Board Members – PERSISTENCE

strategic leadership and oversight

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees at Persistence Preparatory Academy provides strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring our mission and values guide every decision. Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, they support our scholars, families, and staff in building a strong foundation for success.

Kevin Celniker | Board Treasurer

Senior Vice President & Commercial Real Estate Director, Evans Bank

Chris Ciechoski

Director of Innovation & Technology, The Park School of Buffalo

Brandi Haynes

Chief Programming Officer
Community Action Organization of WNY

Darnell Haywood | Board Secretary

Regional Community Responsibility Officer, BankOnBuffalo

Brandi Haynes | Board Vice Chair

Chief Programming Officer Community Action Organization of WNY

Derrick Parson

Executive Director, Exchange at Beverly Gray Founder & CEO, GrabALatte, Inc.

Adriana Viverette

Digital Communications Manager at Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Audio Architect at Townsquare Media, Power 93.7 WBLK

Nicole Wodka-Cook

Business Director, Moog

Elisha Tomasello, Board Chair

President, True Buffalo HR

Jennifer Zorn

Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Evans Bank

Aaron Bennett

Buffalo Police Officer, C District

Zach Melas

Vice President of Corporate Services, Ciminelli Real Estate