TalentRise Assists ECMC Foundation with Executive Director Search
February 25, 2026 – Following a national professional search process, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Julie R. Berrigan as executive director of ECMC Foundation in Buffalo, NY. The foundation received strong interest from a broad range of highly experienced candidates. Ms. Berrigan emerged from that process as the consensus individual to serve as the foundation’s new executive director.
Serving most recently as director of the NCCC Foundation, Ms. Berrigan is an accomplished development professional with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, education, and non-profit sectors across Western New York. She has successfully directed major fundraising initiatives, including a $3.7 million capital campaign for the Knopp-Hailpern Science Center at the Park School of Buffalo, increasing gala revenue at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation through strategic sponsorships and helping secure the first $1 million dollar gift for Lockport Memorial Hospital.
Ms. Berrigan has a proven track record in planned giving, having completed advanced training at the Lilly School of Philanthropy and establishing legacy societies to foster estate planning contributions. She excels in donor engagement, leveraging storytelling to build relationships with a variety of donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation boards. Ms. Berrigan’s leadership extends to overseeing multimillion-dollar foundations, managing diverse teams, and fostering collaboration within advancement offices. Her strategic expertise includes implementing donor stewardship strategies, securing significant grant funding, and driving board engagement to achieve organizational priorities.
The ECMC Corporation was established as a New York State Public Benefit Corporation and since 2004 has included an advanced academic medical center with 573 inpatient beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed long-term care facility. ECMC is Western New York’s only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, as well as a regional center for burn care, behavioral health services, transplantation, medical oncology and head & neck cancer care, rehabilitation, and a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo.
Founded in 2008 in Chicago, TalentRise provides executive search, interim executive placement, and talent consulting. The firm’s talent optimization model uses data-driven insights to align people and organizational strategies for optimum performance. TalentRise supports companies in nearly every vertical — retail, manufacturing, technology, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, E-commerce, and more — with custom and comprehensive talent acquisition solutions.
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As president, Peter Petrella oversees company strategy, drives growth initiatives, and enhances TalentRise’s service offerings to meet the needs of their diverse client base. He plays a critical role in the TalentRise growth plan by cultivating C-level, investor, and board of director relationships with companies looking to acquire senior leadership talent for their business. Mr. Petrella brings over 23 years of experience in a variety of business sectors including sports, healthcare, startups, scaleups, and technology. His areas of expertise include management, sales, marketing, IT, software, and strategy.
Recent CEO Search
TalentRise also recently helped to recruit Brian Luallen as the new CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. “We are proud to have partnered with the board of directors at the Naval Park to identify a leader who will honor the park’s legacy while positioning it for long-term success,” said Mr. Petrella, president of TalentRise. “Brian’s proven ability to transform historic and cultural institutions into vibrant, sustainable destinations made him the ideal choice to lead the Buffalo Naval Park. His record of securing significant public and private funding, combined with a deep passion for community engagement, will be instrumental in advancing the park’s mission and broadening its impact.”
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Board chairman, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Robert Pecoraro, noted that this transition marks an important chapter in the park’s history, building on the strong foundation laid by outgoing CEO Paul Marzello. “Leadership is not just about steering the ship, it’s about charting the course,” said Mr. Pecoraro. “Mr. Paul Marzello has done both with brilliance. As Mr. Brian Luallen takes the helm, we’re excited about the journey ahead. The Naval Park is a vital part of Western New York’s history and identity. Under Brian’s leadership, the park is poised to thrive as both a cherished community landmark and a must-visit destination for guests from across the globe.”
Mr. Luallen brings experience heading historic and cultural institutions across the nation, most recently leading the Surf Ballroom & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Clear Lake, Iowa, where he guided major capital projects and advanced public-private partnerships.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
