Forty under 40 Class of 2017

Danielle Abramson Swartz

Associate Director of Major Giving

WXXI Public Broadcasting

Age: 31

Education: A.A., liberal arts, Monroe Community College; B.A., sociology, Nazareth College

Family:  Husband, Michael

Residence: Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: Fundraising, and producer on WXXI’s Norm & Company

Professional and community leadership: Board member, Associate for Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter; committee member, Memorial Art Gallery MAG Social Committee; committee member, Nazareth College Young Alumni Leaders of Industry Committee.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I would work to enhance collaboration and communication between organizations and industries in Rochester. There is so much innovation in this region. If we can effectively harness our social entrepreneurial spirit to stimulate growth through collaboration, we will be able to efficiently meet the diverse needs of our vibrant community.

Surprising fact: I am an AmeriCorps VISTA (Rochester Youth Year) alumnae

 

Tara Astigarraga

Sr. Research Software Engineer, Blockchain Solutions

IBM Research

Age: 37

Education: B.A., Spanish and linguistics, University of Arizona; B.A., communication, University of Arizona; M.S., computer information systems, University of Arizona

Family: Husband, Julio; children Gabriela, 12, and Alexis, 9.

Residence: Fairport

Professional responsibilities: I am currently working in IBM Watson Research focused on architecting, designing and developing Enterprise Blockchain Solutions for multi-vendor services. I spent the first 10-plus years of my career in IBM Systems group focused on enterprise storage, server and networking solutions.

Professional and community leadership: American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Sequoyah Fellow and Technical Excellence Award winner; IBM Native Council, board member; International Journal on Advances in Systems and Measurements, author; Advances in System Testing and Validation, conference committee member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I am a passionate mentor for STEM K-12 outreach and want to increase opportunities for future generations.

Surprising fact: I am an IBM Master Inventor with more than 65 patents filed across a broad area of topics ranging from Blockchain to networking to fashion analytics

 

Erin Barry

Director, Strategic Community Initiatives

Finger Lakes Performing Provider System

Age: 37

Education: B.A., Hamilton College; MBA, Simon School, University of Rochester

Family: Husband, Keenan; children, Lucas, 4, and Rowan, 2.

Residence: Webster

Professional responsibilities: I work at FLPPS, which is the organization accountable for administering the New York State Department of Health Waiver Program DSRIP, focused on reforming Medicaid across a five-year period, in partnership with the Department of Health. I lead the team that focuses on strategic planning and implementation of community initiatives and strategic partnerships, in support of the Social Determinants of Health at FLPPS. I work closely with the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, specifically on the Service Provider Workgroup as backbone staff and as an advisor to the Community Advisory Group.

Professional and community leadership: Board of directors, The Children’s Agenda; chair, Strategic Planning Committee; member, Governance Committee; member, Quality & Compliance Committee for Mary Cariola; co-facilitator of the Rochester Collective Impact Partnership.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I am incredibly enthusiastic, energized and thrilled to be part of a growing group of young professionals in Rochester that support innovative approaches to community health and well-being. The opportunity to work with the Rochester Collective Impact Partnership, and Systems Integration Work under Joe Morelle’s leadership is my most fulfilling work to date, which supplements the work that I am blessed to do every day. The field concentrating on the Social Determinants of Health is of vital importance to Rochester’s future.

Surprising fact: In my adolescence I was a dancer. It was a central part of my life from the age of 3 all the way through high school, where I attended the School of the Arts (RCSD). My fondest memories were performing in the annual dance concert, where I was a choreographer and dancer. My favorite form of dance, hands down, is tapping.

 

Christopher Bell

Executive Director

Monroe County Medical Society

Age: 31

Education: B.A., psychology, University of Rochester; M.S., marriage and family therapy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; MBA, Simon School of Business, University of Rochester

Family:  Wife, Sarah; daughter Chelsea, 2.

Residence: Perinton

Professional responsibilities: Manage operations, advocacy and public relations for two non-profit professional societies and two non-profit foundations.

Professional and community leadership: Greater Rochester Regional Health Information Organization, board member; Common Ground Health, board member; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, board member; Psi Upsilon Alumni Association of Western New York, board secretary.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Improving the health and well-being of this community is incredibly important, and I will continue to spend my free time to accomplish this. I love simply connecting and facilitating collaboration with stakeholders in the community; together we achieve more.

Surprising fact: I have performed in a dance competition in New Delhi, India.

 

Destini Bowman

Assistant District Attorney

Monroe County District Attorney’s Office

Age: 34

Education: B.S., Cornell University; J.D., Albany Law School

Family: Single

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: Responsible for handling all aspects of prosecuting felony criminal cases as a representative of the people in Monroe County. This includes gathering evidence, presenting to grand juries, responding to motions and conducting pre-trial hearings and trials.  The goal is to seek justice and do what is right.

Professional and community leadership: Troop co-leader, Girl Scouts of Western New York; service unit manager, Girl Scouts of Western New York; programs co-chair, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys; Alumni Advisory Board member, Northeast Black Law Students Association; ambassador, National Museum of African American History and Culture at Smithsonian

Bringing about change in Rochester: I will continue to mentor youths, speak at schools and work with community groups that focus on voter education. I plan to provide better resources and access for people of color interested in the field of law and support organizations that assist victims of violence.

