BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A.J. Wright has served on the Tapestry Board since 2017. He is Director of Government Affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, where he leads policy strategy and public sector engagement. A graduate of St. Lawrence University with a degree in political science, A.J. is also an active community leader, serving on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Board, coaching youth baseball, and volunteering as a Ride for Roswell team captain.

Luanne Firestone has served on the Tapestry Board since 2017. She is Executive Director of Family Promise of Western New York, a nonprofit supporting homeless families. With a Master of Arts in Theology and a Bachelor’s in Education, Luanne brings a strong foundation in advocacy, service, and community-based leadership to the Board.

Daniel Pyne, CPA, joined the Tapestry Board in 2020. He is part of the Global Professional Services Organization at Workday Inc., bringing extensive experience in accounting and financial reporting across multiple sectors including healthcare, banking, and hospitality. Daniel holds a BSBA in Accounting and an MBA from John Carroll University, and is a licensed CPA in New York. He lives in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village with his wife and 2 children.

Dr. Hilary Lochte has served on the Tapestry Board since 2020. She is an Assistant Professor at Buffalo State College, where she focuses on teacher preparation and multicultural literature to advance equity in education. She also directs the Buffalo Urban Teacher Graduate Residency Program. Dr. Lochte holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Education, and her commitment to diversity and teacher development strongly aligns with Tapestry’s mission.

Betsy Behrend brings over two decades of experience in education advocacy and program management to the Tapestry Board. She oversees the Say Yes Buffalo scholarship program, distributing over $3 million annually to support students in higher education. A lifelong champion for equity and opportunity, Betsy’s leadership reinforces Tapestry’s mission of community impact and student success.

Patrick Lewis has served on the Tapestry Board since 2015. He is a marketing strategist at Mower, specializing in paid media and brand strategy, with previous experience at Animal Planet and The Travel Channel. Patrick holds a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and lives in Buffalo with his wife, Ashley, and their children. His expertise in communication and strategy supports Tapestry’s innovative approach to education.

Jeremy Hazelton joined the Tapestry Board in 2020. He is the Executive Director of 716 Ministries, where he leads workforce and community development initiatives that expand economic opportunity across Buffalo. Jeremy lives on the city’s West Side with his wife and three children. His leadership and commitment to equity make him an invaluable asset to the Board.

Daniel Robertson is a Buffalo native and Program Manager of the Boys and Men of Color Initiative at Say Yes Buffalo. A passionate youth mentor, he was named to Buffalo Business First’s “30 Under Thirty” for his community impact. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. His dedication to equity and empowerment aligns deeply with Tapestry’s mission.

Taylor Hunter, a proud Tapestry alum, joined the Board to give back to the school that helped shape her journey. A SUNY Cortland graduate and two-time All-American in track and field, she also served as Student Government President. Now an Account Executive at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Taylor brings a strong background in leadership and community engagement that aligns with Tapestry’s mission to inspire future leaders.

Samantha (Sam) Gaerte joined the Tapestry Board in June 2024. She is Director of Business Planning at Evergreen Health, where she leads project management and compliance efforts in support of accessible healthcare across Western New York. With a background in English Literature and Public History—and as a Tapestry parent—Sam brings both strategic insight and personal passion for education to her role on the Board.

Lynn Bass began her career in education in 1982 as a school psychologist and later served as Director of Special Education & Pupil Services in the Cleveland Hill District. She joined Buffalo Public Schools in 1996, advocating for high-quality education access. A founding member of Tapestry Charter School, Lynn helped lead its expansion through high school, launching Tapestry High in 2006 with Gates Foundation support. As principal for a decade, she proudly watched her son—and hundreds of others—graduate from the diverse, caring community she helped build.