MEET THE TEAM

Jeffrey Lebsack

Executive Director

Jeff was appointed Executive Director of Friends of The Riverline in March 2025 after serving as The Riverline Director for the Western New York Land Conservancy for three years. Prior to that, Jeff had 30-year career in transportation planning, traffic engineering, street design, and project management. Jeff obtained his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and moved to Rochester, NY where he started his career in transportation planning with the Genesee Transportation Council, specializing in bicycle and pedestrian planning. Jeff is a licensed Professional Engineer, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and an Environmental Sustainability Professional. Jeff’s career has focused on transforming public infrastructure into enjoyable and memorable public spaces. Outside the office, Jeff enjoys any outdoor activity that involves hills or mountains, and is an unaccomplished cyclist, skier, and hiker.

Molly Gadenz

The Riverline Outreach Coordinator

Molly has been working with The Riverline since August, 2022. She holds a M.Ed. and was a high school guidance counselor for over 15 years. In 2012, Molly moved to London, UK. It was a re-invention of sorts: she volunteered with Thames21, an urban waterway non-profit, and was eventually hired to implement their Training Program. She also co-founded a community group called the Lower Regents Coalition that “adopted” a section of the Regents Canal in east London. The group became a formidable stakeholder and community resource, securing grants and making ecological improvements to the canal and surrounding areas with the help of public involvement. Molly’s passion is collaborating with diverse groups of people. She also loves to hike, knit, and spend time with family and friends.

2025 - 2026 Board of Directors

Sara Heidinger, President: Sara splits her time between photography and co-owning Undergrounds Coffee House & Roastery, a community hub in the Old First Ward.

Gina Burkhardt, Vice President: Gina is the President and CEO of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT).

Wendy Paterson, Secretary: Wendy is an Erie County Parks Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist and has been working to protect Great Lakes habitat for many years.

Patrick Gormley, Treasurer: Patrick has worked in the non-profit sector for 17 years with a focus on education, community building, and healthy neighborhoods.

Hiro Hata: Hiro is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo.

Don Ingalls: Before retiring last April, Don was VP, Government Affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York where he was the company’s liaison with local, state and federal government officials and agencies.