Visit Buffalo Names Two Leaders to Board of Directors
Visit Buffalo, the official destination marketing organization for Erie County, has announced the appointment of two new members to its 21-person board of directors: Paris Roselli, president of the Richardson Center Corporation, and Gary Siddall, the president and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve. They will serve initial one-year terms and are eligible to serve up to eight years.
Roselli and Siddall bring extensive leadership experience in cultural tourism, nonprofit management and institutional development to Visit Buffalo’s mission of promoting Erie County as a destination for sports, meetings, group and leisure travel.
“Buffalo’s cultural and heritage institutions are central to our destination story,” said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo. “Paris and Gary each lead organizations that are shaping how visitors experience our region — from architecture and design to science and nature. Their expertise will strengthen our board at a pivotal moment for tourism growth and investment in Erie County.”
Roselli, president of the nonprofit Richardson Center Corporation since 2022, oversees the operation and redevelopment of the Richardson Olmsted Campus, a National Historic Landmark. Prior to assuming his current leadership roles, Roselli spent more than 25 years leading change within corporate environments and modernizing digital processes in the technology, consumer products and financial services industries.
He also serves as executive director of the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, which is currently under construction. It is an adaptive reuse of an 1870s-era Richardson designed campus building with an addition by internationally recognized firm Höweler + Yoon Architecture. The new museum, set to open in 2027, will spotlight the visionary architects who shaped the city and deepen visitor engagement at one of the region’s most significant architectural sites.
In February 2024, Siddall joined the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, which operates the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve, as president and CEO. In that role, he serves as the senior executive responsible for the performance and strategic planning of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve. Siddall is past president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara, where he led implementation of the Aquarium’s master plan, including $15 million in capital improvements across major exhibits and public amenities.
In 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed him to the Buffalo State University Council, the institution’s primary oversight body. Siddall is a recipient of Buffalo Business First’s 2019 30 Under 30 award and previously served as vice chair of the board of directors for Destination Niagara USA and the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association.
Visit Buffalo’s Board of Directors is comprised of leaders representing hospitality, business, cultural institutions and community development. The board provides governance and strategic oversight as the organization works to grow visitation, support local businesses and strengthen Erie County’s $2.7 billion tourism economy.
Visit Buffalo is the destination marketing organization for Buffalo and Erie County, promoting the region for tourism, meetings and sporting events. By showcasing the area’s culture, attractions and hospitality, Visit Buffalo drives visitor spending and supports economic growth.
