University at Buffalo School of Management

10 Buffalo Business | BUSINESS ANALYTICS SOCIAL IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LEADERSHIP George Chamoun, BA '97 CEO, ACV When asked about his job search prior to graduation, George Chamoun responded, "I'm not look- ing for a job; I'm starting a business!" That was in 1997 and Buffalo did not yet have the supportive entrepre- neurial ecosystem that it has today. But Chamoun and his co-founder persevered, growing their 1998 startup, Synacor, into a successful soware company with more than 400 employees. From there, he took the helm at ACV and led that innovative tech company to become Buffalo's first unicorn, a privately held startup with value exceeding $1 billion. Chamoun routinely feeds and supports the Western New York entrepreneurial ecosystem that he helped to create. He chaired Launch New York for six years and he regularly shares his entrepreneurial wisdom with others who are eager to create successful companies. " To the next generation of leaders looking to build a company, disrupt an industry or change the world: It starts with believing in your idea like it's a religion — this will propel others to join and follow your mission. Next, you need to surround yourself with people who are not only smart, but also happy — and together, with those great people, you will become successful. But while you are on your tireless journey, always remember: Your work will never be done, so please take the time to take care of yourself." Donna L. DeCarolis, BS '81, MBA '83 President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. Donna DeCarolis is president of National Fuel Gas Distribution. She also serves on the New York State Climate Action Council, which is charged with creating a plan to reach the state's greenhouse gas emission goals. Taken alone, either of these commitments is daunting, but together they are enormous. Yet somehow, DeCarolis also finds the time to share strate- gic insights and thoughtful leadership with numerous economic, cultural and educational nonprofits, including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, The Business Council of New York State, Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Shea's O'Connell Preservation Guild, Leadership Buffalo, Niagara University and the UB School of Management. " Aer I completed my undergrad degree and decided to go on for my MBA, my dad, who was a pretty frugal guy, said without hesitation that he would pay for me to go — as long as I continued to live at home and work my two part-time jobs to pay for books, and to keep my ten-year- old, rusted out, highly temperamental Volkswagen Beetle on the road. He was not an effusive guy and defi- nitely did not wear his emotions on his sleeve (except for Bills and Sabres games). But on the day I crossed the stage to receive my MBA, my father stood up and shouted for me so loudly that heads turned, in a cheer he otherwise reserved for Jim Kelly and the French Connection." Richard M. Ferranti, EMBA '97 CEO, Rich Products Corp. Rich Products was born from innovation 79 years ago. Today, Richard Ferranti is at the helm of what is now Western New York's largest privately held company, driv- ing that innovation forward. Rich Products employs more than 13,000 associates in over 100 countries around the world, all of them focused on creating unique and distinctive value for their customers. As CEO since 2020, Ferranti leads the long-term stra- tegic direction, performance and growth of this $5.8 billion company while seeking ways for all associates to learn, grow and thrive. His priorities include extensive global growth through innovation and a relentless focus on creat- ing unique and distinctive customer value. Under Ferranti's leadership, the company has articulated its Generations of Good strategy, encompassing sustainability, health and authenticity; putting people first and community impact; and helping to create tomorrow for associates, custom- ers and communities. The company maintains an unwav- ering commitment to Western New York. The Buffalo City Mission, Say Yes and Stitch Buffalo are just a few of the community organizations that are grateful to Rich Products for that commitment. " For any organization to be successful for 100 years, that success is built on its core values, the character of its lead- ers, a commitment to learning, innovation and part- nership. Success is also embracing change, taking risks and creating a positive impact on the world around you. It's our collective duty to care and to embrace a sense of selflessness, to challenge the status quo and to inspire others — just as great leaders do, and just as this school's students, alumni and faculty have done and will continue to do. Wherever you are in your journey, today is a time to build, to create and to inspire."

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