Surprising fact: I enjoyed skydiving and recently did the Edgewalk at Toronto’s CN Tower.

 

Andrew Brady

President and Chief Evolutionary Officer

The XLR8 Team, Inc.

Age: 29

Education: B.S., applied economics and management, Cornell University; Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania

Family: Single

Residence: Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: Both by coaching senior leaders individually and using tools to measure culture systemically, we create a comprehensive leadership program for leaders at all levels of the organization. Ultimately, we help infuse purpose and values into the organizational culture, creating a competitive advantage where employees flourish as does the entire organization.

Professional and community leadership: Co-chair, Conscious Capitalism Rochester Chapter; co-chair, RocCity Coalition; co-president, Rochester Young Professionals; board of directors Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce; board of directors, Junior Achievement

Bringing about change in Rochester: Helping business leaders evolve their companies toward Conscious Capitalism, where organizations with a purpose (beyond making profits) that balances the needs of all stakeholders (rather than prioritizing stockholders and short-term returns) end up not only being more successful but also having a positive impact on employees and the community.

Surprising fact: I’m addicted to adventure. I’ve completed multiple marathons, triathlons and an Ironman, tried surfing, kiteboarding and paragliding and recently got certified as a scuba diver. It is my goal each year to travel to a country I’ve never visited before.

 

Collene Burns

Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources

Finger Lakes Performing Provider System

Age: 38

Education: B.S., Industrial and Labor Relations; MBA, Simon School of Business, University of Rochester

Family: Husband, McLean Bulmer; son, Jackson, 12.

Residence: Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: It’s my honor to work with an incredibly gifted team reforming Medicaid delivery in a 13-county area. My role is to ensure that the team is appropriately aligned and we’re maximizing the use of their talents to do this very difficult but very rewarding work.

Professional and community leadership: President, Rochester Area Fencing Foundation; treasurer, Irondequoit Public Library board of trustees; Strong Museum of Play’s Play Ball gala honorary co-chair, 2016; YWCA Person2Person Cohort 2016–2017.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I chose to return to Rochester in 2012 after a dozen years in Seattle, Washington because I believe that our city is on the precipice of something extraordinary. As an agent of change, I strive to connect individuals and groups not otherwise connecting to ensure change is lasting and meaningful.

Surprising fact: One of our values as a family is to consistently try new things; while that alone is not surprising, it’s led to my visiting all 50 of the United States, our son playing unusual sports (e.g. fencing), and my becoming a nationally certified waterski instructor. We’re always on an adventure.

 

Achille Cavatassi

Vice President, Commercial Banking

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

Age: 35

Education: B.S., business administration, State University of New York College at Potsdam

Family:  Wife, Kristen; children Achille, 2, and Isla, 8 months.

Residence: Pittsford

Professional responsibilities: I help middle market companies in Rochester by providing financing and treasury solutions. I’m responsible for a portfolio of relationships with both public and private companies in a diverse set of industries. I also work directly with business leaders and financial executives to help them navigate complex business situations.

Professional and community leadership: Member, board of directors, It’s About Caring for Kids (IACKids); member, Executive Committee, SUNY Potsdam Business Administration Advisory Council; chairman, JPMorgan Chase Team, Tour de Cure, American Diabetes Assocication; committee member, JPMorgan Volunteer Leadership Group.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I want to continue to use my position at JPMorgan Chase to drive positive change in the local economic landscape. Helping local companies grow and achieve their goals directly impacts the local job market and in turn the local economy. I also want to remain active in the community supporting organizations like IACKids, who assist so many families here in Rochester.

Surprising fact: Everyone thinks I’m Greek when they see my name, and most are surprised to learn that I’m Italian. My parents emigrated from Italy and the name has been in my family for generations. Achille is my father’s name (everyone calls him Kelly) and my son’s name (his nickname is Ace).

 

Anthony Cook

Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Diocese of Rochester

Age: 36

Education: Doctor of Education, educational leadership, University of Rochester; M.A., educational administration, University of Notre Dame; M.S., education, State University of New York College at Geneseo; B.A., political science, State University of New York College at Geneseo

Family: Wife, Amy; children Leah, 3, and Nora, 1.

Residence: Greece

Professional responsibilities: Serve as diocesan schools leader for 18 Catholic schools located in the Finger Lakes, Monroe County and the Southern Tier. As the chief administrator, I am responsible for 3,400 students, 350 faculty, staff and principals.

Professional and community leadership: Vice chair, New York State Council of Catholic School Superintendents; executive coach for leadership students at the University of Notre Dame; Parish Council member at St. John the Evangelist Church in Greece; Third Degree Knights of Columbus member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I think invoking change starts with nurturing future generations and giving them the skill set necessary to succeed. Not only through my full-time position as superintendent of Catholic schools, but also as executive coach for the University of Notre Dame, I want to model the benefits of hard work.

Surprising fact: I am a New York State certified track and field official and previously coached high school track and field.

 

Tonya Dickerson

Career Advisor

University of Rochester, Gwen M. Greene Career & Internship Center

Age: 37

Education: B.A., sociology, University of Michigan; M.A., organizational leadership, Medaille College

Family: Single

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: Provide career advising services to students and alumni in designated departments, schools and industries/professions. Conduct one-on-one advising and program development and delivery in collaboration with faculty, staff, community organizations and employers, and students. Engage partners across campus to provide services as well as educate students.

