Heidi Macpherson

Heidi Macpherson

President, SUNY Brockport

Years in current role: 8

What was your biggest challenge in 2022?

During 2022 we were still finding our way out of COVID restrictions. It took time to build back our campus events for faculty, staff and students, and re-establish the relationships that help our university thrive. I’ve seen some great progress in this area — I know our students were thrilled to be back on campus, and we have tried to meet their needs, while recognizing they are still dealing with a lot of trauma as a result of COVID-19’s disruptions to their lives.

What are your priorities for 2023?

Professionally, my priorities remain ensuring that SUNY Brockport, now a university, will attract and retain the best talent possible, both in terms of colleagues who work here and the students who benefit from my colleagues’ wisdom and expertise. We also continue to emphasize the crucial work around equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our vision is centered on building meaningful lives and vibrant communities, so this is at the heart of what we do each day.

What advice would you give young professionals in the Rochester business community?

Get involved! There are so many organizations that can benefit from your skills and efforts, and there’s no better way to feel part of our community than by giving back. Your time and talent are your most important assets, and you will never regret spending time doing good things for the community.

What do you think will be different about the Rochester community in five years?

I am hopeful that the efforts that are being spent on developing cohesive support structures and community impact will bear fruit, so that all members of our community have equal access to what they need to thrive.

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

There’s something magical about cooking from scratch, especially if you and your partner work together. It’s my favorite Sunday night thing to do, and it sets up the rest of the week really well, because you have created something sustaining, nutritious and delicious!

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.