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
COO
*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, it's members and partners, 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 community that the chamber serves, she also has a shared commitment to ensure advancement of the Buffalo Niagara region.
Christine also serves as COO for the Amherst Community Foundation and Treasurer for the WNY Chamber Alliance.
BENEFITS MANAGER
*LICENSED NYS HEALTH INSURANCE
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. He is a licensed health, life and accident broker and a Medicare agent.
An avid volleyball player and Buffalo Bills fan (Go Bills!), Matthew loves the Buffalo Niagara region and all it has to offer.
The benefits division of the chamber offers customizable solutions from the three major carriers in WNY:
Highmark BCBS of WNY, Independent Health & Univera
plus Independent Health Medicare
BENEFITS SPECIALIST
*LICENSED NYS HEALTH INSURANCE
Penny supports the Amherst Chamber’s employee benefits division along with various organizational initiatives. Originally joining the Chamber in 2015, Penny continues her commitment in assisting local businesses with health, Medicare, dental, vision, and life insurance.
A licensed NYS Health Insurance Broker and Medicare Agent, Penny brings extensive industry knowledge and a dedication to providing high-quality service to Chamber members. Her expertise ensures that businesses have access to tailored, compliant benefit solutions.
Residing in Orchard Park, Penny is deeply connected to the Buffalo-Niagara Falls community. Her commitment to the success of local business and her long-standing relationship with the Chamber make her a trusted and valued resource for members.
MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER
Tiffany is responsible for being the point of contact for the Amherst Chamber membership and assisting with inquiries, upcoming events and how to best utilize services and events to support our members. Having previously worked within higher education and recruitment, she brings a strong passion for networking and professional/ leadership development. Tiffany prides herself on building and maintaining effective communication and relationships to best serve our members and the WNY community.
She co-facilitates a variety of the services and events including ProNets, Open ProNets, Business After Hours, Lunch Mobs, LIFT women’s group events, Toastmasters and the Emerging Business Leaders programming.
As a native Buffalonian, she is always trying to immerse herself in all that Buffalo offers and you can typically find her exploring the arts and restaurant scenes.
MEMBERSHIP &
Lauren is the first face you’ll see when you walk into the Amherst Chamber office. She has worked in communications for more than a decade, with work experience from the BBB plus marketing experience that includes a school district, private club, a Broadway-caliber theatre and a professional sports team.
Outside of marketing, Lauren is an active community member, a dance teacher, as well as, the Program Coordinator for the Buffalo Bandettes, the dance team for the Buffalo Bandits! She lives in South Buffalo with her husband, Jake, and their dog, Romeo. An avid reader, Lauren has combined her love for reading, writing and dance and published a children’s book, Bella Ballerina.
She will assist the membership in variety of the Amherst Chamber services and events.
