A.J. BAYNES
PRESIDENT/CEO
A.J. Baynes, Jr. officially took over as President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce in January 2018. Continuing a legacy of business focused programming and growth, throughout Western NY, he leads the organization with a strong commitment to advancing its investors, members, partners, and the Economic Development and Public Policy Agenda of the Amherst Chamber. His dedication to promoting and elevating businesses of all sizes results in further collaborative partnerships in the Buffalo Niagara community.
A.J. comes to the chamber with an expansive history in the political forefront, most recently serving our region from a legislative stance. He was also hands on in his family's logistics business where he learned and experienced what business owners are challenged with each day. A.J. sits on numerous boards through the community, at town, county, and state levels representing the membership and business stakeholders and it embodies his devotion to the prosperity of the greater Amherst region.
He has an open door policy for all members and continuously seeks feedback, comments and suggestions for advancing our region.
CHRISTINE LANGENFELD
DIRECTOR, MARKETING & OPERATIONS
*LICENSED NYS HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER
Christine serves as an integral part of the Amherst Chamber and is responsible for marketing and operation functions and has fiduciary oversight of the organization’s assets and resources. A business administrator and collaborator with a rich history in sales, marketing, and operations, she contributes to the growth and transformation of the chamber in this ever changing world.
Passionate about shopping local and supporting local initiatives, she administers the successful Shop 716 program in partnership with Erie County and Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Her experience advances the organization providing a strong foundation. With the drive and ability to share her expertise with the members and partners that the chamber serves, she also has a shared commitment to advancement of the Buffalo Niagara region.
Christine also serves as Treasurer for the WNY Chamber Alliance.
BENEFITS MANAGER
*LICENSED NYS HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER
Penny manages the benefits and insurance division of the Amherst Chamber and is responsible for the administration of all health insurance-related activities. Her area is critical to the success of our member companies, since the chamber provides the service and support to the employees so that the businesses can concentrate on what they do best!
With a long history in the industry, Penny successfully provides guidance and recommendations that are most suitable and appropriate to the subscriber. Her caring and kind nature allows her to understand the complex needs of the businesses, their employees and their families.
The benefits division of the chamber offers customizable solutions from the three major carriers in WNY:
Highmark BCBS of WNY, Independent Health & Univera
Dental and vision plans, employee assistance program and life insurance is also available.
INSURANCE BROKER & MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
*LICENSED NYS HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER
Matthew comes to the Amherst Chamber with an extensive knowledge in sales, operations, and business development. Well versed with the benefits of membership, he has a strong commitment to assist with questions related to health, dental, vision and life insurance while ensuring those businesses maximize their membership.
An avid volleyball player and Buffalo Bills fan (Go Bills!), Matthew loves the Buffalo Niagara region and all it has to offer.
He leads the Emerging Business Leaders initiative, along side Seana, ensuring the young professionals of our community are provided the tools and opportunities for a successful career path. The benefits division of the chamber offers customizable solutions from the three major carriers in WNY:
Highmark BCBS of WNY, Independent Health & Univera.
Dental and vision plans, employee assistance program and life insurance is also available.
MEMBER SERVICE &
EVENTS MANAGER
Seana serves as our membership extraordinaire and is available to serve and support in a variety of areas including onboarding and new member orientation, Ribbon Cuttings, ProNets, and she is the first point of contact for the numerous Amherst Chamber events.
With a passion for helping grow the Buffalo-Niagara area, Seana, alongside Matthew, coordinates the Emerging Business Leaders group and Leadership Program. She will assist in introductions and next steps of engagement to ensure all businesses are maximizing their membership.
After earning her Bachelor's degree in Public Communications, Seana had success in B2B marketing, leading Walden Galleria in their marketing and events before joining the team at the Chamber. Outside of the office, Seana is a fitness enthusiast, and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and dog. She also loves supporting local restaurants and is the Co-Founder of the food Instagram @BuffaloFood Adventures. Seana believes in the power of a healthy work-life balance and loves being out in the Buffalo-Niagara community.
