Meet The Board
Arts for Learning WNY is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who share a passion for the arts, education, and equity. Their leadership helps shape our vision and ensures that we remain steadfast in our mission.
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Leanne Deshaies, President (she/her)
Affiliation: Upstate Niagara Cooperative
Bio: Leanne Deshaies is an Arts for Learning board member and is experienced with marketing, graphic design, and photography, and she currently works as a Communications Specialist for a local dairy cooperative.
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Jim Howe, Co-Vice President (he/him)
Affiliation: Chudy Paper, Inc., School Consultant (Retired)
Bio: Born and raised in Western New York, Jim Howe attended college, majored in music, and joined the United States Air Force. Employed by West Valley Central School District, he oversaw facilities cleaning and sanitation in addition to working as a school consultant for a local family-owned sanitation company. Recently retired, Jim enjoys skiing with his family and during the Holiday Season, is Santa for thousands of children.
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Karen Camp, Co-Vice President (she/her)
Affiliation: The Dance Camp, Tapestry Charter Middle School
Bio: Karen Camp has been serving as an educator in the arts for over 25 years. A graduate of Empire State College, she teaches performance art & divisive theatre full time at a charter school in Buffalo, NY, interdisciplinary genre in which her students use dramatic performance for social engagement, activism, art and literacy. Along with serving on the board, Karen is the Artistic Director and lead teacher of her dance studio, The Dance Camp.
Zachary Jenkins, Treasurer (he/him)
Affiliation: NexTier Bank
Bio: Zach Jenkins was born and raised in Springfield, MA and moved to Buffalo, NY in 2004 which he now calls home. Zach attended Canisius University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics while also a member of the swim team. He has worked at local community banks for 15 years as a commercial relationship manager helping local businesses within the Western New York market can succeed and grow.
Amy Wlosinski, Secretary (she/her)
Affiliation: Institute on Trauma and Trauma Informed Care, University at Buffalo
Bio: Amy is an avid supporter of the arts with a passion for education. She is a project manager and trainer for the Institute on Trauma and Trauma Informed Care at the University at Buffalo.
MEMBERS
Jason Desiderio (he/him)
Affiliation: Five Star Bank
Bio: Jason Desiderio is an attorney and compliance professional with experience in a range of issues facing banks and lenders. At Five Star Bank, Jason serves as Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to that, he served as Associate Counsel, where he supported the Board of Directors and its committees with governance matters, advised the Commercial Banking team, Treasury and Finance departments, and Investor Relations team on legal matters, and helped guide the Bank’s ESG program.
Laura Douglas (she/her)
Affiliation: Arthritis National Research Foundation
Bio: Laura Douglas is a Grant Program Manager for the Arthritis National Research Foundation. Laura holds an MBA, is a certified project management professional, a six sigma yellow belt and has been an engaged and valued member of the A4L board of directors.
Heather Kimmins (she/her)
Affiliation: Hodgson Russ LLP
Bio: Heather Kimmins is a federal and international tax attorney at Hodgson Russ. Born and raised in Buffalo, she is proud to give back to the community through her involvement with and support of Arts for Learning WNY.
Michael Leslie (he/him)
Affiliation: M&T Bank
Bio: Michael Leslie is a Senior Vice President at M&T Bank with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, including forecasting/budgeting, capital management, and strategic planning. Michael is a lifetime member of the Western New York Community and is currently raising a young family in Buffalo, NY.
Michael Thomas (he/him)
Affiliation: Economic Development Consultant, The Harrison Studio
Bio: Mike Thomas graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He has experience in residential mortgage, commercial banking, and economic development consulting.
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EMERITUS MEMBERS
Anthony Billoni
Wendy Pierce
Susan Levy (In Memoriam)
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