Former ESL CEO named inaugural recipient of Golisano Philanthropy Award

Former ESL Federal Credit Union President and CEO Faheem Masood will receive the inaugural Golisano Philanthropy Award from Greater Rochester Chamber during its 40th anniversary Top 100 Awards Celebration on Nov. 5. 

The new award recognizes regional leaders who have combined significant business success with meaningful philanthropy and community investment, reflecting the legacy of entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano. It succeeds the Greater Rochester Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Golisano in 2025. 

Masood retired in April after serving as president and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union since March 2016. During his tenure, the credit union expanded its focus on financial empowerment for individuals while supporting economic development initiatives for small businesses and commercial clients across the region. 

Under Masood’s leadership, ESL returned nearly $500 million to the Greater Rochester community beginning in 2017 through its Owners’ Dividend program, Community Impact philanthropic grants, fee reductions and eliminations, and first-time homebuyer grant programs. 

Beyond ESL, Masood has been deeply involved in regional civic and economic development efforts. He serves on the boards of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Geva Theatre Center, Together Now, and Lifetime Health Care Companies and its Rochester Regional Advisory Board. He also serves on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. 

“Faheem Masood has been one of Greater Rochester’s most significant business and community leaders over the last three decades — and his legacy will be felt for many more decades to come,” said Bob Duffy, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber. “Throughout his career, he has touched thousands of lives through his strategic investments, his tireless leadership, and his humanity and kindness. I am honored to have worked with Faheem over the years and am grateful for the impact he has created.” 

Masood said the recognition is especially meaningful because it bears Golisano’s name. 

“Our community has given me and my family a great life and I can’t express enough gratitude for that,” Masood said. “I love this community and am proud and honored to have played a role in impacting individuals and organizations across our region. Tom Golisano has blazed a path with not only his entrepreneurship but also his work to make this community stronger through his leadership and philanthropy. To receive the award that bears his name is truly humbling.” 

The Golisano Philanthropy Award will be presented during Greater Rochester Chamber’s annual Top 100 Awards Celebration, which recognizes the region’s fastest-growing privately owned companies while marking the organization’s 40th year of honoring business achievement. 

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