As Vice President of Corporate Relations, Laura Zaepfel works extensively with local, regional, state, and federal government and business leaders to optimize the Western New York business climate. Ms. Zaepfel frequently works with leading businesses and support organizations to develop policies and enhance procedures that produce a diverse workforce and a sustainable economy in the region. A strong supporter of fostering an inclusive community, she works internally and externally on initiatives and workforce development efforts that reflect our community and create environments where every member feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute and thrive.
Ms. Zaepfel also manages Uniland’s corporate philanthropy program, continuing the company’s long tradition of community involvement and support. She works with and volunteers for community and business organizations that advocate for residents through social justice and inclusion, health and wellness, education, and environmental programs. Over the years, Ms. Zaepfel has provided leadership to Catholic Charities, Humanities New York, CREDA – The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (formerly NAIOP), the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC), and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. She is a former Trustee of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a current Trustee of Canisius University.
Professional Affiliations
- Former Chair – Amherst Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
- Former President – The Buffalo Club
- Executive Committee – NAACP Buffalo Branch, Co-Chair, Economic Development Committee, and Jefferson Avenue Redevelopment CommitteeÂ
- Member – CREDA, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (formerly NAIOP)
- Member – Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- Member – Canisius University Board of Trustees, Emerita
- Member – FBI Citizens Academy
Philanthropic and Civic Endeavors
- Board of Directors – Erie County Law Enforcement Foundation (formerly the Erie County Sheriff’s Foundation)
- Board of Directors – Law Enforcement Foundation of Western New York
- Board of Advisors – African American Veterans Monument
- Board of Directors – Thurman Thomas Family Foundation
- Board of Directors – Chippewa Alliance
- Former Board Member – Western New York Women’s Foundation
- Former Board Member – The Exchange at Beverly Gray
- Former Chair – Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park Veterans Annual Tribute Awards
- Former Trustee – Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
- Former Chair – Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo Advancement Committee and 2016 & 2017 Gala 22:6 Education Dinner
- Former Chair – Catholic Charities of Buffalo Eight-County Annual Appeal and Board of Trustees
- Former Trustee – Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Former Board Member, National Federation for Just Communities, and two-time Chair of the NFJC Citation Awards Banquet
- Former Co-Chair – Western New York Food Bank (now FeedMore WNY) Capital Campaign
Recent Honors
- NAIOP Advocate of the Year, 2026
- Buffalo Business First Power 250, 2026
- Buffalo Business First Power 100 Women, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- BestSelf Behavioral Health She Believed She Could Award, 2025
- Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Programs John R. Jablonski, Sr. Community Service Award, 2025
- Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Buffalo Distinguished Service Award, 2025
- Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Friend of Hispanic Heritage Award, 2025
- YWCA of the Niagara Frontier Entrepreneur Award, 2024
- Buffalo Business First IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity Awareness) Award, 2020
- Niagara University Caritas Medal, 2019
- Buffalo Black Achievers President’s Award, 2018
- Community Angel Award, 2017
- Girl Scouts of Western New York Woman of Distinction, 2012
- Buffalo Business First Women of Influence Award, 2011
- NFJC Citation Banquet Honoree, 2011
- NAIOP National Capitol Dome Award, 2010
- Canisius University LaSalle Medal, 2009
Education
- B.S., Canisius University
- M.A., University at Buffalo