Professional and community leadership: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., co-marketing chair; Rochester Black Young Professionals, marketing chair; Urban League of Rochester Black Scholars Planning Committee, alumni liaison; African American Leadership Development Program, Steering and Recruitment committees; Rochester Area Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I would be an agent of change in Rochester by continuing my involvement with community organizations that provide resources, mentor, influence policy-making and highlight the great things we have going on. I would continue to advocate for others to get involved, and assist with developing our future leaders.

Surprising fact: I was one test away from enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves.

 

Jennifer Dunivent

Director of Operations, Outpatient Practices

United Memorial Medical Center

Age: 39

Education: B.S., nursing, University of Rochester School of Nursing; MS-PNP, University of Rochester School of Nursing; M.S., medical management, University of Rochester Simon School of Business.

Family: Children Brandon, 23, Ariana, 13, Natalie, 11, and Julia, 10.

Residence: Webster

Professional responsibilities: Oversees the business functions of all outpatient practices associated with United Memorial Medical Center, leading a team of practice leaders to drive excellence in operations, patient experience, quality care and budget management.

Professional and community leadership: Girl Scouts of Western New York, troop leader for two troops; Genesee/Orleans/Wyoming Opioid Task Force, workgroup leader; March of Dimes, board member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Driving change requires one to be a strong advocate, role model the desired change, remain an active voice and share creative ideas to break down barriers. I work to drive change by focusing on today’s youth, volunteering and choosing to work in the operations field, impacting care across counties.

Surprising fact: I’ve done three Tough Mudders (and counting) and two Spartan races (working on the trifecta.) And I am a provider who loves technology and data.

 

Richard Finley

Chief Operating Officer

Buckingham Properties LLC

Age: 35

Education: B.S., accounting, State University of College at Brockport

Family: Wife, Heather; children, Allyson, 7, Richard IV, 4.

Residence: Webster

Professional responsibilities: Oversight of the day-to-day operations of Buckingham Properties. In addition, I am responsible for evaluating new acquisitions and dispositions of existing assets.

Professional and community leadership: Board member, Mary Cariola Children’s Center; board chair, Buildings and Facilities, Mary Cariola Children’s Center; board member, NAIOP

Bringing about change in Rochester: Buckingham has been at the forefront of Rochester’s revitalization for many years. Our team understands that our work here is not finished and looks forward to continuing our efforts for many years to come.

Surprising fact: Prior to accounting, I was considering a career in culinary arts. To this day, I still use cooking as my creative outlet.

 

Loren Flaum

Chief Financial Officer

Flaum Management Company

Age: 34

Education: B.A., international relations, University of Pennsylvania; M.S., real estate, New York University; MBA, concentration in finance and entrepreneurship, Simon School of Business, University of Rochester

Family: Wife, Jamie; children, Harrison, 5, Jordana, 4.

Residence: Brighton

Professional responsibilities: I am involved in the financial and fiscal management of the company, acquisition due diligence and execution, and managing financial relationships. I coordinate the business planning, administrative, accounting and management efforts as well.

Professional and community leadership: Foodlink, Inc., board member and finance committee; Jewish Community Center of Rochester vice president, Investment Committee chair, Finance Committee; New York State Troopers PBA, Signal 30 board member; University of Pennsylvania, Penn Fund Executive Board member; Penn Club of Rochester, Secondary School Committee chairperson

Bringing about change in Rochester: I am an agent of change by facilitating growth and development opportunities in Rochester through real estate. We have created and retained thousands of jobs through our tenants throughout the community. I also put forth time and effort in the support of many of the local philanthropies in the community.

Surprising fact: I played Division I lacrosse as goalie for University of Pennsylvania

 

Nadine General

Vice President, Agency Nonprofit Services

Dixon Schwabl

Age: 38

Education: B.S., communication/journalism, St. John Fisher College; A.S., liberal arts, Monroe Community College

Family: Husband, Chadd; children, Levi, 3, and Ellison, 1.

Residence: Mendon

Professional responsibilities: Develop and execute strategic PR campaigns for a variety of clients and brands, including lead crisis communications counsel/strategy. Development Support Services Division co-lead, a service offering for non-profits to aide in increasing donations, donor acquisition and brand awareness. Manage agency’s Community Giving Program for all sponsorship requests. Managing Partner Advisory Team member.

Professional and community leadership: St. John Fisher College, Media and Communication Alumni Advisory Board member; Public Relations Society of America, Greater Rochester Chapter, co-chair, Diversity Committee; American Red Cross volunteer

Bringing about change in Rochester: Invest in our youth by offering mentorship and volunteer support to help the underprivileged and privileged youth in our community. I invest in the next generation daily, teaching my children the importance of hard work, the power of helping others and raising them to be open-minded, selfless, giving and inclusive.

 

Ela Hakiel

Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor

Tompkins Financial Advisors

Age: 37

Education: B.A., economics, University of Rochester; MBA, finance and corporate accounting, University of Rochester

Family: Husband, David; children Vivian, 4, and Asher, 2.

Residence: Webster

Professional responsibilities: My responsibilities include providing strategic advice to clients on their wealth management, financial planning and risk management needs. Much of my focus is on working with local, closely-held business owners, corporate executives and their families, and not-for-profit organizations. I also sit on the Tompkins Financial Advisors Investment Committee that exclusively steers investment strategy for over $1.8 billion worth of portfolios.

