John R. Koelmel

John R. Koelmel has served as Chairperson of the Authority since June 2012, when he was nominated as a Trustee by former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. 

Mr. Koelmel is currently an advisor for and investor in several early-stage businesses based in Western New York. He previously served as President of HARBORCENTER, LLC, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. including its principal subsidiary, First Niagara Bank N.A. 

He began his professional career with KPMG LLP in 1974 and was managing partner of KPMG’s Buffalo office and Upstate New York Business Unit. Mr. Koelmel earned a B.A. degree in economics and accounting from The College of the Holy Cross in 1974. He has also assumed numerous and varied leadership roles in the Buffalo and Western New York community throughout his career.