ONE REGION FORWARD - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Bart Roberts Associate Director of Research and Faculty Engagement
• Certified Urban Planner and Researcher

Bart Roberts is an AICP-certified urban planner and researcher who specializes in bringing together research and practice to advance projects related to sustainability, community development, and public participation. Bart leads much of UBRI's work related to community engagement and sustainable development and is currently overseeing our work with Imagine LaSalle, the community engagement process guiding the transformation of the former LaSalle Park into the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park on Buffalo's lower west side. Having joined UBRI in 2009, Bart has worked on a wide range of projects focusing on diverse issues at various geographic scales. In 2011, Bart led the effort to secure a $2 million grant from the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities to launch One Region Forward, a regional planning effort to build tools and strategies for advancing sustainable development across Erie and Niagara counties. He continues to support that program, with planning advisement, research, community engagement, and local capacity building. Additional projects Bart has led for UBRI include: overseeing planning and community engagement support for Rain Check-Buffalo Sewer Authority's green infrastructure program; directing research for the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity's foundational study The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo's Great Opportunity; overseeing the planning process for Tonawanda Tomorrow, a federally-funded economic development program preparing the Town in wake of the NRG Huntley coal-powered plant closure; launching the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities technical assistance program for Buffalo Niagara municipalities; and managing the public engagement for Niagara Street Now, the City of Buffalo's streetscape and green infrastructure transformation of a 3-mile long corridor that runs parallel to the Niagara River. Beyond Bart's project-based work at UBRI, he is a clinical faculty member with UB's department of urban and regional planning, where he coordinates career development opportunities for graduate students in the urban planning and real estate development programs. Prior to joining UBRI in 2009, Bart served as the lead analyst for the management accountability program CitiStat Buffalo, where he oversaw the development and analysis of performance metrics for services delivered by the City of Buffalo. Bart holds a bachelor's degree in urban studies from Vassar College, and a master's in urban planning from the University at Buffalo, where he received the Dean's Certificate and Best Professional Project Award from the department. A born and bred Buffalonian, Bart lives in Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood with his wife Kristin and two sons Griffin and Brady. When not tackling home improvement projects or chasing the boys around the house, Bart enjoys playing soccer and ice hockey, tailgating in Orchard Park, and relaxing on the beaches of Southern Ontario.

Job Titles:

• Senior Planner

Brian supports UBRI projects with a range of skills, including GIS, data analysis, indicator development, writing, community engagement, and project management. By applying prior experience in natural sciences and education, he takes an interdisciplinary approach to his work at UBRI. He leads UBRI's work on Informing Electric Micromobility Policy, and recently led research for The Riverline Equitable Development Framework and Clean Energy Workforce Assessment. Brian managed UBRI's production of Moving Forward 2050, database development for Numbers in Need, and the regional policy assessment, Local IMPACT: Strategies to Promote Mobility. Applying his background in teaching, Brian instructs UBRI's Economic Development Planning class within UB's School of Architecture and Planning. Brian's time at UBRI began in 2012, developing sustainability indicators for the WNY Sustainability Plan and One Region Forward, for which he also managed a regional scenario modeling process and created an online mapping platform. Brian provided data analysis and mapping support for a number of other projects, including the WNY Labor Market Assessment 2017, The Racial Equity Dividend, Rain Check, Niagara Street Now, and the Flood Smart Action Plan-where he co-created a novel methodology for a comprehensive vulnerability assessment. Brian began cultivating his expertise in GIS, transportation planning, sustainability, economic development, and climate resilience through prior work experience. As a research assistant in UB's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, he researched climate change policy and co-authored articles on multi-modal transportation planning for evacuations published in the Journal of the Transportation Research Board, the International Journal of Transportation, and a chapter in Taking Chances: The Coast after Hurricane Sandy. Through prior work with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he promoted environmental justice and conservation by collecting field data, managing geospatial databases, and creating resources for service learning and public outreach. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in science in secondary physics education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo; and master's degrees in geography and urban planning from the University at Buffalo. In his downtime, Brian enjoys playing guitar, collecting vinyl, sports, and kayaking and camping with his wife Kim.

