that provides ongoing service to alumni and a focus of alumni support for, and service to, UB, its students, faculty and staff. For more information and a full board listing visit: http://www.buffalo.edu/alumni/about-us/ub-alumni-association.html.