Marc Iacona

CEO – Simcona Electronics Corporation / Exec Director Rochester Intl Jazz Festival

Years in current role: 10

What was your biggest success in 2021?

Staying focused on strategic plans implemented in 2020 – 2021 and not being sided tracked by supply stream, labor and COVID challenges that resulted in overall significant growth for the organization.

What are your expectations for 2022?

Champion employee empowerment and training throughout Simcona; continue to hire and invest in infrastructure to support the plan for corporate growth.

Once again plan and prepare to bring back the Jazz Festival to the City of Rochester for a successful production of creative improvised music June 17 – 25, 2022!

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Realizing that this situation had multiple diverse effects on all of us, I pursued the commitment to convey empathy and patience with everyone I interacted with.

The biggest lesson learned has been the significance of consistent communication with our team (Simcona) and acknowledging to your organization that “We don’t know what we don’t know” during this first time journey for all of us.

Related to the Jazz Festival, the major takeaway was learning how much of a void professionally and mentally that the pandemic had on professional musicians. Since many were not incorporated, they were not able to provide for themselves and their families.

What is your favorite thing about the Rochester community?

Born and raised in Rochester, my favorite thing is appreciating that I live in a geographic region that has access to world class cultural events, health care providers and educational institutions.

If time were no issue, what would you do to help the community that you aren’t already doing?

If time were no issue, I would spend much more time with and mentor youth who are passionate about making a positive difference personally and professionally in our community.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.