Class of 2005

Leadership Cattaraugus Quotes - Class of 2005

“It's very hard to summarize the impact that the Leadership Cattaraugus class has had on me.  But first you must look at the class itself.  Getting to know my classmates over the last 10 months has been a very rewarding experience.  These are friendships that will last for a long time.

Each month's program was packed with great speakers and information on a variety of topics.   I walked away from each session with a new and different perspective on each of these areas that we examined.

To summarize, when you hate to see something come to an end, that's when you know that you were involved in something special.   I feel honored to be involved with the Leadership Cattaraugus program and the various alumni.  I look forward to an opportunity to put what I have learned to work for our area and community. “ 
Pete Dandrea - Summit Technology Services

“With confidence gained through Leadership Cattaraugus, I delegate more, spend less time on details, and have more time for personal interaction. Through Leadership Cattaraugus, I've learned more about our local government and organizations that serve our community than in my 35 years in Cattaraugus County.”
Bob Irwin - Chairman of the Board - Cattaraugus County Bank

 "Being new to the area, "Leadership Cattaraugus" was tremendously beneficial. The course gave me a great education as to what the area offers as well as to the challenges the area faces".
Michael Graf - BOCES

“I can easily say that taking part in Leadership Cattaraugus is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. After just the first meeting, I understood what a privilege and  honor it was to network and directly work with some of the best people that Cattaraugus County has to offer. There was not a single session that I didn't come away saying "WOW, I didn't know that" or "I had no idea the level of effort and activity that was going on."  My next challenge is to determine what I'm going to get involved with. Thank you, Leadership Cattaraugus, for the opportunity to see the issues that face our great county.”
Brad Monroe - Dresser-Rand

“Having worked in the health care field in Cattaraugus County since the late 1970's I thought I had a fair grasp of the workings of the health, human service and government sectors.  Participation in Leadership Cattaraugus dramatically expanded my understanding of these areas while opening me to the world of tourism/recreation, education, economic development and the media.  What an invigorating way to improve leadership and team participation skills!  Thank you to all the sponsors of Leadership Cattaraugus for a great learning opportunity.”
Sharon J. Mathe, Executive Director - Healthy Community Alliance, Inc.

 “Just a thought or two on my experience at LC this year. After moving to this area from a more metropolitan area, and having only lived here for a couple of years, I was fortunate to be part of this esteemed group in 2005.   Working within the framework of the program it allowed me to acquire more "local knowledge" in a single year (actually 8 months) than many "life long" residents have acquired despite having lived here for their entire lives.  The program is well worth the investment of time, money and effort for not only people like me, but also to those that "believe" they have considerable "local knowledge"."
Paul F. Wheeler - Vice President - Olean General Hospital

"Leadership Cattaraugus has granted the opportunity to reconnect with our community, providing me with an in-depth understanding of the many issues facing our county and as leaders, how we can contribute to making this a better place for everyone."
Ed Negron - Alcas/Vector Marketing

“I found the class changed a lot of preconceived ideas, often making apparently “clear-cut” issues much more complex. I found the diversity and leadership qualities of class mates was very impressive, and the sharing of experiences one of the most rewarding outcomes of the class.” 
Bob Weber - Director of Human Resources - Home Depot (retired)

“The year in Leadership Cattaraugus has been rewarding, informative and fun.  Although a life - long resident or our community I am much better informed about the challenges we face and the opportunities we have before us.  I understand better how to be a contributing member of our community and I had the pleasure of spending time with an amazingly talented and diverse group of people.”
Mike MacWilliams - V P, Residential Services - The ReHabilitation Center

“Leadership Cattaraugus had offered me a new perspective on both leadership and partnership. I've been leading for 25 years, but LC has given me the confidence to forge ahead with new ideas, and a fresh view of my role in the larger community.  The wonderful partnerships that have come my way will result both in benefits to my organization, and in lifelong bonds with new friends.”
Tina Zerbian - Chief Executive Officer  - Cattaraugus Community Action

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the 2005 Leadership Cattaraugus class.  I've learned so much and gained a new network of colleagues and friends.  Even though the classes are almost over, and I wish there were more, I hope my relationships will continue.  It has far exceeded my expectations.  What a wonderful addition to the Olean area opportunities.”
Margie Litteer - Jamestown Community College

“It truly is amazing the amount of agencies in Cattaraugus County. Without Leadership Cattaraugus, I would not have been exposed to Community Action or learned what Sub-Com really does for the community. Also when a local business is challenged what impact this has on many levels of society and businesses.  Teamwork amongst each group has lead to great networking now, and for the future.”
James Finch - Databranch

“I joined the 2005 cohort of Leadership Cattaraugus a little skeptical as to how much I would benefit from the program as I have been actively involved  in this community for many years, in many capacities, and thought that I knew all about our community. I was mostly interested in the excellent networking opportunities that the program obviously affords. I can honestly say however that I am blown away by all that I have learned, and how I have grown as an informed and concerned citizen of this community and with a much greater ability to serve and help lead Cattaraugus County into the future.”
Mary Vahl - Century 21 Real Estate

“Leadership Cattaraugus is one of the most positive and genuine educational experiences I have had in this County.  It as provided an opportunity to see all facets that allow a county to function and to analyze each of these components in terms of strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

Leadership Cattaraugus has been more than an "educational" experience, as it has brought together peers from a multitude of sectors of county, e.g. business, education, service providers and government who desire to improve the quality of life in the County.  My sense is that these relationships will endure long after the class has culminated as well as contributions in service to the community.

Leadership Cattaraugus, if not the first, is certainly one of best "think tank" approaches analyzing "community leadership" and the array of issues the County is struggling with. At the same time it strongly reinforces the need for contributions from participants to positively address solutions to these issues.”