BUFFALO, NY – Robert D. Gioia has been appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC) by New York State Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver.

“Mr. Gioia brings leadership experience and expertise through his many valued community commitments and business acumen. I know he will play a valuable role in the future evolution and success of this organization,” said David C. Hohn, MD, President and CEO, RPCI.

Mr. Gioia is a Principal with the Food Group of Strategic Investments & Holdings, Inc, one of the most experienced equity acquisition firms in the region, and Chairman of Topps Meat Company, LLC, a leading national value-added meat processor headquartered in Elizabeth, NJ, servicing retail and food service markets.

A Western New York community leader, Mr. Gioia currently serves as President of the Martin House Restoration Corporation, Chairman of the Community Foundation for a Greater Buffalo and a Trustee of St. Lawrence University. He also has served as Chairman of the Erie County Stabilization Project of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership (2005), President of the Board of Trustees of the Nichols School (2001-2005) and Chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (1990-1998) where he pioneered the completion of the $120 million Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. Mr. Gioia was named one of the Buffalo News’ Citizens of the Year in 1997.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute- designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.