Job Titles:

• Christina Farrell Associate Planner

Joining the UBRI team in 2013, Christina supports research, communication and program design across Western NY Regional Economic Development Council (WNY REDC) and Buffalo Billion initiatives. She was the lead writer for the Buffalo Billion Phase II investment plan and writes the WNY REDC progress report annually. Within the Buffalo Billion project portfolio, Christina builds upon understanding of tourism planning to provide communications around Niagara Falls revitalization initiatives, and expertise in grantmaking to assist with the design and implementation of the Better Buffalo Fund, Workforce Development Challenge and Smart Growth Community Fund. She is also part of the East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund team, helping to develop, communicate and implement this multi-project initiative. Christina lent knowledge gained through the Buffalo Billion process to assist with the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. At UBRI, Christina draws on prior experience in community and economic development, the cultural sector, brownfield redevelopment, evacuation planning, and public policy. Prior to moving to Buffalo in 2011, the Boston-native worked in the Massachusetts public sector for nearly a decade, serving as program officer for two cultural economic development grant programs at the Massachusetts Cultural Council, helping to improve cultural facilities, revitalize communities, spur the development of creative industries, and promote cultural tourism. Garnering experience in policy making, pubic processes and community engagement right from the start of her career, Christina served as a legislative aide for a state senator who represented neighborhoods in the City of Boston. Christina holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Boston College and a master's degree in urban planning from the University at Buffalo, where she received the AICP Outstanding Planning Student Award (2013), the Michael J. Krasner Memorial Scholarship (2012), and was part of the team that won the APA NY Upstate Chapter Outstanding Student Studio Project Award (2013). While pursuing her master's degree, Christina worked at the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation on planning projects related to the South Buffalo Brownfield Opportunity Area. She was also a research assistant in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning co-authoring journal articles and a book chapter on multi-modal transportation planning for evacuations. Christina lives in North Buffalo with her husband Michael, her son Rory, and her daughter Rosalie. She spends time exploring Western New York with her kids and taking harrowing family road trips to New England.

Job Titles:

• Office Manager

Heather acts as office manager at UBRI responsible for administrative, human resources, and events planning duties associated with the organization. She oversees and updates project databases coordinating with the team on internal communications, budgets and reporting. Creating a clear line of communication between the University and UBRI, Heather prepares contractual paperwork and tracks hours and expenses associated with contracts and grants. She plans meetings, makes travel arrangements and processes reimbursements for staff; and manages appointment paperwork, acting as HR liaison between our many student employees, University HR and the Dean's office. Prior to joining the UBRI team in 2014, Heather worked in the insurance industry for nearly two decades, most recently as a Medical Coder and Billing Clerk for Mash Urgent Care Facilities. Heather was also a Claims Representative for Tower Group Companies analyzing coverage, investigating accidents and reviewing expenses; and, as Senior Administrative Assistant also at Tower Group, she refined her communications and organizational skills. Heather holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts in Psychology from Niagara County Community College. An animal advocate, Heather is a member of the Women's Board for the Buffalo Zoo fundraising and volunteering her time in support of this Buffalo institution. The Western NY native also enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach, gardening, playing volleyball, golfing and kayaking.

Keiah works closely with the Open4 program management team which operates the Open4 program on behalf of its funders. She serves as the primary day-to-day contact for funders, partners, program management team members, Open4-supported national consultants, and all other stakeholders. Her responsibilities include managing relationships with current and potential Open4 grantees; regularly engaging with grantees to monitor progress against milestones; convening funders, grantees, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and report on progress; and managing multiple external consultants. She brings with her a decade of experience in community outreach, diverse community engagement, partnership cultivation, program development and organizational leadership. She most recently served as Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Urban Avenues, a not-for-profit collective located in Birmingham, Alabama and prior to that as an Educational Program Developer in Jefferson County, Alabama. Keiah earned a B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Communications and Computer Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and served as a Korean Crypto Linguist in the U.S. Army. She is fluent in Korean and proficient in Spanish. Her awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, 2017 Vulcan Servant Leader Award, 2018 TechBirmingham Game Changer Award and she was a City of Birmingham 2019 StrongHer Honoree. Keiah now resides in her hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Job Titles:

• Laura Quebral UBRI Director, Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, School of Architecture and Planning
• Planner, Analyst, Communications Strategist

