We’re absolutely thrilled to congratulate Benjamin Burge, a partner at Rupp Pfalzgraf, for his well-deserved recognition on the 2023 Buffalo Business First 40 under 40 list! This honor is a testament to Ben’s remarkable dedication to our firm and the community.
Ben excels as a partner in our business law group, and his practice extends to banking and creditors’ rights, as well as trusts and estates. Ben plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of attorneys as the head of our summer associate program. Ben has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for four consecutive years.
Notably, Ben is not just an exceptional attorney but also an active and passionate advocate for the Buffalo community. He serves as the chair of the board for ASPIRE. Additionally, Ben’s role on the president’s council for the BISON Fund exemplifies his dedication to education.
As we celebrate Ben’s incredible achievement, we also extend our warmest congratulations to the other 39 remarkable individuals who share this prestigious recognition. Each of them has made a significant impact in their respective fields, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of our region.
They are:
• Charles Abramo, vice president, human resources business partner function, Delaware North
• Mike Antonelli, partner, Nickel City Hardwood / principal, Sidway Elementary School, Grand Island Central School District
• Christopher Billoni, vice president, Colvin Cleaners
• Kimberly Brady, assistant professor of oncology and director of dermatologic surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Benjamin Burge, partner, Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC
• Anthony Cairns, senior event programmer, Live Nation Entertainment
• Kevin Celniker, SVP, commercial real estate director, Evans Bank
• Laurie Collins, senior vice president, chief human resources officer, Five Star Bank
• Maria Cruz, director, treatment and prevention adherence, Evergreen Health
• Kathryn D’Angelo, general counsel and SVP business administration, Buffalo Bills
• Katie Daniels, assistant principal, Cheektowaga Central Middle School
• Alissa Debo, director of claims, experience and operations, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
• Maura Devlin, senior vice president, marketing strategy and PR, 43North
• Aly Finkle, vice president, global talent acquisition, AML RightSource
• Patrick Fitzgerald, partner, Phillips Lytle LLP
• Tracy Garner-Robinson, director of practice transformation, Cinqcare NY
• Jenna Goldsmith, owner, Jenna L. Goldsmith NP Medical Spa
• Andrew Hahn, senior executive, investment services, Northwest Bank
• Justin Hartman, co-founder, owner and master distiller, Hartman’s Distilling Co.
• Emily Jerge, director, nursing simulation and clinical practice center, D’Youville University
• Richard Kim, director of startup ventures, University at Buffalo
• Chad Klotzbach, managing partner, Alleghany Farm Services
• Allana Krolikowski, chief medical officer, Jericho Road Community Health Center
• Jesse Ladoue McMullen, marketing director, licensed sports, New Era Cap LLC
• Kate Lewis, executive director, Clarity Wellness Community
• Ashley Lowry, owner, UNOVA Coworking/staff reporter, Springville Journal
• Angela Marinucci, commissioner, Erie County Department of Senior Services
• McKenzie Mattison, family support services director, John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Kaleida Health
• Alexander Miller, owner, Charles Burchfield’s Home & Studio and Born & Raised Shop / special education teacher, Buffalo Public Schools
• Karl Newell, chief information officer, LenderLogix
• Katie O’Connor, Western New York Regional Community Reinvestment Act officer, M&T Bank
• Christina Pearl, corporate director of communications, Horizon Health Services
• Adam Poole, director, Freed Maxick CPAs
• Craig Pridgen, senior pastor, True Bethel Baptist Church, Niagara Falls / senior governmental and community advisor, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Stephanie Rivera, director of student success programming, Buffalo Prep
• Darren Robbins, VP of finance and treasurer, Tops Markets
• Cassandra Sheedy, operator, Chick-fil-A Cheektowaga
• James Waddell, marketing manager, Frey Electric Construction Co. Inc.
• Matthew Werth, general manager, The Buffalo Club
• Asha Ziembiec, president and partner, Southtowns Radiology
Congratulations again, Ben! You inspire us all!
Check out the full 40 under 40 article here.