Professional and community leadership: Vice-co-chairman of Executive Committee, Compeer Rochester; finance committee and board member, Compeer Rochester; stewardship committee, Bivona Child Advocacy Center; alumni volunteer, University of Rochester Simon School of Business.

Bringing about change in Rochester: We are so blessed in Rochester to have so many amazing people and a wealth of resources and knowledge. What I love more than anything in the world is making a connection or an introduction between my friends from different spheres of our community and seeing what sorts of exciting things take place. Relationships are formed, jobs are found, businesses grow and good charitable causes flourish.

Surprising fact: In another life, I would have been a tool-belt wearing, nail gun carrying general contractor. I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.

 

Justin Hamilton

Co-owner

Hamilton Stern Construction, LLC

Age: 37

Education: B.S., civil engineering technology, Rochester Institute of Technology

Family: Wife, Sheena; children, Payton, 9, Taylor, 9, and Avery, 5.

Residence: Pittsford

Professional responsibilities: Co-owner of Hamilton Stern Construction. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a 35-person construction management firm specializing in commercial and residential construction work. Heavily involved in business development, personnel acquisition and management of various types of construction projects.

Professional and community leadership: Member of the board of directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Rochester Branch and member of the Fundraising and Development committees; member of the board of directors for Flower City Habitat for Humanity, director of the Construction Committee; head coach for CYP basketball for grades 3-4 and the instructional program grades K-2.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I think the development momentum for Downtown Rochester is amazing. The amount of residential units that have become available in the past five years is simply amazing. I would like to further that growth by getting retail and more businesses to follow.

Surprising fact: Throughout high school I was interested in joining the FBI although I always have had a passion for construction and building things.

 

Joseph Kosiorek

Senior Associate

SWBR

Age: 39

Education: Bachelor of Professional Studies, architecture, State University at Buffalo; Master of Architecture, State University at Buffalo

Family: Wife, Samantha; children, Ella, 5, Abigail, 2.

Residence: Fairport

Professional responsibilities: Management and design of K-12 education facilities from pre-design planning through to construction. Client management, community consensus building, master planning and strategic planning

Professional and community leadership: Nautilus Scholarship Fund Endowment, founder and president; Village of Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development, board of directors, director; Village of Fairport Planning Board, deputy chairman; Western New York Tech Academy, mentor.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Education planning is more than just designing schools, it is one of the greatest opportunities we have to reach and support the growth of all students, most importantly the non-traditional learner.

Surprising fact: I played men’s league rugby while in grad school and was selected to the Upstate New York All-Star team two years in a row.

 

David Long

Department Administrator

University of Rochester Medical Center

Age: 39

Education: MSBA, Simon School of Business at University of Rochester; MPA, The Ohio State University; B.A., political science and economics, The Ohio State University.

Family:  Wife, Lindsey; children Benjamin, 9, Matthew, 7, Erin, 4.

Residence: Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: Responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of UR Medicine’s Dermatology department including its $15 million budget spanning the missions of clinical patient care, teaching/education and research. Collaborate daily with key stakeholders from the Medical Faculty Group (clinic), Strong Memorial Hospital and the School of Medicine and Dentistry. Work very closely with the department’s chair on activities including strategic planning and visioning.

Professional and community leadership: Chairman, Conservation Board, Town of Irondequoit; president, Lakeside Neighborhood Association; assistant coach, Irondequoit Little League Baseball; co-chair, Development Committee, Starbridge board of directors; secretary, Gilda’s Club board of directors.

Bringing about change in Rochester: As a father of young children and as someone with a business background, I can ask new and objective questions and maybe bring new ideas to the table. My career at the University of Rochester as well as my service on boards in town have allowed me to be a change agent in our community.

Surprising fact: About five years ago I lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise.

 

Tad Mack

Finger Lakes Regional Director – Intergovernmental and Community Relations

Office of the New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

Age: 31

Family: Single

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: As the Finger Lakes Regional Director for New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, I assist people and organizations with fiscal and policy issues and help to address the challenges facing Rochester and the Finger Lakes. I ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently to create the most benefit for our communities.

Professional and community leadership: Monroe County Democratic Committee, former executive director; Rush-Henrietta school board member (2004-2007); Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Board of Directors; New York State Majority Leader Joe Morelle, director of community relations; Kiwanis Club of Irondequoit, member

Bringing about change in Rochester: I am a true believer that public service is about helping others and making our community a better place for all to live. My government, political and volunteer work all centers around this fundamental ideal. I hope that through this work I can touch the lives of many people throughout Rochester and help to improve the community that I love.

Surprising fact: I am an ordained minister.

 

Jeremy Marshall

Director of Veteran Services

Ontario County

Age: 38

Education: Currently pursuing MPA, Villanova University; BBA, American Military University

Family:  Wife, Emily; children Zachary, 16, Kaytlin, 15, Sarrah, 14, and Chase, 13.

Residence: Farmington

Professional responsibilities: Assists Ontario County’s veterans and their families to identify and apply for benefits to which they are entitled from local, state and federal agencies as a result of their military service. Advocate for veterans in employment, housing and legal issues.

