Sankar Sewnauth

Chief Executive Officer, CDS Life Transitions

Years in current role: 33

What was your biggest success in 2021?

CDS Life Transitions and affiliates continued to provide world-class services to its constituents while expanding our mission footprint. Here are some examples: CDS Housing received three affordable housing awards for projects in the Syracuse (Cicero) area, Buffalo, and Olean. It also received an award to develop an affordable integrated housing project in the City of Tampa, Florida, providing new housing opportunities for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. CDSRx acquired a pharmacy in Holley, NY and we established a pharmacy at our location on Hard Rd. in Webster. We raised more than $1M to support various unfunded areas.

What are your expectations for 2022?

I expect continued growth of the organization.

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

Every organization can continue to achieve its objectives but to do so, it has to be nimble to deal with the new realities. Continuing to find ways to recruit for and retain a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals is a priority.

What is your favorite thing about the Rochester community?

It’s a small town with a large heart. People care about each other.

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

As I continue to transition my role at the organization and looking at retirement at some point in the near future, I will be looking for ways to continue to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, seniors and veterans live fulfilling lives.

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.