UB's Center for Industrial Effectiveness Awards Six Sigma Training Certificates

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) at the University at Buffalo has awarded certifications to Western New York professionals in government, manufacturing and academia who have successfully completed Six Sigma training.

The Six Sigma methodology, one of the most popular quality-management programs in the corporate workplace, helps businesses grow through greater efficiency.

Candidates underwent training in various levels of mastery, from the fundamentals of Six Sigma systems and quality management taught at the Green Belt level to the in-depth content covered in Black Belt training and instructor training delivered at the Master Black Belt level.

For certification, individuals were required to pass an exam and complete a Six Sigma improvement project for their organizations.

Green Belt graduates include: Wesley Dragoo of Tonawanda, quality representative at Ryerson; Deborah Goldman of Buffalo, director of planning and evaluation at the Erie County Department of Mental Health; John Grieco of Cheektowaga, coordinator of mental disability services at the Erie County Department of Mental Health; Paul Kranz of Amherst, associate environmental quality engineer at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning; Jeanne Leising of Buffalo, system of care director of utilization management at the Erie County Department of Mental Health; Mindy Shaw of West Seneca, intern personnel specialist in the Erie County Personnel Department; Marie Sly of Tonawanda, director of quality assurance for Youth and Family Services of the Erie County Department of Mental Health; and Mary Yoviene of Buffalo, supervisor of grants administration in the Erie County Department of Senior Services.

Black Belt graduates are: Sandra DiPasquale of Williamsville, health care specialist, TCIE facilitator and adjunct instructor in the UB Department of Social and Preventive Medicine; and Jamie Strasser of Alden, quality control manager at Magtrol, Inc.

Matthew Rigerman of Buffalo, director of quality at Williams Advanced Materials, was awarded a Master Black Belt.

Instruction was provided by Tom Miller, TCIE senior business process performance manager; Thom Marra, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt; and Kristina Young, TCIE facilitator and adjunct instructor in UB's School of Public Health and Health Professions.

TCIE provides a dynamic link between UB's expert resources and the region's business community. A program of the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, TCIE fosters partnerships and manages projects as diverse as the region's businesses. TCIE is a premier provider of Lean Six Sigma training and mentoring. For more information on how TCIE can assist Western New York businesses, go to http://www.tcie.buffalo.edu or call 636-2568.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.