Father James J. Maher, C.M.

Niagara University’s president climbed into the top half of Business First’s annual rankings of 250 local leaders who maintain significant influence throughout Western New York.

The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., is listed at No. 107 in the weekly newspaper’s 2016 “Power 250,” 38 spots higher than last year and 60 places better than in 2014, his first year on Monteagle Ridge.

Business First’s “Power 250” is a list of the 250 men and women who (in its opinion) wield the most clout in the eight-county region.

According to the Business First website, the “Power 250” is limited to persons who live and work in Western New York. It does not include owners of local businesses who live in other parts of America or the world.

Father Maher has served as Niagara University’s 26th president since August 2013.

To view the 2016 “Power 250,” click here.