Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation

  Ralph J. Vanner, Sr.

Ralph J. Vanner, Sr. serves as Sr. Chairman of Vanner Insurance Agency and Secretary of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation Board of Trustees.  

Ralph was born in Buffalo, New York and attended the University of Buffalo before beginning his insurance career in 1962, working for a local insurance agency.  In 1967 he formed his own insurance agency, Ralph J. Vanner & Associates, where he currently serves as Chairman.  In 1987 he further expanded business operations by establishing a joint venture with the Hunt Real Estate Corporation.  This operation, Hunt-Vanner & Associates, specializes in serving the insurance needs of new homeowners in Western New York.  In 2009 Ralph J. Vanner & Associates was renamed Vanner Insurance Agency and continues as a full service insurance agency.

Ralph serves on the Boards of several local companies and not-for-profit organizations.  He is the past president of The 100 Club of Western New York, an organization that helps firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service personnel who are injured or killed in the line of duty.  Ralph's community service also extends to the Town of Tonawanda, where he served on their Zoning board. 

Ralph is a member of several organizations and clubs including the Professional Insurance Agents Association, Independent Insurance Agency Association of Western New York, the National Association of Surety Bond Producers & the Town of Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce.  Ralph has received recognition by the Town of Tonawanda Republican Committee with the presentation of the Donald A. Miller Award for his continuing community service in the Town of Tonawanda.  

Ralph has been a longtime financial supporter and has involved Vanner Insurance Agency in sponsoring numerous events such as The Bob A. Saldanha Memorial Golf & Wine Event and A Tribute to Angels for many years.