AMHERST, N.Y. – Kristen Luppino-Gholston, who has more than 15 years of experience in the Buffalo Niagara region’s nonprofit sector, has been named director of Daemen College’s Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement. Her appointment is effective July 9.

In this role, Luppino-Gholston will oversee initiatives for the Saffrin Center, which is dedicated to promoting a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability and civic responsibility through various efforts, including service learning opportunities in underserved communities and sustainability activities and programming.

“Kristen’s broad experience in community-based organizations and strong network in the Western New York area will be vital to building on our existing partnerships and initiatives for this exceptional center,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “We are pleased to have a professional of her caliber join our college in this director role.”

A licensed social worker, Luppino-Gholston most recently served as director of strategic initiatives at the Western New York Women’s Foundation. She previously held positions at other area nonprofits, including Catholic Charities Women, Infants and Children Program, Child and Family Services Haven House, and People, Inc.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Daemen community, and I look forward to serving in the director capacity for the Saffrin Center,” said Luppino-Gholston. “As a leader in sustainability and civic engagement, the center is integral to our region and I’m excited about growing its initiatives to improve the quality and sustainability of our communities.”

Active in the WNY community, Luppino-Gholston serves on the board of Family Promise of Western New York and the Elmwood Village Charter School Community Association. She was a 2017 Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” honoree and is a member of the University at Buffalo Rho Kappa Social Work Honors Society.

She earned a master’s degree in social work from UB and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in faith, peace, and justice from Boston College.

A native of Chappaqua, N.Y., Luppino-Gholston resides in Buffalo.