Laura Quebral is a planner, analyst, communications strategist, and fundraiser with deep experience in project management, grant writing, team construction, consensus building, and organizational development. She provides day-to-day leadership and management for UBRI as it engages in a range of highly-visible projects in regional economic development and sustainability. Laura is team leader and project manager in partnership with the WNY Regional Economic Development Council and Empire State Development, using her expertise to guide decision-making and support initiatives through strategic planning, problem solving and project implementation. Laura is well-positioned to lead the implementation of these initiatives having developed the Buffalo Billion Phase II plan, managed the local team in collaboration with national consultants during the development of the original Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan, and led the team responsible for the award-winning Western NY Regional Economic Development Council's Strategic Plan. She continues to provide guidance in support of the Western NY Regional Economic Development Council, including formative roles in the Northland Workforce Training Center, Better Buffalo Fund and Workforce Development Challenge. Laura's leadership within the economic development arena advanced to spearheading the East Side Corridor Economic Development Plan and East Side Avenues, a place based economic growth initiative, in collaboration with several local foundations and corporations. She is also leading the support team for Open 4, another collaborative funder initiative in WNY, focused on improving small businesses in the region. She also led the charge at UBRI on work with the University at Buffalo's Business and Entrepreneurship Partnerships, completing a strategic planning process and developing steps toward UB's new Innovation Hub. Taking lessons learned from UBRI's role in WNY's economic development efforts, Laura led the UBRI team with the research and expertise on strategy development and implementation necessary for the Upstate NY Revitalization Initiative. Leadership in sustainability projects at UBRI continue to be a priority for Laura evidenced in her ongoing role in Imagine LaSalle. All of this experience serves her well as instructor of UBRI's Economic Development Planning class, a master's level course within UB's School of Architecture and Planning. Prior to joining UBRI, she served as Knowledge Management Officer at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and The John R. Oishei Foundation leading research and evaluation relevant to funding interests to enhance philanthropy both regionally and nationally, and providing informed context for decision making. Before that, Laura was Director of Planning and Strategic Initiatives at the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. In the latter role, Laura led the system-wide master plan team for The Olmsted City - The Buffalo Olmsted Park System: Plan for the 21st Century and fund-raising campaigns at the Conservancy which surpassed goals including the Olmsted ReLeaf campaign to support reforestation in Buffalo after a devastating ice storm in October 2006. Laura holds bachelor's degrees in both English and psychology from the University at Buffalo; and a master's in urban planning, also from UB, where she won the award for best thesis for "Preserving Buffalo's Olmsted Parks: Facing Challenges in Planning for Historic Park Landscapes."

Job Titles:

• Director of Operations for UBRI
• Monique Sullivan James Associate Director of Operations

Monique serves as director of operations for UBRI, providing fiscal management and project-related support for a wide range of projects addressing economic development, workforce development, urban planning and sustainability. Prior to joining UBRI, Monique was most recently with the Buffalo, NY office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national community development finance intermediary. While at LISC, she wrote and managed over $6.7 million dollars in the form of planning and operating grants, project investment and consultant contracts. Monique has held several positions in private and public sectors including the City of Buffalo, KeyBank and Kensington-Bailey Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. gaining valuable experience in accounting and finance, customer relations, and community engagement and organizing. She brings with her over 20 years of industry-related experience working with non-profit organizations, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, foundations, and government funders. Monique holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Job Titles:

• FAICP SUNY Distinguished Professor, UBRI Senior Fellow and Dean of School of Architecture and Planning
• Founder and Director of UDP

An internationally recognized scholar and practitioner in architecture, planning and urban design, Robert G. Shibley is passionately devoted to building institutions, traditions and programs that advance design and planning through knowledge-based place-making. Since joining the UB School of Architecture and Planning in 1982, he has served as professor in both the architecture and urban and regional planning departments, with eight years as chairman of the architecture department and appointment as dean in 2011. A senior fellow of the UB Regional Institute since 2005, Shibley assumed the role of director after the institute aligned with The Urban Design Project (UDP) under the School of Architecture and Planning in 2011. He was promoted to the rank of State University of New York Distinguished Professor in 2021. As founder and director of UDP, Shibley has led the development of nationally award-winning plans for Buffalo's downtown, waterfront, Olmsted parks system and the city's comprehensive plan. He has served as the UDP principal investigator on master plans for the Larkin District, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The city-region is an educational and research laboratory, where he combines political leadership and community engagement with interdisciplinary scholarship, planning and design action. As UB's Senior Advisor to the President for Campus Planning and Design, and then as its first Campus Architect, Shibley led an ambitious comprehensive plan - the university's first master plan since creation of the North Campus in the 1970s - to enhance the competitiveness of UB's three campus centers and as a critical piece of the UB 2020 strategic plan. Shibley has authored, co-authored or edited 17 books, including Placemaking: The Art and Practice of Building Communities and Time Savers Standards for Urban Design, while publishing more than 100 book chapters and articles. In 2010, he received the prestigious "President's Medal" from the University at Buffalo for his service to the professions, region and UB. He also recently received the James R. Haecker award for distinguished leadership in architectural research from the Architectural Research Centers Consortium. In 2014, Shibley received the National AIA Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. Two years later, he was named one of the 25 most admired architecture and design educators by DesignIntelligence. Throughout his career, Shibley has consulted internationally in service of excellence in the professions and design education. He was elected to both the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and as a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Shibley also served as a federal commissioner on the Erie Canalways National Heritage Corridor Commission. Past professional practice and research roles include those with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Office of the Chief of Engineers. Shibley holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from The Catholic University of America and a bachelor of architecture as well as a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Oregon.

