Mount Mercy Academy, 88 Red Jacket Parkway, Buffalo, NY announces the addition of five new members to the Board of Trustees. Each will serve a three year term.

Daniel J. Marren is an attorney currently serving as the Confidential Law Clerk to New York State Supreme Court Justice Hon. Paula L. Feroleto, District Administrative Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University (B.A., 1982, cum laude) and the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law (J.D.1985). He has served on a variety of local charitable and non profit boards. Mr. Marren's wife and daughter attended Mount Mercy Academy. He resides in West Seneca and is a member of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish.

Emily Smaldino is employed at National Grid in Event marketing. She previous worked at the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Ms. Smaldino is a graduate of the Class of 2004 and served on the Institutional Advancement Committee before becoming a trustee. Ms. Smaldino graduated form Niagara University. She is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora, NY.

Sister Cristel Mejia of the Sisters of Mercy currently teaches Spanish at Erie Community College. She previously taught at Mount Mercy Academy for 14 years, during which she received the Diocesan Teacher of the Year Award in 1990. She earned a B.A. in Spanish from California State University, a M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Buffalo, a M.S. in Education from Niagara University and a PhD. from the University of Buffalo in Spanish Language and Literature.

Margaret Connors is a retired nurse who worked at Sisters Hospital, Millard Suburban and the former Millard Gates Hospital. She has co-chaired numerous events including the Mayor's Ball, the Canisius College Regents Ball and events at Nichols and Elmwood Franklin Schools. She graduated from Mt. Mercy in 1966. Mrs. Connors resides in Buffalo and is a member of Holy Spirit Parish.

John Vecchio is the Relationship Manager for the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, NY and previous was employed as Vice-President for Institutional Advancement at Trocaire College. He earned a B.S. from the State University of New York at Fredonia and an M.B.A. from Canisius College. Mr. Vecchio has previous banking experience and has served on a number of community boards. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and resides in East Amhers, NY.