BUFFALO, NY – Ronald J. Tanski, president and chief executive officer of National Fuel Gas Company, will receive the Business Executive of the Year Award at the annual Canisius University Business Awards Dinner on Tuesday, October 14 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m.; dinner is at 6:30 p.m.; the awards presentation will follow and will include the presentation of the Dr. Bernard L. Martin Award to Michael J. Edbauer MBA ’12, DO, chief medical officer, Catholic Medical Partners. The Business Awards Dinner is co-sponsored by the Business Advisory Council to the Richard J. Wehle School of Business.
Established in 1969, the Business Executive of the Year Award honors an outstanding Western New York business executive who has achieved professional success and demonstrated a broad interest in civic affairs. The Richard J. Wehle School of Business at Canisius University presents the award annually at the Business Awards Dinner.
This year’s recipient, Ronald J. Tanski, is president and chief operating officer of National Fuel Gas Company. He joined the company in 1979 as an attorney and served in various roles in both the regulated and non-regulated businesses, rising through the ranks until he was named president and chief operating officer of the integrated energy company in 2013. From 2004 to 2010, Tanski was treasurer and principal financial officer of the company, and from 2008 to 2010, he also served as president of National Fuel Gas Supply Gas Supply Gas Supply Corporation. Previously Tanski also served as president of National Fuel Gas Distribution Company.
More than 732,000 customers in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania rely on the utility subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company to heat their home. When he was named to lead the company, Tanski noted that National Fuel was poised “to participate in the ongoing resurgence of the national gas industry in North America.” In an important step toward that goal, National Fuel has increased natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region in Pennsylvania and announced plans to increase its focus on drilling additional wells and investing in more pipeline infrastructure in the coming year. The strategy promises to continue the record of success that resulted in a June 2014 increase in National Fuel’s common stock dividend for the 44th consecutive year.
Tanski dedicates his time and talents in service with various charitable or civic organizations. He currently mentors undergraduate accounting students as a member of the Canisius University Council on Accountancy. Tanski also serves on the board of managers of the Buffalo Museum of Science, the board of directors for the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, and he previously served on and chaired the board of directors for the Western New York/Northwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Tanski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo (U.B.), an MBA from U.B.'s School of Management, and a juris doctor degree from U.B.'s School of Law.
Michael J. Edbauer MBA ’12, DO, will also be recognized at the annual Business Awards Dinner. The Canisius alumnus will receive the Bernard L. Martin Award. Established in 1976 by the Board of Directors of the Canisius University Masters Alumni Association (MBAA), the award recognizes a distinguished graduate of the college’s graduate business programs – someone who has excelled professionally and also provided significant service to the community.
Edbauer is chief medical officer of Catholic Medical Partners, chief clinical officer for Catholic Health, and president and CEO of Trinity Medical WNY, PC. Under his direction, Catholic Medical Partners has received accreditation in disease management of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. In addition, Catholic Medical Partners partnered with Catholic Health of Buffalo to establish a local Accountable Care Organization (ACO), which unites clinicians and hospitals in an effort to provide excellent, cost-effective health care for Medicare patients. During its first eight months the ACO operated under budget, and according to Edbauer “demonstrated that we can improve quality outcomes and reduce costs of care at the same time.”
While he began his career as a pediatrician, Edbauer later moved into medical administration. He was just 39 when his performance as chief medical office and medical director of Promedicus Health Group earned him a place on Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” list.
Edbauer’s commitment to alma mater is steadfast. He is a member of the Canisius University Medical Advisory Board and a former panelist for the 2012 Schreiner Lecture. In 2012 he was also recognized as Canisius’ MBA Student of the Year.
Edbauer holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MBA from Canisius University.
For more information on the Business Awards Dinner, contact the Richard J. Wehle School of Business at (716) 888-2160 or click here.
Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
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