Press release<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buffalo, NY \u2013 September 23, 2025 \u2013 <\/strong>Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) has appointed Aaron Baier as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The announcement comes shortly after the appointment of Stephanie Orlando as CEO, succeeding Douglas J. Usiak, who led the organization for more than four decades. Together, the new leadership team signals a renewed chapter in WNYIL\u2019s growth and service to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baier brings over 19 years of experience in nonprofit management, including eight years of personnel and financial operations. Since joining WNYIL as Deputy of Operations, he has been involved in coordinating programs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting organizational planning. As COO, Baier will oversee day-to-day operations and guide initiatives that help the organization grow while staying true to its mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a life-long resident of New York and having spent so much of my life working and advocating within the disability rights and independent living space, I am thrilled to come to WNY and work alongside Stephanie and be a part of WNYIL\u2019s ongoing growth and service to our local communities.\u201d \u2013Aaron Baier, WNYIL COO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAaron brings a wealth of experience in the Independent Living Movement and will bring a fresh perspective to our Western NY Family of Agencies.\u201d \u2013Stephanie Orlando, WNYIL CEO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Baier\u2019s prior experience includes serving as Director of Administration at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley in Troy, NY, and as executive director of Access to Independence in Cortland, NY. He holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Marist University.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Press release Buffalo, NY \u2013 September 23, 2025 \u2013 Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) has appointed Aaron Baier as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The announcement comes shortly after the appointment of Stephanie Orlando as CEO, succeeding Douglas J. Usiak, who led the organization for more than \u2026<\/p>\n