Peggy Hill

Peggy Hill

President & CEO, Rochester Management Inc.

Years in current role: 10

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love my role because I get to work with people who are 100% committed to helping others. This level of commitment is seen throughout our organization. I felt this energy the moment I entered the office 24 years ago! This collaborative energy allows us many opportunities to make a positive impact for our residents and the community — this drives us. I enjoy new challenges each day and always learning. It is especially rewarding to see team members grow and become leaders themselves.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

The biggest challenge over the last year was dealing with uncertainty and the inability to influence outcomes. A leader can typically plan effectively, mitigate risks, ensure quality and drive results. Last year there were so many unknowns. We had to be ready 24/7 for anything and really prioritize our efforts putting the focus on resident and employee health and wellness. In addition, we halted all large capital projects that would bring traffic into our buildings and quietly continued planning the new construction projects. It has been incredibly hard not being able to gather as usual for our employee social events.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the real estate and construction industries in the next 3-5 years?

The real estate and construction industries are on overdrive. We have definitely noted a decline in the number of our residents finding homes to purchase. There are very few options on the market and the prices are inflated. Any new construction is a challenge with not only costs escalating dramatically, but also difficulty accessing the materials. Engaging and retaining labor has been a real concern. I am an optimist, so I think we will see adjustments in all of these areas within the next few years to something that resembles normal. While labor costs will remain higher, I believe other costs will level out.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

Rochester Rotary, St. John Fisher College, UW, our own senior vaccine clinics and events, church — all provide an opportunity to reach many others in need and meet new people. My dad was a Rotarian for many, many years and I participated in Rotaract in college.

Hudson Ave/Upper Falls/CONEA Master Plan Steering Committee — the commitment and vision of the community members is energizing.

Home – HOA — because no one else would!

HS reunion committee — same as above.

What are you most looking forward to doing as COVID restrictions ease?

Seeing family and friends without limits. Running a road race, experiencing live music events in person, being allowed to sing in church again.