Management Team

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NFTA

Dejuan Hardy

As Chief Diversity Officer, Dejuan Hardy is responsible for diversity, inclusion and employee engagement, as well as Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance and DBE certification.

Mr. Hardy is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in Human Resources, Employment, and Diversity. His career has been characterized by progressive leadership and expertise in various areas, including employee relations, conflict resolution, diversity training, equal employment, affirmative action, and compliance.

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Jim Lavelle

Jim Lavelle is the Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental Quality (HSEQ) for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. Jim is responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of the NFTA’s passengers, employees, the public and the environment. His work delivers effective system & occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental, and sustainability programs and initiatives for the Authority. Jim began his career in the NFTA’s HSEQ Department in 2014 as the Safety Programs Administrator and has since served as Manager, Safety & Security and Deputy Director, HSEQ.

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Steven Duquette

Steven Duquette is the Chief Technology Officer for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, and is responsible for operations and strategic planning for all Information Technology throughout the Authority. The Information Technology department manages hundreds of servers, operational systems, and business applications within the Authority.

Mr. Duquette has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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Vicky-Marie J. Brunette, Esq.

In July of 2025, Vicky-Marie J. Brunette was appointed as the NFTA's General Counsel, making her the first woman to hold this position in the Authority's history. With an impressive career spanning over three decades in public transit, Vicky has served in several key positions at the NFTA, including 14 years in the role of Deputy General Counsel.

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Brian Patterson

Brian Patterson was appointed as the fifth Chief of Police for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department on March 7, 2022.

Patterson brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to the NFTA, including his previous role as Police Chief, supervising downtown Buffalo and its Business District. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from University at Buffalo. In addition, he was on staff at Medaille College in the Social Sciences Department, teaching Criminal Justice classes.

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Christine D'Aloise

Christine D’Aloise is the Director of Risk Management & Special Projects for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. She is responsible for protecting the financial assets of the NFTA against the adverse effects of accidental losses; establishment of Authority wide risk management programs and procedures; and determining whether to maintain or transfer risk exposures via contracts. Ms. D’Aloise is responsible for oversight of the nine professionals within the Claims Department and the Workers’ Compensation Department.

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Karen Novo

Karen Novo is the Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Management for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. She joined the NFTA’s Human Resources Department in 2005 with more than 25 years of experience in both human resource management and strategic planning. Ms. Novo oversees the Human Resource Department’s comprehensive programs, including recruitment, onboarding, policies, labor relations, benefits administration, diversity and staff development and training. Before coming to the NFTA, Ms.

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John Schaefer

John Schaefer is the Vice President of Capital Delivery & Support Operations for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

John is responsible for the Facility and Property Group, Engineering, Information Technology, and Health, Safety & Environmental Quality Departments.

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Helen Tederous

Helen Tederous is the Director of Public Affairs for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. She oversees all internal and external communications for the NFTA, and provides the strategic direction to protect and enhance its mission to provide best in class public transportation for Western New York.

Before coming to the NFTA, she served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for KeyBank, a position in which she held leadership roles in both business and community communication initiatives.

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Christopher Ruminski

Christopher Ruminski, CPA is the Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Compliance for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. Chris plans and directs the NFTA’s internal audit program including the review, documentation, and improvement of financial controls; review of operational efficiency and program effectiveness; and the performance of audits of contracts to determine compliance with the terms of the agreements.

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Dejuan Hardy

Jim Lavelle

Steven Duquette

Vicky-Marie J. Brunette, Esq.

Brian Patterson

Christine D'Aloise

Karen Novo

John Schaefer

Helen Tederous

Christopher Ruminski