Professional and community leadership: American Legion, past post and county commander; Military Order of the Purple Heart, past state commander; Veterans of Foreign Wars, post service officer; American Veterans, post service officer; Town of Farmington, zoning board of appeals member

Bringing about change in Rochester: I would like to network with other people to find ways to empower people and encourage them to enjoy all that the Greater Rochester area has to offer.

Surprising fact: I have been to all 50 states and six of the seven continents. I have not been to Antarctica, and I am in no hurry to cross it off the list. I’m also a huge Sabres fan.

 

Miriam Moore-Burt

Vice President of Racial Equity Initiatives

YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County

Age: 38

Education: B.S., organizational management, Roberts Wesleyan College; M.S., strategic leadership, Roberts Wesleyan College

Family: Husband, Derrick; children Ericka, 19, and Halle, 8.

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: Heading the efforts of the racial equity department, including the establishment of key partnerships with organizations collaborating around internal diversity and inclusion strategies. Ensuring the sustainability of this area of service through the generation of revenue and unrestricted funding streams. Marketing, recruiting and developing the curriculum for Person2Person, Unconscious Bias Workshop Series, Racial Equity Organizational Workshops and Student2Student. Leading the charge for the annual Stand Against Racism event.

Professional and community leadership: Heading local efforts around the Break the Sickle-Cell Cycle campaign; board of directors, Team E Foundation, Inc.; board of directors, Autism Council of Rochester; member of the Renaissance Academy Family and Faculty Association,

Bringing about change in Rochester: Considering the racial climate, there is still much work to be done. There continues to be a lack of understanding around the layers of racism and the subtleness that serves as pillars to the issues. Nothing feels better than creating a platform for key decision-makers to come together for an authentic engagement around systemic racism.  Having the capacity and network to pull such groups together is surely the starting point for change.

Surprising fact: I am a bona fide night owl. Most of my best writings are produced between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. The overnight crew at FedEx/Kinkos knows me by name.

 

Jennifer Muniga

Executive Director

Cameron Community Ministries

Age: 35

Education: Bachelor’s in child psychology, Keuka College; certificate in nonprofit management, St. John Fisher College

Family: Husband, Joseph; children, Annaleese Elizabeth, 4, and Landen Jude, 8 months.

Residence: Penfield

Professional responsibilities: As executive director at Cameron my responsibilities include grant writing, budgeting, managing donations, marketing, public speaking, fundraising and building and maintaining relationships. At the end of the day at Cameron, it’s about lifting up our neighbors in order to make Rochester better. It doesn’t get more rewarding than that.

Professional and community leadership: WXXI Community Advisory Board member; Farley’s Friends board member; Council of Agency Executives Planning Committee member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: The statistics on Rochester’s children are daunting. As a community leader, I am a fierce advocate for quality programming that allows every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, an opportunity to have an equal “at bat” in life. Change happens by empowering and equipping our future generations to be successful.

Surprising fact: People would be surprised to know that I am an avid Buffalo Bills fan who knows more about football than the average person. Whether at the stadium or in my living room, I can be found every game day Sunday in my Bills garb, rooting them on.

 

Kathryn Murano Santos

Senior Director, Collections & Exhibitions

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Age: 38

Education: B.A., anthropology and religious studies, University of Pennsylvania; MPhil, social anthropology, University of Cambridge.

Family: Husband, Alberto

Residence: Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: I am responsible for all aspects of exhibition development at the RMSC and management of 1.2 million objects in our collections. I oversee two departments that create engaging and relevant visitor experiences, preserve and provide access to our community’s natural and cultural heritage, and inspire authentic discovery at all levels.

Professional and community leadership: President, Friends of Ganondagan board of trustees; vice president, Rochester Regional Library Council board of trustees; Take It Down Steering Committee, Rochester Institute of Technology Museum Studies Program Advisory Board; Lewis Henry Morgan Chapter, New York State Archaeological Association board of trustees.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Personally and professionally, I view leadership as the ability to effect positive social change. I am dedicated to addressing issues of social justice in our community using my skill set: listening to others’ perspectives, creating opportunities for ongoing dialogue and education, working to build consensus and organizing for collective action.

Surprising fact: As a child of the 1980s, I’ve loved breakdancing since I was about 5 years old. In graduate school, I was part of the Cambridge University Breakdance Crew, and I’m still known to “battle” someone in a dance club every now and then.

 

Daniel Norselli

President

Democrat & Chronicle

Age: 34

Education: B.S., leadership, Northeastern University; MBA, Rochester Institute of Technology

Family: Wife, Catherine; children, Madeline, 6, Greyson, 3, Olivia, 2.

Residence: North Greece

Professional responsibilities: I am responsible for leading our transformation efforts to a digital first organization. In addition, leading all sales efforts.

Professional and community leadership: Al Sigl Community of Agencies, board of directors and sports committee; Catholic Family Center, board of directors; Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, board member and executive committee member; YMCA, board of directors; RIT, member of the advisory board for business dean.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I would rally and inspire leaders and up-and-comers to collaborate and work together and see the whole picture, not just small parts. This will make Rochester the best it can be.

Surprising fact: I lived in Springfield, Missouri

 

Jonathan Nwagbaraocha

Compliance Leader

Xerox

Age: 37

Education: J.D., University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; MPP, University of Maryland School of Public Policy; B.A., Duke University

Family: Wife, Laura Smith; daughter, Grace, 5 months

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: The main priority for the compliance leader is to oversee and coordinate the work of the company’s subject matter experts in an attempt to ensure that the organization is in full statutory compliance with all rules and regulations related to all applicable laws in our industry as well as internal policies.

