Western NY Blues Society Board Members
board, committee chair, and program chair Members
Scott Russell – President A longtime Western New York resident, Scott brings over 40 years of experience in business development, hospitality, event management, and nonprofit leadership. He has served on the WNY Blues Society board for three years, including as vice president in 2025, and has worked with organizations such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association, and Harrison’s Playmakers.
Ray Geska – Vice President brings decades of experience in Buffalo broadcasting and a lifelong passion for blues music. Since joining the board in 2025, he has become a familiar face as Master of Ceremonies at Society events. A self-described musicologist, Ray’s communications background and people skills help expand outreach and strengthen connections across the blues community.
Timm Goodrich – Treasurer After a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, Timm now brings financial stewardship and community commitment to the Society. An active blues advocate, Timm plays harmonica in local music settings and has performed with blues ensembles, helping amplify live music across the region. His passion for the blues and sound fiscal leadership supports the Society’s growth and mission.
Patricia Flaherty was born and raised in Buffalo and brings more than four decades of experience in human resource management across the parking and healthcare industries. She currently serves as HR Director for Healthcare Solutions WNY, an affiliate of Catholic Health. Patty has organized the annual Blues Cruise for the past two years. When she’s not promoting the Blues Society, she enjoys pickleball, volleyball, yoga, and skiing, always finding new ways to help keep the blues alive in Western New York.
Welcome New Board Members
Steve Schouten
Steve has lived in Buffalo since 1992 and was raised in Watkins Glen. With more than 35 years of experience as an accountant, he currently works with National Fuel. Steve enjoys live music, sports, golf, biking, and staying active, and looks forward to contributing his professional experience and community perspective to the Society.
Carolina Torres
Caroline brings over a decade of experience in digital strategy, communications, and change management, working with organizations including bp and Cognite. Deeply involved in the Rochester blues scene, she helps produce and promote the Son House Blues Night at Record Archive and is a founder of Twang House Records. Carolina has been married for 40 years to blues musician Son Henry and they are the proud parents of four children.
Debbie Cavers
Debbie (Deb) is a mission-driven leader with deep experience in fundraising, community engagement, and nonprofit growth across Western New York. She serves as Development Director at Community Missions of Niagara Frontier and has held senior leadership roles with Harrison’s Playmakers, supporting large-scale events, partnerships, and volunteer teams. A certified grant writer and lifelong music lover with vocal training, Deb is passionate about preserving the blues and helping the WNY Blues Society grow for future generations.
Committee Chairs
Education – Open
Marketing – Carolina Torres
Development – Debbie Cavers
Membership – Open
Volunteer – Open
Program Directors
Nurs’n Blues – Fran Denk/Patti Parks
AmJam – Jeff Stromberg
716 Blues – Jeff Stromberg
Blues Cruise – Patty Flaherty
We need you!
Want to help your community, have some fun, and hang out with the cool kids? Become a Committee Chair!
Just fill out the form below.
