Denise A. Battles
President, SUNY Geneseo
Years in current role: 6
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The key lesson I have gleaned over the years is the importance of having an effective team. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses; having areas for improvement is not a disqualifier for leadership. What’s important is to surround oneself with talented people with complementary skill sets such that the team is maximally effective.
What’s been your biggest success?
I don’t think in terms of a particular “big success.” The achievements that have brought me the most satisfaction are those in which I have worked within a team to achieve a desired end and we have done so.
What are your hopes for the Rochester community this year?
Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community, my hopes are centered around a rapid return to normalcy with regard to public health and economic recovery.
What do you do to unplug in your free time?
As a geologist by education, I love spending time outdoors. My husband and I have enjoyed discovering great places to walk our dog — whether natural or urban — in the greater Rochester area.
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This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |