Brown steps down, Parry becomes Association president

Christopher Brown has resigned as president of the Allentown Association and been succeeded by Wayne Parry who was first vice president.

Chris Brown, who also resigned as a member of the Board of Directors, said he found it necessary to reduce his commitments because of other responsibilities.  He is a vice president in M&T Bank’s Technology Division.

“It’s sad for us,” said Wayne Parry. “Chris was extremely valuable to the Association and this community, hard working, a tireless community advocate and a great leader.”

“I will be president until the annual meeting October,” and Matthew Ryan, chairman of the board’s Business Relations Committee, has expressed interest in the presidency," Wayne Parry told the board on June 17. The board elected Matt Ryan to fill the vacancy as first vice president.

Chris Brown had been president since Nov. 22, 2006.  His nomination without opposition was announced Oct. 25 at the 2006 annual meeting. A recognized preservation advocate, he has written on Buffalo history and preservation topics, and given walking tours. He has also served as president of the Kleinhans Community Association for eight years, and chaired the Secrets of Allentown tour of homes.

As president, he set goals for preservation, education and tourism, and worked hard on preservation issues. The Association, under his leadership, sponsored free seminars on Allentown architecture and home repairs, and is offering a series of walking tours this summer.