Professional and community leadership: President, YP NeXus (Xerox employee group focused on diversity and inclusion objectives); Pillars of Hope volunteer, School No. 54; elder serving on church board/session, Downtown United Presbyterian Church; associate board member, American Cancer Society; planning committee chair, American Bar Association (ABA), Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), 25th Fall Conference; co-chair, ABA, SEER, International Environmental and Resources Law.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I believe in creating the world I want to live in, a world that celebrates diversity and inclusion and provides opportunities to children no matter their background. I try to be an agent of change by participating in community events and engaging children in local schools.

Surprising fact: My twin brother’s name is John and our initials are both J.O.N.

 

Christine O’Connor

Senior Associate

Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Age: 36

Education: B.S., Carnegie Mellon University; J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School

Family: Husband Sean; daughters Violet, 4, and Evelyn, 2

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: I represent public and private companies, including international, national and local clients, in connection with mergers and acquisitions, private equity leveraged buyout transactions and venture capital financings.

Professional and community leadership: Board chair, South East Area Coalition; member, Monroe County Bar Association; member, GRAWA.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I’m engaging in grassroots efforts. The organization I chair, the South East Area Coalition, is geared up with a new executive director to attack fun, interesting projects that bring neighbors together and make our community more vibrant and collaborative.

Surprising fact: I’m vegan and want to build and live in an earthship someday. (An earthship is a passive solar house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials such as earth-packed tires.)

 

Aaron Olden

Medical Director, Palliative Care

Lifetime Care Home Health Care and Hospice

Age: 39

Education: B.A., biology, University of Rochester; M.D., University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; M.S., clinical investigation, University of Rochester

Family: Ramil Sapinoro

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: I am proud to have created a physician home visit program at Lifetime Care. I visit and evaluate patients with chronic health conditions at their homes and coordinate their symptom management with their primary care physician, specialist physicians and our home care team.

Professional and community leadership: Member, East House board of directors; quality committee member, Trillium Health Care

Bringing about change in Rochester: I will continue to build and advocate for innovative programs that bring health care, especially palliative care, to our homebound community members. The management of chronic illness is complex and I enjoy empowering my patients to understand their illness and effectively treat their symptoms.

Surprising fact: The stress of my job hit me hard after I graduated from my training program. I became interested in yoga and started to practice yoga regularly as a way to manage my anxiety. I trained to become yoga teacher so that I could share mindfulness and yoga with others.

 

Dan Parr

General Manager

NaviHealth

Age: 35

Education: West Virginia University; Simon School of Business, University of Rochester

Family: Wife, Allison; children Jack, 3, and Keller, 1.

Residence: Penfield

Professional responsibilities: I work with the community to manage the people, processes and numbers to drive valuable post-acute care.

Professional and community leadership: Board of directors, The Friendly Home; finance committee, Lifespan.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I’m going to increase communication and collaboration between all areas of care to better improve experiences.

Surprising fact: I (safely) castrated a goat at my family’s lavender farm.

 

Kathy Phelps

Vice President, Special Events

Dixon Schwabl

Age: 36

Education: M.S. strategic marketing, Roberts Wesleyan College; B.A., organizational communication, Keuka College

Family: Single

Residence: Farmington

Professional responsibilities: I oversee the special events division and lead a dynamic team of event producers who plan corporate and nonprofit events. I’m also part of the Managing Partner Advisory Team, an advisory group that supports the strategic direction for the agency.

Professional and community leadership: Victor Chamber of Commerce, events committee; Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley, marketing committee.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Creating a healthy community starts with creating healthy individuals, and that’s where I want to enact change. Whether it’s exercising, eating healthier or supporting your body naturally, I want to empower people to that end. Then, I want to do the same with organizations and companies that share my passion.

Surprising fact: I’m an avid essential oil user and have my own Young Living business that allows me to share ways people can naturally support their body with oils and supplements, as well as educate them on how to reduce toxic chemicals from their everyday lives.

 

Colleen Raimond

Associate, Trademarks Group

Nixon Peabody LLP

Age: 36

Education: J.D., University at Buffalo Law School; bachelor’s degree, criminal justice, SUNY Brockport; associate’s degree, criminal justice, Monroe Community College

Family: Dr. Lisa J. Cunningham

Residence: East Rochester

Professional responsibilities: As a trademark attorney, I help clients to protect their most valuable asset: their brand. As the president of the board for the Out Alliance, I have the opportunity to serve the incredible LGBTQ folks of Rochester and our allies by helping to govern one of Rochester’s great institutions.

Professional and community leadership: President of the board of directors, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc.; national co-chair of the LGBTQA Resource Group, Nixon Peabody LLP

Bringing about change in Rochester: I would do this by encouraging people to realize their full potential for happiness, and to pay it forward. I think it is important for folks to know that it’s never too late to recreate themselves. And when they do, there is a responsibility to help lift other people up.

Surprising fact: I spent nearly a decade in retail management before attending college and law school, many years of which were spent managing movie and video game stores.

 

Fatimat Reid

Chief of Staff

Rochester City School District

Age: 37

Education: J.D., University of New York at Buffalo Law School; B.S., chemistry, State University of New York College at Oneonta

Family: Husband, Jerod; children Aniyah, 10, Kiley, 7, David, 5, and Benton, 2.

