Nonprofit Begins Search for New President and CEO
Buffalo, N.Y. (March 26, 2024) – TechBuffalo, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible technology ecosystem in Western New York, today launched a nationwide search for its next president and chief executive officer, as part of a strategic leadership succession plan that is now in motion.
Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, the current TechBuffalo president and CEO, will remain in the position through the end of the year to assist with onboarding the new executive and ensure leadership continuity as the nonprofit accelerates its regional impact.
TechBuffalo began in 2020 as a scrappy startup, created to address a pressing need to attract and nurture tech talent in support of local economic development efforts. Under Tanbakuchi-Ripa’s leadership, TechBuffalo has built a high-performing team and dozens of community partnerships, creating a highly collaborative culture.
The result is an organization of action and impact. In 2023, TechBuffalo convened more than 2,000 people at more than 25 events. Through its talent development programs, TechBuffalo has helped create pathways to tech careers for a wide range of community members, from students to experienced professionals. For example, its PowerUpTech program immerses college students in the rich culture of Western New York, serving 165 interns from 12 companies during its pilot year. Meanwhile, TechBuffalo’s storytelling efforts reach thousands of Western New Yorkers each month, boosting awareness about the growing opportunities for those who want to participate in tech and tech-adjacent fields.
In 2023, TechBuffalo was one of 40 organizations nationwide selected to participate in Microsoft’s TechSpark program, focused on equitable access to tech skills.
“TechBuffalo has flourished under the leadership of Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa,” said Michael Moskal, TechBuffalo board chair. “Our board is committed to finding a new president and CEO who will continue to advance TechBuffalo’s mission and improve our region’s ability to attract, retain, and foster technology talent at all levels.”
Tanbakuchi-Ripa joined TechBuffalo in November 2021 as an executive on loan from M&T Bank. Her scheduled return to M&T is at the end of 2024.
“It has been an honor to be part of TechBuffalo’s formative years,” Tanbakuchi-Ripa said. “This is an exciting moment in the evolution of Western New York’s tech and innovation ecosystem. This team is ready and eager to do its part to fuel that growth for the benefit of the community. I’m looking forward to supporting the executive search and helping TechBuffalo’s new leader thrive in the role.”
TechBuffalo has partnered with TalentRise to assist with the search.
“TechBuffalo is vital to Western New York’s growth, innovation, and success, and TalentRise appreciates the opportunity to play a role in finding the best individual to lead the organization moving ahead,” said Pete Petrella, TalentRise practice leader for executive search.
For more information on the role, please visit the position profile.
About TechBuffalo
TechBuffalo is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to grow an inclusive and accessible technology ecosystem in WNY. In collaboration with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry professionals, TechBuffalo is working in the community to build a stronger technology culture in our region. For more information, visit our website www.techbuffalo.org and follow TechBuffalo on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. TechBuffalo’s latest annual report is available at: Annual Report – TechBuffalo.
About TalentRise
TalentRise is an executive search and talent management consulting firm that is part of the Aleron Group of companies headquartered in Buffalo, New York. An industry player since 2008, TalentRise provides flexible, customized leadership and organizational solutions to startup and mid-market employers experiencing high growth, industry disruption, or business transformation. TalentRise serves clients primarily in technology, professional services, healthcare, non-profit, consumer and industrial manufacturing, financial services, and retail.
