Since graduation, Courtney Gorman '93 LS has charted a career in the Buffalo area, spanning the fields of accounting, sales and management.

 

"I think Western New York is a well-kept secret," Gorman says. "One of the reasons I love living here is because we have all four seasons. I love all the seasons, even winter. The housing market here in Western New York is very reasonable, and this make it affordable for people to buy a home here." Another reason I love Western New York is because there is always something to do here. Between the different festivals in the summer every weekend, to the great theater districts.

 

As one of seven children, all of whom are still in the Western New York area, Gorman credits her family, and especially her father, as contributing to her success.

 

"My father passed away ten years ago and he has made me what I am today," explains Gorman. "I was taught by both my parents to treat others the way you would want to be treated, to be honest and to help others. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without them."

 

After graduating from Medaille, Gorman worked as an assistant manager in the Apparel Department at K-Mart. She then transitioned to Hy-Grade Distributors in Tonawanda, which had diverse operations in janitorial, paper, packaging and office supplies.

 

Starting in the Billing Department, she moved her way up through positions in inventory control, packaging, sales and finally as Senior Buyer. When Sysco Food Services of Jamestown bought Hy-Grade Distributors in 2006, Gorman became a merchandiser/category manager for the janitorial/paper division. That led to a job as a buyer with Philpac Corporation, which has a 25-year history as a packaging distributor/manufacturing company.

 

Gorman cites her dream job as working in the clothing industry. "Over the last few years I really have enjoyed fashion industry. I would like to be a buyer for any designer." she offers.