NIAGARA FALLS—Meet the unsinkable Molly Fitzpatrick.

She’s the new executive director of Leadership Niagara, named by its board of directors.

In her new job, Fitzpatrick directs the community leadership nonprofit, which has graduated more than 700 men and women— in county business, labor, education, arts, religious, government and cultural groups— since its inception a quarter-century ago.

Fitzpatrick is backed by two decades of working with leadership and youth education nonprofit organizations in Western New York, beginning as a senior staff member to the American Management Association’s entrepreneurship program and Junior Achievement. She’s the former executive director of Kids Voting New York, which encompassed all of Erie and Niagara counties. During her tenure at Kids Voting, she led the largest community volunteer effort in Western New York and achieved the highest student voter turnout in the nation.

“Molly brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and community development,” said Leadership Chairwoman Christine S. O’Hara of Niagara University. “We look forward to her leadership and the energy she’ll bring to this dynamic organization in Niagara County.”

Fitzpatrick served on numerous boards of directors in the community including King Urban Life Center and Mount St. Joseph Academy. She’s also been the interim executive director of the Buffalo Alliance for Education and director of marketing and development for Houghton College.

Fitzpatrick volunteered for a few years in AmeriCorps, focusing on literacy and development. For more than a decade, she partnered with an economic

education center in Ryazan, Russia, and connected community leaders in both countries during Russia’s transition to a market economy.

She calls Leadership, “a first-rate program with enormous potential for developing our region,” and adds she’s honored “to work with the movers and shakers of Niagara County.”

Part of Leadership Niagara’s aim is to bring together current and emerging leaders in an annual forum that expands their knowledge of Niagara County.

Fitzpatrick also is the mother of three — Michael, 14; Cate, 8; and Oscar, 6; and, she adds, “a golden retriever — named ‘Goldie,’ short for Goldilocks.”

How did you get where you are today?

Everything I learned about business was “hands on,” and came early in my career. Joining the Rotary Club, serving on boards and volunteering in the community in my early 20s gave me a great foundation. I was fortunate to have many business mentors along the way. I work with a success coach, Steve Sullivan.

Tell us about your influences?

My family is my greatest influence. My mother showed me the importance of family and has been a great support to me and my children. My father, always active in our church, Scouting and the community, instilled in me the importance of serving others. I’m blessed with three bright and beautiful children. I want them to experience all that Western New York has to offer them.

Any life-changing experiences?

Traveling to Russia in the 1990s with Houghton College faculty was a life-changing experience. I worked with community leaders in Russia who were overcoming challenges and economic hardships that most Americans have never faced. I wanted to do all I could to help them during this time in their lives, and devoted more than 10 years to building connections for this community in Ryazan, Russia.

What other interests do you have?

I love travel, history and culture. If I could be anything, I wish I could be multilingual. I enjoy being around people and new experiences. I’m excited to discover more about Niagara County.

What’s important to know about Leadership Niagara and Niagara County?

When people ask me where I’m from, I say “here.” I’m a Western New Yorker, and I think of us as a community, not as a geographic region, but as a group with common interests and concerns.

We are all experiencing unprecedented economic uncertainty and complex issues in our daily lives. It all stems from a crisis in leadership — in business, government, education. Leadership Niagara is vital to our community because leadership is about the day-to-day challenges, deepening our understanding of the issues, and then collectively participating in shaping the future.

Leadership Niagara has a 25-year history — an active network of informed and concerned citizens. There’s more work to be done.

How do you do it all?

I have dynamic people around me. The board of directors at Leadership Niagara and graduates of our program are movers and shakers. They’ve given me a warm reception and great support. That’s what motivates me. I meet people throughout Niagara County, and they are truly passionate about this organization.

Managing all of it? My baby sitters are the best. One just earned her black-belt. They keep everyone on track when I have other commitments. I have a special group of women who understand demands of a career and family. We help each other. In addition, I pray, I exercise, and I make health and wellness a top priority.

Have an idea about a Niagara County-resident who’d make an interesting question-and-answer column, or an issue worth exploring? Write to: Louise Continelli, Q&A, The Buffalo News, P. O. Box 100, Buffalo, NY 14240

e-mail:lcontinelli@buffnews.com