People in the News

ACHIEVEMENT - Bob White of Williamsville has achieved the distinctive Allstate Honor Ring award. He was recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and financial service sales. A symbol of outstanding achievement, the Honor Ring recognizes White's performance and is a symbol of his dedication in assisting customers. The Honor Ring is a 60 year tradition at Allstate. PHYSICIAN - Dr. Shahera Noukla has joined the physician team at Lifetime Health Medical Group. Dr. Noukla, board-certified in internal medicine, began seeing adult patients at the Amherst University Health Center in late August. She earned her medical degree from Assuit University in Egypt and holds a master's degree from London University. Dr. Noukla completed her residency in internal medicine at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. PRESIDENT - Maureen Millane Rusk of Amherst has been elected president of the Buffalo Rotary Foundation. She is the associate dean of the Canisius CollegeWehle School of Business. As president she will continue with the foundation's efforts to award grants and support projects for organizations that have a primary presence in the area. Currently the foundation has a challenge grant for Rotary Park and Rotary Row to be located at the Frank Lloyd Boathouse. PROMOTION - First Niagara Bank recently promoted Jason Swanson of Amherst to banking officer, audit. Swanson joined First Niagara in 1999 as a teller and in his current role as senior auditor, he is responsible for leading financial audit engagements, including the supervision of audit staff. Swanson has been awarded the professional designation of Certified Financial Services Auditor by the Institute of Internal Auditors. VICE PRESIDENT - First Niagara Financial Group recently named Richard C. Suchan of Getzville, first vice president and manager of Trust Administration. Suchan has more than 23 years of banking experience in the position and joins First Niagara from M&T Investment Group. In his new role as first vice president, he will be responsible for the supervision of trust and estate services, employee benefit plans and wealth management services.