AMHERST, N.Y. – Bridget Niland, director of athletics and special assistant to the president at Daemen College, has been appointed to the Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN) Board of Directors.

“Bridget’s impressive background and experience will offer a fresh perspective for our organization,” said VBN President and CEO Patrick Kaler. “We’re excited to work with her and our other new board members to ensure continued success for VBN and Buffalo’s tourism and hospitality industry.”

Niland joins other newly appointed board members Brent Rossi, executive vice president of marketing and brand strategy at Pegula Sports and Entertainment, and Huseyin Taran, general manager at Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter.

Daemen President Gary A. Olson noted, “Bridget’s leadership, active engagement and enthusiastic dedication to the Buffalo Niagara region has greatly contributed to the strength of our community. We congratulate her on being appointed to the board of this prominent regional organization.”

VBN sells and markets the area’s assets and attractions to visitors outside the Buffalo Niagara region as a convention, tourism and leisure destination for the economic benefit of the community. It is Erie County’s lead marketing organization for conventions, meetings, amateur sporting events, cultural and heritage tourism, and consumer travel.

“I look forward to contributing to the already good work of the VBN,” said Niland. “The past 10 years of progress places Buffalo Niagara in a great position to increase sports tourism and broaden the exposure of what the region has to offer for not only professional sports, but youth, amateur and recreation sports as well.”

Niland was named to Daemen’s director of athletics post in 2014. A business administration faculty member for the past decade, she continues to serve as an associate professor and oversees the sport management specialization. She also works as a consultant with the NCAA and USA Collegiate Sports.

Niland holds a law degree, master’s degree in higher education administration and bachelor’s degree in history, political science and legal studies, all from the University at Buffalo.

She resides in Snyder.