John McKenna

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President, Tompkins Community Bank

Years in current role: 2

What are the biggest challenges you see in your industry currently?

The banking industry is actively dealing with a prolonged and challenging interest rate environment that is affecting banks across the board. With the current inverted yield curve as a potential indicator of continued economic trouble, there could be challenging times to come for the economy generally, and in turn for banks as well. In addition, the banking industry was not immune to the great resignation and finding talent to fill roles at all levels is an ongoing challenge.

What are you most excited about in the banking and finance industry in Rochester?

I am excited about the progress and solid planning for the redevelopment and enhancement of the economy of downtown Rochester. I would like to see this progress accelerated with more developments added to it. It is encouraging to see pioneers in the area like Andy Gallina and Jim Costanza, who’s partnering with Constellation Brands. They’re involved in substantial projects that are getting things rolling in the community already. The expansion and redevelopment around the Strong National Museum of Play is another great example of the progress and banks will continue to be important partners as more redevelopment projects are planned.

What is one goal you have for the next year?

My main goals and focus for next year will be to ensure that Tompkins continues to be a top performer in our industry, while continuing our support for the communities we operate in and in doing so create an engaging work environment for our employees.

What is one thing you would change about Rochester if you could?

Rochester has access to amazing people throughout the different regions. I would love to see more interconnectedness between the communities that comprise Greater Rochester that allows for the sharing of talent and resources with the goal of providing a more consistent quality of life, education and other opportunities to all who live here. There is a wealth of talent and knowledge in this community and the more connected we become the greater Rochester will be for it.

How do you manage work/life balance?

I really enjoy my job and my work colleagues, so it is not always the easiest for me to pull away. However, I have family and close friends who are great at ensuring that I have a little fun. I believe it is important to support community groups and I have several I am actively involved in. Outside of that, I make sure to spend some time on hobbies including riding (road bike), paddling, fishing and doing weekend carpentry at our camp in the Adirondacks.

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