In the end it was his passion for Buffalo 's central business district that became a swing factor in the downtown agency's decision to hire Pete Burakowski as its new executive director.
Burakowski, 43, UB's Director of Startup Ventures, was unanimously back by the Buffalo Place Inc. board of directors on March 25.
"Pete has the right skill set and experience," said Chris Jacobs, Buffalo Place Search Committee chairman.
Burakowski was selected from a pool of more than 200 candidates - both national and local candidates - that sought to replace Mike Schmand, who retired after 28 years as Buffalo Place's executive director.
Leading Buffalo Place, that serves as downtown's primary advocacy group as well as maintaining the pedestrian mall and promoting the central business district, is a dream come true, Burakowski said.
"I have a big passion for downtown," Burakowski said.
Burakowski has a resume that's deep in experience including leading Visit Buffalo Niagara (now Visit Buffalo) media relations team and director of communications for the Buffalo History Museum.
While at 43 North, Burakowski was part of the team that created its annual startup competition where companies vied for venture funds if they moved their companies to Buffalo.
As UB's startup venture specialist, Burakowski led a team effort that brought more than 40 companies to the region.
"Understand this, downtown is already a hub for innovation," Burakowski said.
Burakowski joins Buffalo Place at a time where there is a concerted effort to revive the central business district by encouraging more resiodential development, convincing companies to bring more workers back to the downtown core and creating more play and fun activies.
"Downtown is really this exciting asset," Burakowski said. "At one end, you have the Theatre District and the other end you have the Sabres, Bisons and Bandits."
Burakowski is slated to start his new job on April 27.
Buffalo Place names Pete Burakowski to replace the retired Mike Schmand
