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Gerard J. Rooney
Gerard J. Rooney
Gerard J. Rooney
Gerard J. Rooney
Listen to this articlePresident, St. John Fisher University
Years in current role: 9.5
What trends or innovations in your industry do you anticipate having the biggest impact in 2025?
Building alliances, forming strategic partnerships, and fostering innovative collaborations have always been crucial for strengthening communities and supporting growth in Rochester. As higher education and the University have evolved, societal shifts have also impacted our sector. The increasing pace of change demands that we remain adaptable, proactive, and continuously driven by aspirational goals toward innovation and differentiation. Introducing new academic programs, addressing various workforce and community needs, and serving new student populations will continue to shape our region.
What role do you see Rochester playing in your organization’s growth over the next few years?
The growing demand for a skilled, dedicated workforce relies on higher education partners committed to educating the whole person. Since its founding, Fisher has been dedicated to the success of Greater Rochester. With over 50% of our alumni residing here, building businesses, leading nonprofits, and more, Fisher remains deeply connected to and supportive of a robust Rochester. The region’s role in facilitating the experiential learning components of a Fisher education — from nursing, pharmacy, business, education, and all industries in between — will be vital to our collective success.
What community initiatives or partnerships are you most excited about engaging with this year?
I am particularly enthusiastic about our ongoing collaboration with various community organizations focused on aligning public and private investments, promoting workforce development, and contributing to the education and impact of the Greater Rochester region. By working together, we are positioning our region to compete more effectively for jobs, talent, and investment, ensuring a vibrant and innovative community. These partnerships across all sectors — business, government, and institutions of higher education, to name a few — will continue to have a significant impact in 2025 and beyond.
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This profile is part of our Power 100 list for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |
