Big Brothers Big Sisters selects Benjamin Marchione as new CEO

Big Brothers Big Sisters press release & photo

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara & the Southern Tier announced Benjamin Marchione was selected as the organization’s next CEO, effective April 6.

Marchione brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, along with a proven track record of building strong teams, cultivating community partnerships, and advancing mission-driven impact. Most recently, he served as regional director for Make-A-Wish in Western New York, leading all regional operations across a 17-county footprint.

Throughout his career, Marchione has demonstrated a deep commitment to nonprofit leadership, strategic growth and community engagement. The board’s search and executive committees believe his experience, collaborative leadership style, and passion for youth mentorship position him well to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters into its next chapter.

“We’re grateful to interim CEO Sesha Yalamanchili and our leadership team for guiding the organization during this transitional period,” said Tim Silverstein, board president. “Ben’s compassion, experience, and mission-driven leadership position us well for the next chapter. We’re excited to welcome him and continue building on our strong foundation.”

“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when mentorship and meaningful connection matter more than ever,” Marchione said. “When we invest in young people, we don’t just change individual lives, we strengthen entire communities. I look forward to advancing this powerful mission to ensure that every young person has access to someone who believes in them.”

The board of directors expresses its gratitude to the organization’s leadership team and staff for their continued dedication during this transition and looks forward to working together to support Marchione as he steps into the role.

For decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier has ignited the power and promise of local children through one-to-one mentoring program. The children enrolled are more confident and have a stronger sense of what they can achieve in the future. They also have more positive attitudes toward school, and 99% of them are promoted to the next grade, including graduating high school.

Anyone interested in becoming a Big can do so at www.BiggerTogether.org.