Destination Niagara USA Announces 2025 Board of Directors

Niagara Falls, NY — Destination Niagara USA is pleased to announce the appointment of new members and officers to its 2025 Board of Directors. Joining the board this year are Heidi Urban, Vice President of Platter's Chocolate Factory in North Tonawanda, and Daniel Tighe, General Manager of the Sheraton Niagara Falls.

Urban brings a wealth of business expertise and community engagement through her leadership at Platter’s Chocolate Factory and her active involvement as a Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas. Additionally, Urban sits on the Academy of Finance (AOF) board at her alma mater, Hamburg High School. She also officiates girls’ high school lacrosse and sits on the Buffalo Women’s Lacrosse Organization Board as treasurer. “I am incredibly excited to represent the business community in our region. What Destination Niagara USA does is so important for our community, and to have the opportunity to help shape their strategic initiatives is very meaningful to me,” says Urban.

Tighe has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, and has played a pivotal role in enhancing visitor experiences in Niagara Falls. Tighe is also involved in the local community having founded the Dan and Peggy Kelly Family Foundation, Inc., which provides scholarships to Niagara County High School Students. “I’m thrilled to represent American Niagara Hospitality on the Destination Niagara USA Board and contribute to such a remarkable organization dedicated to showcasing the beauty and spirit of our community,” says Tighe.

“We are thrilled to welcome Heidi and Daniel to the board,” said John Percy, President and CEO of Destination Niagara USA. “Heidi’s business acumen and deep ties to the North Tonawanda community, combined with Daniel’s years of hotel management experience in Niagara Falls, make them excellent additions. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to elevate Niagara County as a premier travel destination.”

In addition to the new board members, Destination Niagara USA announces its newly appointed officers: Don Foste of Delaware North will serve as Chair, Dave Carroll of the Merani Hotel Group as Vice Chair, Lucy Muto of M&T Bank as Secretary, and Nirel Patel of Rupal Hospitality as Treasurer.

“As tourism in Niagara County surpasses the $1 billion mark and continues to grow, the leadership of this board will be instrumental in guiding our strategic initiatives,” added Percy. “With their collective expertise, we are well-positioned to further enhance our destination’s appeal and drive economic impact for the region.” Destination Niagara USA remains committed to promoting and developing Niagara Falls USA as a world-class destination, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth through tourism.

Destination Niagara USA works to ensure Niagara County is a preferred international destination for group and leisure travel. It supports its mission to expand the economic prosperity of Niagara County by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit NiagaraFallsUSA.com.