The Buffalo Bills announced Mark Laurrie as the Bills’ 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker on Thursday — an annual recognition celebrating leaders who are driving significant, measurable change in their communities across the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative’s four pillars: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Laurrie, the Niagara Falls City School District’s superintendent, is a dedicated advocate for the American Heart Association.
“I’m shocked and I’m so appreciative,” Laurrie said. “We are so appreciative in Niagara Falls that the Bills Foundation reaches that far, and that you don’t forget that we have love in Niagara Falls for you. We appreciate that you remember Niagara Falls.”
David Rust, the 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker and executive director of Say Yes Buffalo, works in partnership with Laurrie who extended the Say Yes Buffalo initiative to Niagara Falls, encouraging students to earn four-year and two-year degrees, certificates or apprenticeships.
“My hope is that in honoring Mark’s lifetime commitment to education in Niagara Falls, the city, school district, and Say Yes Niagara Falls will receive similar exposure and support, for the scholarship endowment in particular,” Rust said. “Niagara Falls is a critical part of our region, and I’m deeply grateful for the wonderful recognition Mark is receiving, after all he has given to his city.”
The NFL Foundation awarded Laurrie $10,000 and he decided to donate all of it to Say Yes Niagara Falls. Rust said he hopes Laurrie’s commitment to the program inspires others to invest in some way to their communities.
In September 2024, Laurrie partnered with the American Heart Association, providing more than 750 student athletes, parents, family members and staff the opportunity to practice hands-on CPR through the HeartBEAT event.
“Mark expressed to me that day that if one life could be saved by the experience, that he felt he has made a difference,” region vice president Robyn Birren of American Heart Association said. “I could not agree more.”
Laurrie collaborates with other academic leaders in New York to promote life-saving education programs, events and resources. He serves on the Eastern States American Heart Association Board of Directors as well.
“(Laurrie provides) invaluable insight to help us stay attuned to the evolving needs of school communities, families, and educators,” region senior vice president Abby Bartley of American Heart Association said. “His perspective strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful impact where it matters most.”
On Dec. 28, Laurrie will be recognized at the Bills’ Inspire Change game against the Eagles.