Brian

Higgins

Brian Higgins became President of the Sheas Performing Arts Center earlier this year after nearly twenty years representing the Buffalo area in the United States House of Representatives. Higgins served on the House Ways and Means, Budget, Homeland Security and Foreign Affaires Committees during his tenure. While in Congress, Higgins travelled extensively throughout the world promoting peace and reconciliation with government leaders in the Middle East, East Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Higgins is credited with the redevelopment of the Buffalo waterfront area after having helped to secure a $279 million settlement in 2005 from the New York Power Authority (NYPA). He helped write the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) legislation to clean up the nation’s lakes and rivers from decades of industrial pollution and environmental degradation. As chair of the cancer caucus, Higgins was recognized as a national leader successfully advocating for increased federal investments in cancer research and the development of new treatments and therapies.

Last month, Higgins delivered the commencement address at Canisius University where he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Higgins also delivered commencement addresses and received honorary degrees from Damien University, Fredonia State University and Medialle College. Higgins is a 1985 graduate of Buffalo State University where received his undergraduate degree in Political Science. He also served as an adjunct professor of History and Economics at the state university. Higgins was awarded the inaugural Western New York Harvard Graduate Fellowship where he earned an advanced degree in policy and administration from Harvard University in 1996.