Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration honored several individuals for their professional success and their commitment to preparing the next generation of business leaders at its annual Business Awards Dinner April 29 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.
Bill Chiodo, president of Affinity Group Retail, was honored with the Dean’s Award. His leadership and dedication to the consumer-packaged goods industry over his more than 30-year career has inspired countless individuals and strengthened his community. He has represented brands from the hundreds of manufacturers whose products fill the shelves in every department of his store. Chiodo has served on several industry advisory and service boards, such as NFRA, St. Joe’s Food Marketing Program, Food Industry Alliance, City Mission, and is currently the chair of the food marketing program advisory board at Niagara University.
John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery Inc., received the Corporate Leadership Award. Person’s career with the organization, the parent company of Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32, began as a Tops cart clerk in 1984. He held positions as store manager, president of Tops, and COO of NGI before being named to his current role in 2024. He is particularly passionate about fulfilling NGI’s philanthropic mission and committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities the company serves. He is currently on the board of directors for Topco Associates and has made a tremendous impact on numerous not-for-profit organizations, including The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, The Summit Center, Junior Achievement of WNY, The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Food Industry Alliance of NY, and Kaleida Health.
Niagara University alumna Joanne Israel, general manager of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, received the Distinguished Accounting Alumnus Award. Israel joined Seneca Gaming Corporation in 2011 after five years in public accounting and held roles of increasing responsibility within the finance division of that organization. In 2016, she was named general manager of the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, and in 2018, assistant general manager of the corporation’s flagship property, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. She was named to her current position in 2022 and leads the property’s day-to-day operations, overseeing a team of more than 1,300. She earned both her bachelor of administration degree in accounting and her MBA from Niagara University.
Niagara University alumnus Isaac De Los Santos, vice president at M&T Bank, received the Rising Star Alumnus Award. De Los Santos graduated from Niagara University in 2015 with his bachelor’s degree in marketing and received his MBA from NU in 2016. As a senior business banker, he manages a $90 million deposit portfolio and specializes in helping business owners with starting and growing their respective businesses. Much of his community development work includes finding ways to provide financial education to marginalized communities. In 2024, De Los Santos worked on a partnership between NU and M&T to host the Multicultural Small Business Accelerator program, which focused on providing resources and tools to minority-owned businesses in Niagara County.
“Our annual Business Awards Dinner celebrates more than professional success—it celebrates the tremendous impact these exemplary leaders are making on the next generation of business professionals,” said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college. “Their achievements and dedication show our students what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and motivate them as they prepare for their future careers.”
The AACSB-accredited college also recognized NU alumni Jeffrey and Maryhelen Holzschuh for their visionary leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to student success; Mitchell Alegre, an adjunct professor of management, for his lifetime of selfless service to Niagara University, which has left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the university’s mission; and Robert Morreale, NU’s former chief financial officer, for guiding the university through both opportunities and challenges with integrity and care.
