Karen L. Nicolson, C.E.O. / CELJ
Karen L. Nicolson has been CEO of Center for Elder Law & Justicew York, for the past fifteen years. She was a staff attorney with the office since 1990 and, before that, worked briefly at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo. Nicolson is the past chair of the Board of Directors of the Western New York Law Center and Secretary of the Erie County Bar Foundation. She is a past chair of the Erie County Bar Association’s Elder Law Committee and received the Special Services Award from the ECBA in 2004. Nicolson is a member of the 2008 inaugural class of the Leadership Institute of the Bar Association of Erie County and serves on the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Aid, The Town of Amherst Senior Services Advisory Board, as well as the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Aging. She frequently lectures on elder abuse, pooled trust and elder law issues.
Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO / People Inc.
A civic leader and change maker, Anne McCaffrey brings a unique and essential set of skills to the role of President and CEO of People Inc. Her background is rich in non-profit, behavioral health, public service and successful leadership roles. Prior to joining People Inc., McCaffrey was the President and CEO of Eastern Niagara Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Nazareth and a master’s degree in public policy analysis with a heath care concentration from the University of Rochester.
Charles “Chuck” Pine, Pooled Trust Coordinator / People Inc.
In his new role as Pooled Trust Coordinator with People Inc. Pine looks forward to utilizing his experience helping people with disabilities and their families see the benefit of protecting their assets and maintaining Medicaid and SSI eligibility. He has worked in the field of human services for the past 24 years in varying capacities. Over this time, Pine has come to recognize the importance of Special Needs Trusts and their ability to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities while protecting their ability to receive government assistance. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Canisius University.
Lindsay McKenna, Esq., M.S.W. / Bond Schoeneck & King Attorneys
A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, McKenna is a Member at Bond Schoeneck & King Attorneys representing clients in estate planning, estate and trust administration and estate controversies. She provides solutions tailored to each client’s goals and objectives, including tax planning, elder law and long-term care issues, Medicaid planning, supplemental needs trusts and guardianship proceedings. McKenna is a member of the Erie County Bar Association, Surrogate Court Practice Committee; Elder law Committee, Women's Bar Association of WNY, Working Parents Committee and the New York State Bar Association, Trust and Estate Group.