Residence: West Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: Serves as chief liaison to the board of education, develops strategies and recommendations to effectively address issues; provides leadership and support to the superintendent’s direct reports to ensure that the district’s strategic goals and objectives are met and that projects are carried out; analyzes, interprets and provides recommendations to the superintendent concerning district issues and other matters.

Professional and community leadership: Board of directors, Children Awaiting Parents; former president, Rochester Black Bar Association; member, Monroe County Bar Association; member, New York State Bar Association.

Bringing about change in Rochester: I love the people of city of Rochester. Having now lived in Rochester for over a decade, I was welcomed, mentored and guided by some incredible people. Being the chief of staff provides me the space and opportunity to help facilitate change in a precious commodity: that of a high-quality public education. The children and families of the city of Rochester deserve high-performing schools that serve the whole child and family. I am excited and honored to be part of a change and to give back to a people and a city that have given me so much.

Surprising fact: Most people would be surprised to know that I spoke very little English when I first arrived in the United States and, because of this, the school district I attended placed me in special education classes.

 

Joshua Sankowski

Deputy of Housing Administration

PathStone Corporation

Age: 30

Education: B.A., political science, Hofstra University

Family: Single

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: Assist Chief Housing Officer in overseeing all housing activities at PathStone Corporation across Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico; real estate development, property management, housing counseling, affiliate The Housing Council at PathStone, housing rehabilitation and energy services, resident services, affiliates Sojourner House at PathStone/Wilson Commencement Park, and Section 8.

Professional and community leadership: Mercy Community Services, Inc., board of directors; Homeless Services Network of Rochester, New York (HSN), symposium committee chair; the Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY), member; Coordinated Access Task Force (Now: Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative); Project Homeless Connect Rochester, member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Continuation of advocacy for anti-poverty, reduction in homelessness and having both state and federal stakeholders, in conjunction with funding vehicles, recognize housing for all as a top priority.

Surprising fact: My ultimate life goal would be to live in Montana and become an amateur paleontologist to satisfy my obsession with dinosaurs.

 

Matt Sitler

Marketing Communications Manager

Paychex

Age: 39

Education: B.A., State University of New York at Oswego; Executive Leadership Certificate, Cornell University

Family: Single

Residence: Rochester

Professional responsibilities: Determining marketing communication strategies, tactics and resources required to drive the business. Managing content and design development of our product and channeling marketing efforts for Paychex. Our team handles hundreds of requests a year to help all lines of business for our 3,000 sales professionals.

Professional and community leadership: Board member, Children Awaiting Parents

Bringing about change in Rochester: I am a resident and a fan. Supporting small business growth in the city of Rochester is important to me, whether it is through non-profit means, like our work with Children Awaiting Parents, or shopping at Mayer Paint and Hardware, supporting Rochester-based businesses creates futures for it residents.

Surprising fact: I play guitar. Not well, and never in front of people, but I find it relaxing to try and figure out a simple song.

 

Caroline Whelan Tolbert

Associate Director, Advancement Events

University of Rochester

Age: 33

Education: B.A., sociology, Santa Clara University; M.A., higher education administration, Boston College

Family: Husband, Isaiah

Residence: Brighton

Professional responsibilities: I’m responsible for planning and executing all event details for our university leadership, board of trustees and high-impact donors, locally, nationally and internationally.

Professional and community leadership: Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women vice-chair, board of trustees, chair, Advancement Committee; Junior League of Rochester chair, Recruitment Committee; Boston College, co-chair, Rochester chapter.

Bringing about change in Rochester: My goal is always to mentor and inspire women leaders to make an impact on their communities.

 

Surprising fact: Having lived in three of the top ten biggest cities in the United States (Boston, San Jose and New York City), I’ve chosen to Rochester as my home.

 

Suzanne Turchetti

Senior Executive Assistant, Assistant Corporate Secretary

HCR Home Care

Age: 39

Education: B.A., political science, Siena College

Family: Husband, Jason Schneeberger; step-children, Ian, 10, and Rylee, 4.

Residence: West Irondequoit

Professional responsibilities: I serve as HCR’s assistant corporate secretary and treasurer, and the leader of all corporate governance operations. I also chair the employee stock ownership program’s administrative committee, co-chair the communication committee and manage the administrative support team and the executive office.

Professional and community leadership: Dress for Success Rochester, board member, Executive Committee; HCR Cares, board secretary; Human Rights Campaign, committee member; Empire State Pride Agenda, committee member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Sustainable change doesn’t occur from the top down, rather, the bottom up. Change will come from individuals who are economically empowered and given opportunities. I’ll continue to work with organizations like Dress for Success and HCR Cares, that help individuals develop a different vision of their self-worth and potential.

Surprising fact: I recently learned how to shoot a rifle while on vacation in Montana. I hit a 200-yard target on my first shot, having never shot a gun in my life. I surprised myself.

Hinna Upal

Attorney

Littler Mendelson P.C.

Age: 37

Education: B.A., Queen’s University (Canada); J.D., Roger Williams University School of Law

Family: Husband, Anwar; children, Somayya, 15, Teha, 12, Ahsan, 1 month

Residence: Pittsford

Professional responsibilities: I provide practical solutions and strategic guidance for management-side clients who confront labor and employment concerns. My competencies cover a range of workplace topics, such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to accommodate, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and employee benefits plans at the state and federal levels and before administrative agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New York State Division of Human Rights.

