Gary Henry – Chairman
Committees: Governance | Audit / Finance
Gary Henry 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 3 new buildings. Gary and his wife, Pam, reside in Dewittville along with their three children Abbie, Becca and Nate.
Brad Walters-Vice Chairman
Committees: Audit / Finance
Mr. Walters is Executive Director of the Southern Tier Builders Association in Falconer, NY and the Associated Building Contractors of the Triple Cities in Binghamton, NY. Mr. Walters has over thirty years of experience in the construction industry, which includes civil engineering, land use planning, zoning and infrastructure development. Mr. Walters earned his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University.
Steven Thorpe – Member
Steven Thorpe is a third-generation sheet metal construction worker and lifelong resident of Chautauqua County. He began his career as an apprentice at age 19, worked with the tools for 16 years, and has been the elected Business Representative of Sheet Metal Workers Local #112 Elmira, New York, serving the Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties since September of 2005. Steven 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. Away from work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and travel with his wife, Amanda. They have been married for seven years and live in Jamestown.
Kevin Muldowney – Member
Committees: Governance
Daniel DeMarte – Member
Daniel DeMarte 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.
Daniel Heitzenrater – Secretary
Committees: Governance
Daniel Heitzenrater has served as President & CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce since 2021, after working over 7 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.
Sagan Sheffield-Smith, SHRM-CP – Treasurer
Committees: Audit / Finance
Sagan Sheffield-Smith is the Chief Financial Officer at Double A Vineyards, a local, family-owned agriculture business and one of the country’s largest grapevine nurseries. She is a lifelong Chautauqua Count 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.
