Our Team
We work to strengthen and expand existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and endeavor to bring new business into the City of North Tonawanda in an effort to advance development, create jobs, and increase the property tax base while at the same time preserving city neighborhoods.
Laura Wilson (Bernsohn)
Executive Director
Laura Wilson has been with Lumber City Development Corporation since 2014. She first joined LCDC in the role of Planning & Development Specialist, and then became Executive Director in 2021. Prior to that, Laura worked as a Planning and Development Coordinator for the City of Jamestown. She received her BA in Geography from West Virginia University, and her Masters in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her pets, gardening, and going to live music concerts with her good friends.
(716)-695-8580
[email protected]
Alecia Zimmerman
Community Project Administrator and Bookkeeper
Alecia Zimmerman began working part-time at LCDC primarily as the bookkeeper in 2021. In a short period of time, she took on additional responsibilities assisting Laura wherever needed as the Community Projects Administrator and Bookkeeper. Alecia also works at a machine shop as the Office Manager. Prior to LCDC, Alecia was a social worker with an adoption agency and researcher with the Homeless Alliance of WNY. She received her BS in Psychology and her Masters in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. When she is not working, she spends her time volunteering for The Big Big Table, attending Bandits lacrosse games with her family, and spending time with her friends at music events.
(716)-695-8580
[email protected]
Ava LaBella
Community Development Specialist
Ava LaBella joined the LCDC team in January of 2025. Ava holds a BS in Urban Planning, minor in Geography from SUNY Buffalo State. She was awarded the 'National Center for Geographic Education Excellence of Scholarship Award' in May of 2022 for academic excellence in planning. Prior to LCDC, worked as a Program Coordinator for the Community Academic Center at SUNY Buffalo State, where she mainly assisted immigrant and refugee populations in the City of Buffalo. Ava is also a North Tonawanda native and class of 2018 North Tonawanda High School graduate, so she is excited to be back in NT to serve her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
