Welcome to the Buffalo Triathlon Club
The Buffalo Triathlon Club (BTC) was founded in January of 1997, in Buffalo, New York. The goal of the BTC is to support and promote the multisport community in Buffalo and Western New York. We have members of all abilities and skill levels and offer events that everyone from beginners to veterans can enjoy and benefit from. Whether you are a veteran of many races, or someone who is just thinking about trying one, this club is for you! The BTC is open to anyone wishing to join and abide by our club by-laws. We try to create a friendly community where new and beginner members won't feel intimidated and free to learn and train at their own pace with the help of other members.
The BTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and has historically donated to various charities throughout the year.
2025 Board of Directors & Officers
The BTC board of directors consists of 11 members that are elected annually by the membership. The board meets monthly to guide the overall direction of the club and vote on key issues. The four officers are elected by the board at the beginning of each year. Each board member is assigned to one or more of our four committees to focus on specific roles and responsibilities.
Below is a list of Board members and Elected officers within the club along with email contact information for each.
2025 Board of Directors - Elected Officers
Email: boardmembers<at> buffalotriathlonclub.com
PRESIDENT - Carol Novak
USAT Age Group: 50-54
Hobbies: People have other hobbies?
VICE PRESIDENT - Alisha Gannon
Hobbies: Herpetology, painting
SECRETARY- Andrea Pecoraro
USAT Age group: 40-44
Hobbies: Hiking, SUP'ing, Adventuring, dog owner
TREASURER - Jon Panetta
USAT Age Group: 30-34
Hobbies: Guitar, going to the movies, Milwaukee Bucks
Tom Piwtorak
USAT Age Group: 35-39
Hobbies; Homebrewing (Beer, wine, cider), Kayaking & SUP'ing, baseball/hockey dad, dance/theater dad, raquetsports
Dave Shapiro
USAT Age group: 60-64
Hobbies: Travel, photography, blogging, reading, overseas medical missions
David Federspeil
USAT Age Group: 55-59
Hobbies; listening to music, camping, pushing the sport boundaries of myself and helping others realize their own potentials and accomplishing their dreams
Michelle Nitsche
USAT Age Group: 35-39
Hobbies: hiking, paddleboarding, adventuring, coaching soccer, raquetsports
Amy Benedict
USAT Age Group: 45-49
Hobbies; working on the World Majors, fan of all things Disney and Harry Potter, reading, crocheting, paint/do art in a variety of mediums (favorite being painting ornaments for friends)
Deanna Giordano
USAT Age Group: 55-59
Hobbies; Owner of Studio Sophia Fitness Club, Personal Trainer, Pilates & Yoga Instructor, loves to Crochet and read
Kelsi Linton
USAT Age: 25-29
Hobbies; Rock climbing, traveling to national parks, camping, hiking, dog mom
Club Officers
Events Committee
Planning and coordination of club workouts, club events, and other training opportunities.
Email: event-committee<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Membership Committee
Maintains the membership database/roster. Responsible for new member welcoming and inclusion.
Email: membership-committee<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Partnership Committee
Maintains club partnerships and arranges partner-lead special events.
Email: partnership-committee<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Communication Committee
Club communications such as weekly & monthly email newsletters. Maintains the club website.
Email: communication-committee<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Other Teams & Contacts
Tent & Flag Coordinator
Coordinates the storage and loaning of our two 10'x10' pop-up BTC tents and smaller road flags. Members are welcome to borrow them for events.
Who: Dave Federspeil
Email: tent<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Bike Box Coordinator
Receives and coordinates bike box reservations.
Who: Dave Federspeil
Email: bikebox<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Apparel Coordinators
Coordinates apparel orders, deliver orders, & hold inventory.
Who: Tom Piwtorak, Carol Novak
Email: apparel<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Technical / Web
Maintains the technical aspects of running the club's IT/online presence such as the website, email, 3rd party services, etc....
Who: Jon Panetta (Technical), Kelsi Linton (Website), Amy Benedict (Facebook & Instagram)
Email: webmaster<at>buffalotriathlonclub.com
Newsletters
Check out some of our prior newsletters to see what the BTC has been up to.
Charities & Giving
Since the BTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we have historically donated to various charities throughout the year.
Our 2025 charity is
Providing Erie County with a Community Home for the Dying
With Peace.
With Comfort.
With Dignity.
Here are some of the charities BTC has donated to in prior years
Big big table
Buffalo Animal Shelter
Team RWB
Buffalo Food Not Bombs
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
DeSales Catholic School in Lockport NY (in memory of Tim Chesko)
Lockport YMCA & Camp Kenan
Hunter's Hope
Dunlop Ride for Charity (benefits Make-a-Wish foundation in WNY, & Roswell Park)
Teens Living with Cancer
LiveSTRONG Foundation
Haven House
Grant's Gang
Kids Try, Inc
GObike Buffalo
WNY Foster Closet