Professional and community leadership: Delegate and member, board of directors, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys; member, board of directors, Women’s Bar Association of New York; member, board of directors, Roger Williams University School of Law

Bringing about change in Rochester: I hope to serve Rochester as an agent of change by promoting the values of diversity and inclusion, and serving as a voice for the concerns of underrepresented minorities in the community and in the legal profession in particular.

Surprising fact: Prior to deciding to attend law school, I considered getting my Ph.D. in anthropology focusing on modern Muslim Feminism. I even published an article in a peer-reviewed journal entitled “A Celebration of Mothering in the Quran.”

 

Michael Waller

Director of Sustainability

Rochester Regional Health

Age: 28

Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, Marquette University; PSM, solar energy engineering, Arizona State University; Ph.D., sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology

Family: Wife, Emily; children Caleb, 4, Elise, 1, and Ezra, newborn.

Residence: Pittsford

Professional responsibilities: Manage the development of a new Sustainability department within Rochester Regional Health, which includes the initiation of a wide range of environmentally friendly and community supportive projects.

Professional and community leadership: Board member, Market Driven Community Cooperative; director of sustainability, Rochester Regional Health; executive leadership team member, Rochester Regional Health; tutor, Caleb Ministries.

Bringing about change in Rochester: As a member of the Rochester healthcare community and part of a local church, I want to strengthen both our social and economic spheres. I plan to do this by continuing to create anti-poverty initiatives and local, sustainable projects, and by forming relationships with neighbors of all backgrounds around Rochester.

Surprising fact: In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking, particularly making furniture.

 

Katherine Welc

Assurance Principal

Mengel Metzger Barr and Co. LLP

Age: 37

Education: BBA, accounting, St. Bonaventure University; MBA, accounting, St. Bonaventure University

Family: Boyfriend, Robert VanBramer

Residence: Fairport

Professional responsibilities: Audits and reviews of financial statements, direct client service and technical accounting research and implementation. Also involved in the on-campus recruiting efforts of the firm and the marketing of both the agribusiness and construction industries.

Professional and community leadership: National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, board and finance committee member and former treasurer; New York State Society of CPAs, former Rochester chapter president and secretary, board member; NYSSCPA Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession, former board member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: One person at a time. I think of the story of the starfish. I certainly can’t make a difference to every life, but I can “make a difference to that one.”

Surprising fact: I’m a huge college basketball fan and when my beloved Bonnies made the tournament, I bought a one-way ticket to Nashville to watch them. It was one of the most spontaneous things I have done and I hope to have the opportunity to do it again.

Tiffany Welch-Quinn

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

Unity Living Center (Rochester Regional Health)

Age: 39

Education: MPA, healthcare, SUNY Brockport; MSW, social work, University of Michigan; BSW, social work, Syracuse University

Family: Husband, Shawn; children, Isaiah, 15, Makayla, 5.

Residence: Brighton

Professional responsibilities: Provide overall leadership to the day-to-day operations of the nursing facility. Ensure continuity and consistency in delivery and quality of services and adherence to all state and federal regulations. Accountable for quality improvement, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and corporate compliance, including implementation of policies and procedures which ensure safe, therapeutic and effective services.

Professional and community leadership: Rochester Regional Health volunteer committees including Waste Reduction & Sustainability Committee, Corporate Security Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee, Long Term Care IT Advisory Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, Unity Corporate Safety Council Meetings, Unity Corporate Employee Safety Sub-Committee, Community Affairs Committee, Community Health Collaborative Board, Cultural Competency Committee, Aging and Community Services Board; Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, Business Advisory Board member; The Father’s House member.

Bringing about change in Rochester: As a change agent in Rochester, I am an individual who is flexible, patient, intentional, confident and communicates effectively. My goal is to always put the needs of those I serve first. I look beyond the impossible and work towards what is possible.

Surprising fact: I generally am an open book, so I leave very little to surprise. However, a fact that would surprise most people is that my family is from Panama. I love that I have a culturally diverse background.

Iris Zimmermann

Owner

Rochester Fencing Club

Age: 36

Education: B.A., political science, Stanford University; MBA, University of Rochester Simon School of Business.

Family: Husband, Kevin Nowack; children Emma, 5, Anya, 3.

Residence: Pittsford

Professional responsibilities: At our humble beginnings eight years ago, I was responsible for growing the business, marketing, coaching and much more. Now my biggest role is to develop our staff, continue to grow our base of customers, and make sure everyone that comes through our doors has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Professional and community leadership: United States Olympic and Paralympic Alumni Association, vice president; Strong Museum of Play, Play Makers Leadership Council; Greater Rochester Amateur Athletic Foundation, vice president.

Bringing about change in Rochester: Knowing the life changing benefits of sports, I am extremely passionate about making fencing and other sports more accessible to the youth of Rochester. I am committed to working with other agencies within Rochester, including RACF and the Youth Sports Task Force to develop more opportunities for our community.

Surprising fact: I am uncoordinated in other sports. During my freshman year at Stanford, the fencing team was warming up with a game of basketball. I was passed the ball and while I was running it down to the net, everyone stopped to stare at me. I had no idea you had to dribble the ball.