Uncrowned Community Builders

Sharon Hanson is Buffalo born and raised. She is the oldest of seven siblings, the mother of two daughters, and grandmother of five: Unique, Darious, Dara, Serina, and Cierra. Her parents are LaRue and the late Marshall L. Hanson.

Currently, she is the Manager of Community Affairs at Adelphia for the Great Lakes Region. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing a variety of programs and projects designed to create a positive and visible image and awareness of Adelphia throughout the Great Lakes region. Sharon personally represents Adelphia at a variety of public and private sector events, including dinners, receptions, and press conferences. In addition, she accepts and presents awards to and on behalf of Adelphia. She authorizes the production and dissemination of Public Service announcements and promotional product that is delivered across the Cable Television Network. She also participates in the development of a variety of charitable events designed to enhance the image of charitable organizations throughout the community. She hosts a monthly television program designed to bring the community to the television viewer.

Formerly, she was the Special Projects Manager at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, specifically assigned to the Airport Improvement Project. She is proud of her participation with that project, and believes Buffalo now has one of the most outstanding airports in the country.

Ms. Hanson is very active in the community. She serves on the following boards: Vice Chair of the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Board of Managers; Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors at the YWCA of Buffalo and Erie County; Trustee on the Board of Trustees at Goodwill Industries; Member of the Erie County Medical Center Lifeline Foundation; and member of the Western New York Housing Development Fund. She also is Associate Co-chair of the Buffalo Region for the United Way 2001 Campaign. She serves on various committees including, The Heritage Centers 50th Anniversary Steering Committee; Chairwoman of the YWCA 2001 Leader Luncheon Awards Program; Springfest 2001 Awards and Dinner Committee; Future of the ECMC Task Force; and several other committees and advisory panels.

She is a graduate of Canisius College, and holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in English and Political Science. She is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo Class of 1997; a member of the Public Relations Society of America; Cable Television Public Affairs Association; and Women in Cable and Telecommunications; and the Office of Urban Initiatives. She is the recipient of several awards and certificates of honor.