President Lorrie Clemo Named One of Western New York’s Most Influential Women

D’Youville University is proud to celebrate President Dr. Lorrie Clemo’s inclusion in the 2025 Power 200 Women list, recognizing the region’s most influential and impactful female leaders. Ranked at #18, Dr. Clemo is once again being honored for her bold leadership, dedication to community health, and commitment to innovation in higher education.

Since becoming D’Youville’s first lay president in 2017, Dr. Clemo has guided the university through a transformative period of growth. From the launch of the Health Professions Hub—which provided more than 10,000 community visits in 2024 alone—to achieving university status and founding the Doctoral Studies and Research Center, her leadership has created new pathways for both students and the greater Buffalo community.

Dr. Clemo is also leading efforts to establish a new College of Osteopathic Medicine, pending pre-accreditation. The program, which is planned to be housed at 285 Delaware Avenue, will expand D’Youville’s reach as a leader in doctoral education and play a vital role in addressing the growing physician shortage in Western New York and across the state. With an emphasis on whole-person, community-based care, the proposed college builds on D’Youville’s mission of healthcare education that is equitable, compassionate, and locally rooted.

Her passion for education extends far beyond academic buildings. Dr. Clemo’s efforts have helped D’Youville earn national recognition for social mobility, career success among first-generation students, and interprofessional education. Under her leadership, the university has implemented groundbreaking initiatives such as a four-day, 32-hour workweek for staff and accelerated online degree options like the 5-year PharmD and an online Family Nurse Practitioner program.

A tireless advocate for access and equity, Dr. Clemo also serves on the boards of Kaleida Health, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York, among others. These roles amplify her voice as a regional leader dedicated to building healthier, more inclusive communities.

As she continues to shape the future of D’Youville and the city it proudly calls home, Dr. Clemo’s recognition on the Power 200 Women list is a reflection of her bold vision, deep compassion, and unwavering belief in what’s possible when education and community come together. For the complete list visit Buffalo Business First.