Job Titles:

• Sharon Ana Entress Associate Director of Research

Sharon provides project leadership and guides research design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting of findings. She is passionate about data-driven, research-grounded solutions that meet the needs and business goals of UBRI's partners. She considers methodology, data sources, geography, timing, and resources. She often applies her expertise to UBRI projects involving workforce development, pathways out of poverty, economic impact, labor market analysis, and research for economic development. Most recently Sharon led UBRI's partnership with The John R. Oishei's Mobile Safety-Net Team focused on poverty and contributing factors, as well as strategies and models that reduce economic vulnerability. The work engaged 140+ providers and thousands of residents, and culminated in NumbersInNeed.org, an interactive online tool offering a variety of resources. Sharon offers project leadership for UBRI's partnership with Goodwill focused on a workforce development strategy that addresses ecosystem gaps. Sharon is also heading a two-phase economic impact study for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, quantifying baseline impacts and analyzing how impacts will grow as a result of the museum's historic expansion project. Other work that she is exceptionally proud of, because it tackles topics, data and/or impacts that are more difficult to capture, include Labor Market Assessment 2017, The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo's Great Opportunity, How SUNY Matters-Economic Impacts of the State University of New York, and Pathways to Progress for Women and Girls of Western New York. Sharon holds a juris doctor from the UB School of Law and a bachelor's degree in both economics and microbiology from the University of Rochester. Prior to moving to Buffalo for grad school and joining UBRI in 2000 as a part-time policy associate, Sharon worked as an actuarial analyst at Cigna in Hartford, CT and interned for the NYS Human Rights Division and the EEOC. Outside of work, Sharon loves to sew and create unique things, take long walks on beaten urban trails, volunteer at church, spend time with her mystery kitty Miss Biden, and raise awareness and funding for ALS research from her book Sunny Skies From the Valley.

Job Titles:

• Associate Planner / Graphic Designer

Teresa has expertise in architecture, urban design, and sustainability and environmental planning. Joining the team in 2011, she serves UBRI in various capacities including urban design and geospatial analysis, data analysis, public outreach and stakeholder engagement, and graphic design and communications. Teresa works as graphic designer creating infographics, presentations and other visual aids, as well as building reports such as the Riverline Equitable Development Framework, Building Together, the Clean Energy Workforce Assessment of WNY, the Local IMPACT: Strategies to Promote Mobility. the WNY Regional Economic Development Council and the Buffalo Billion East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund. Teresa has worked as the Clean Energy Coordinator for NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities Program assisting municipalities in implementing clean energy actions. She supported public outreach and stakeholder engagement for Niagara Street Now, and as coordinator for One Region Forward's working teams. She's used her diverse skillset to support a number of other projects, including Buffalo Promise Neighborhood's Community-based Safety Initiative, the WNY Labor Market Assessment 2017, Upstate NY Revitalization Initiative, Strengthening WNY's Safety Net, and Moving Forward 2050. Prior to moving to Buffalo in 2010, the native of Spain worked at the architecture firm, LaCasaVacía, on several projects focused on environmental remediation and redevelopment plans. She fostered her GIS and design capabilities while employed at the City Planning Board of Seville contributing to Seville's Comprehensive Plan. And participated in the Concerted Action Plan for the North Historical Centre in Seville both while employed at LaCasaVacía and at the City Planning Board of Seville. Teresa is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian. She holds an architecture degree from the Higher Technical School of Architecture, University of Seville, and also studied at the University of Genoa, Italy. She has a master's degree in urban planning from the University at Buffalo. Teresa loves the opportunities and possibilities that the City of Buffalo and the region has to offer. As a mom of three little kids living in North Buffalo, Teresa believes that with hard work we can make a difference for our future generations building more sustainable, walkable and prosperous communities.