ALBANY, N.Y. — Gregory Biryla, the former head of Unshackle Upstate, has been named New York state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
He replaces Mike Durant, who recently left NFIB to become the new president and CEO of the Food Industry Alliance (FIA) of New York State, according to a May 30 FIA news release.
A Buffalo native currently living in Rochester, Biryla had been executive director of Unshackle Upstate, an advocacy group involving regional chambers of commerce and trade associations from around the state.
“It’s an honor to be named NFIB’s next state director in New York. Representing more than 10,000 hardworking members from Montauk to Lake Erie is a tremendous privilege. New York’s small and independent businesses help drive the state’s economy and provide countless men and women with jobs and opportunities,” Biryla said in an NFIB news release. “As the husband of a small business owner, I understand the pride that comes with building a business from the ground up, staking your own course and placing a bet on yourself. I also know there are challenges. That perspective will guide my advocacy in Albany and across the state to ensure the voice of NFIB-NY is heard and the interests of small business are advanced.”
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