Board of Directors

Gary Henry, Chairman

Committees: Governance, Audit & Finance

Gary Henry first joined the CCIDA, CREDC and CRC boards in March 2018 and was reappointed in December 2023. His current term expires on December 31, 2027. Gary is the CEO and owner of Fancher Chair Co. in Falconer, NY. He started working at Fancher Chair in 1989 while still in High School. After graduating from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1994, he became plant manager and part owner of Falcon Chair and Table (a sister company to Fancher Chair). In 2004, Falcon Chair merged with Fancher Chair, and Gary became the Vice President. In 2009, he became the CEO and owner of Fancher Chair Co. Since 2009, Fancher Chair has grown to 140 employees and added three new buildings. Gary and his wife, Pam, reside in Dewittville along with their three children Abbie, Becca and Nate. He’s coached youth baseball for several years and is an active member of West Portland Baptist Church. He also enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, hunting & fishing.

Brad Walters, Vice Chair

Committees: Audit & Finance

Brad Walters first joined the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards in June 2014 and was reappointed in December 2023. His current term expires on December 31, 2027. Brad is Executive Director of the Southern Tier Builders Association in Falconer, NY and the Associated Building Contractors of the Triple Cities in Binghamton, NY. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University and has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, which includes civil engineering, land use planning, zoning and infrastructure development.

Sagan Sheffield-Smith, SHRM-CP, Treasurer

Committees: Audit & Finance

Sagan Sheffield-Smith first joined the CCIDA, CREDC and CRC boards in September 2022. Her current term expires on December 31, 2024. Sagan has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Double A Vineyards – a local, family-owned agriculture business and one of the country’s largest grapevine nurseries – since January 2022. She is a lifelong Chautauqua County resident, graduating from SUNY Fredonia in 2011 with a degree in Finance. She spent the first nine years of her professional career working in human resources for Lake Shore Savings Bank. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Chautauqua Striders and CASA of Chautauqua County. Sagan lives in Bemus Point with her husband, Chris, their dog, Dublin, and their cat, Hobbes. She enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Daniel Heitzenrater, Secretary

Committees: Governance

Daniel Heitzenrater first joined the CCIDA, CREDC and CRC boards in October 2022 and was reappointed in December 2023. His current term expires on December 31, 2027. Dan has served as President & CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce since 2021, after working over seven years in County Government. In addition to his work to support and connect the local business community via the Chamber, he serves on numerous local boards in addition to the CCIDA. These include the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, Jamestown Community College, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Workforce Investment Board. A Chautauqua County native, his family lives in Frewsburg. He is involved in the community as a member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, Chautauqua Leadership Network, and the Jamestown Skeet & Trap Club.

Daniel DeMarte, Member

Daniel DeMarte first joined the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards in March 2023. His current term expires on December 31, 2026. Daniel has served as the president of Jamestown Community College since July 2018. He has 30 years of experience in community colleges and previously held leadership positions at Tidewater Community College, VA and Macomb Community College, MI. He holds a doctorate degree from North Carolina State University, and a master’s and undergraduate degrees from the State University of New York. He began his college education at the Community College of the Air Force while serving on active duty. Dr. DeMarte lives in Lakewood, NY.

Amy Harding, Member

Amy Harding first joined the CCIDA, CREDC and CRC boards in October 2023 and was reappointed in December 2023. Her current term expires on December 31, 2027. Amy brings more than 30 years of banking experience with expertise in lending and development. She joined Lake Shores Savings Bank in September of 1997 and has held positions including Teller, Personal Banker, Mortgage Specialist, Assistant Manager, and Manager and is currently serving as Vice President and Regional Sales Manager. Amy studied Business Administration at Jamestown Community College and has attended numerous courses and seminars in banking and management from the Center of Financial Training. She has served on the Allocations Committee for the United Way for the since 2014 and has also served on the board of the Chautauqua Safety Village since 2016, and is currently serving as Treasurer. She is an active member with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and is involved in several community and non-profit events.

Tom Harmon, Economic Development Chair

Tom Harmon is the ex officio Chautauqua County Legislature representative to the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards, through his role as chair of the legislature’s Planning & Economic Development Committee. He was appointed chair in January 2024. He represents legislature District 6, which covers the Town of Hanover. Tom is a 30+ year resident of Chautauqua County and currently lives in Silver Creek. His business and political accomplishments include two terms as Village of Silver Creek Trustee, with two years as Deputy Mayor. Tom has over 40 years of work experience and 25+ years as a manager in sales and manufacturing. Tom is involved in the Silver Creek Kiwanis club and has been involved in many organizations including coaching baseball, assistant boy scout leader, and Chamber member.

Kevin Muldowney, Member

Kevin Muldowney first joined the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards as the Chautauqua County Legislature representative to the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards in 2021. After leaving office at the end of 2023, Kevin was appointed to the board in January 2024. His current term expires on December 31, 2027. Kevin is a lifelong resident of the City of Dunkirk. He has been the owner and President of Muldowney Development, Inc. since August 2009 and served on the Chautauqua County Legislature for District 1 from 2016 through 2023. Kevin earned his Political Science degree from Saint John Fisher University in 1987. He served as the Community Liaison for NYS Senator Cathy Young’s office for twelve years. He also served this role for previous State Senators Pat McGee and Jess Present. He was the Town of Pomfret Assessor for 11 years. Kevin was elected to the office of Second Ward Councilman for the City of Dunkirk for five terms, and served from 2002-2011.

Steven Thorpe, Member

Steven Thorpe first joined the CCIDA, CREDC, and CRC boards in June 2018 and was reappointed in December 2023. His current term expires on December 31, 2027. Steven is the Business Representative of Sheet Metal Workers Local no. 112 (Elmira, NY), serving Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties since September of 2005. He is a third-generation sheet metal construction worker and lifelong resident of Chautauqua County. He began his career as an apprentice at age 19. He enjoys working with new apprentices as coordinator and instructor for the Sheet Metal Workers 112 Jamestown Area Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. He is also the President of the Southwestern New York Building and Construction Trades Council, which helps to promote union construction and apprenticeship opportunities throughout Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties. As a Business Representative, Steven represents workers at local manufacturers and brings a unique perspective on the relationship between business and labor. Steven and his wife Amanda reside in Jamestown. Away from work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and travel.