Colleen DiPirro

Colleen C. DiPirro is the president and CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce (ACC). She began her illustrious career with the ACC 31 years ago after graduating from Alfred State College. Under her leadership, the Chamber has seen an increase in membership from fewer than 200 businesses to over 2,500
and has grown to what many consider one of the most successful business groups in New York State. Her success with the Chamber has led to her becoming one of Western New York’s most influential leaders. She credits Williamsville South for laying the foundation for her career today and cites her participation in DECA for providing her with the public speaking and marketing skills that proved pivotal to her success.

From governors to CEOs, Ms. DiPirro is in demand as an advisor and advocate. Last year, Governor Cuomo appointed her to the Western New York Economic Development Regional Council that received a Best of Plan award and a $100-million allocation for the region. She currently serves as chair of the Council’s communications committee.  She previously was appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the Peace Bridge Authority and to the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct. Ms. DiPirro was the first president of the WNY Chamber Alliance and has served on the Board of Directors of the NYS Chamber of Commerce Executives. She recently was named to the Board of Directors of Independent Health and currently serves on the University at Buffalo Athletics Advisory Board.

Ms. DiPirro tirelessly lends her time and talents to numerous non-profit boards including the Western New York Autism Foundation, the Hospice Playhouse Project, Executive Women International, and Unyts of Western New York. Additionally, Ms. DiPirro served as the first woman Chair of the University of
Buffalo Leadership Development Program.

Among her many honors, in 2013, Ms. DiPirro was named one of the top most influential women in Western New York by Business First and also was given the publication’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the New York State Senate named her a Woman of Influence in 2012 and she is a recipient of the  Governor’s Award for Excellence in Business; the Buffalo Bills Citizen of the Year; and was the first woman honored as the Executive of the Year by the Buffalo Sales and Marketing Executives.

Ms. DiPirro has two sons who also attended Williamsville schools, and she is the proud grandmother of three.