TechBuffalo Names New President & CEO

TechBuffalo is excited to welcome Jeffrey Botteron as our new president and CEO.

Jeffrey comes to us from Indiana, where he worked in one of the most robust tech ecosystems in the country. There, he helped build talent development programs that promote equitable access to career opportunities. He has a track record of success in executing bold projects that connect workforce needs to educational programming.

“Through my entire career, I have been deeply committed to educating people and building career pathways that are accessible to all and that produce life-changing outcomes,” Jeffrey said. “TechBuffalo and its many dedicated community, philanthropic, governmental, educational, and industry partners are doing tremendous work in Buffalo and Western New York. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Jeffrey brings TechBuffalo vast experience in education, technology, and non-profit leadership. Most recently, he helped lead the creation of Career+ Pathways. That program provides “career-connected” learning opportunities to Indiana students from kindergarten through post-secondary education. It grew from a pilot program serving six schools to a 21-school program serving more than 16,000 students across nine counties in Indiana. Jeffrey developed Career+ Pathways into a highly collaborative effort, growing through partnerships with schools and employers in a wide range of sectors. His responsibilities included building a pilot ecosystem, fund-raising, and stakeholder engagement.

“TechBuffalo is focused on attracting, retaining, and fostering a robust tech talent pipeline to serve and support workforce development programs,” said Michael D. Moskal, chair of the TechBuffalo board. “Jeffrey’s experience and success in Indiana lines up perfectly with our vision for the future. Working with our partners, Jeffrey and our incredible team at TechBuffalo will realize that vision.”

Jeffrey’s extensive experience in education began in the classroom and grew to include time as director of learning design and technology for the Lafayette Catholic School System; chief academic officer for GEO Academies; and as a director with the Indiana Department of Education. He has also worked as a consultant helping leaders of non-profit organizations craft strategies, and navigate complex social, political, and funding environments to achieve ambitious goals.

TechBuffalo’s board selected Botteron through a months-long process that included a nationwide search. Board members Sallie Reid and Ekua Mends-Aidoo led the search committee, in partnership with TalentRise.

Jeffrey succeeds Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, who had led TechBuffalo since November 2021 as an executive-on-loan from M&T Bank. “I am thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to Western New York,” Sarah said. “We have seen the barrier-breaking power of tech in creating economic opportunity. Jeffrey’s valuable experience will allow TechBuffalo to accelerate and expand this important work.”

Jeffrey is eager to get to work.

“We have all the right pieces in place—strong partnerships, passionate people, and a community ready to thrive,” he said. “The future of TechBuffalo is one of growth, innovation, and lasting impact. I am looking forward to what we achieve together.”