Board of Trustees

strategic leadership and oversight

The Board of Trustees at Persistence Preparatory Academy provides strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring our mission and values guide every decision. Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, they support our scholars, families, and staff in building a strong foundation for success.

Kevin Celniker | Board Chair

Senior Vice President & Commercial Real Estate Director, Evans Bank

Brandi Haynes | Vice Chair

Chief Programming Officer
Community Action Organization of WNY

Zack Kibler

Treasurer

Darnell Haywood | Board Secretary

Regional Community Responsibility Officer, BankOnBuffalo

Adriana Viverette

Digital Communications Manager at Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Audio Architect at Townsquare Media, Power 93.7 WBLK

Chris Ciechoski

Director of Innovation & Technology, The Park School of Buffalo

Aaron Bennett

Buffalo Police Officer, C District

Zach Melas

Vice President of Corporate Services, Ciminelli Real Estate

Nicole Wodka-Cook | Secretary

Business Director, Moog

Jennifer Zorn

Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Evans Bank

Bobbie Finocchio

Lower House Principal, Elmwood Franklin School