WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
“Leaders who champion inclusion are the heartbeat of a stronger workplace. Their commitment to equity, belonging, and amplifying diverse voices doesn’t just create opportunity — it inspires lasting change. Being recognized with this award is a welldeserved reflection of their courage, compassion, and leadership in action.” HEATHER DELYSER-FALKEY GENERAL MANAGER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE
democratandchronicle.com
PROGRAM AGENDA Program Welcome Brett Davidsen, Program Emcee, News Anchor and Investigative Reporter, News10NBC
Host Remarks Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber
Keynote Address Marisa Geitner President & CEO, Heritage Christian Services
Finalist Showcase & Tribute Awards Presentation Excellence Category Award Recipients • Culture of Belonging Award Recipient • Fair & Equitable Practices Award Recipient • Empowered & Engaged Teams Award Recipient • Community Connections Award Recipient 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award Recipient
Program Close Bob Duffy
Inclusive Leadership Powers Collective Growth Our region can only thrive when its people do. And today, we are celebrating the people and companies making that happen. Today, we’re honored to recognize the leaders investing in our community, its people, and its vitality – powering personal and collective success. When employees from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued, organizations unlock innovation, enhance performance, and forge stronger connections that uplift our region. This type of outcome doesn’t happen on accident. It takes time, it takes investment, and it takes a willingness to have hard conversations. To confront the shortcomings of our companies, and to invest in solutions. From internal culture to equitable practices to community connection, there is an endless opportunity to make our community a better place when we’re willing to dive in. At Greater Rochester Chamber, we strive to model this for our members and our community. Our 1,300 members throughout the nine-county Finger Lakes Region span all industries, sizes, and maturities. But we’re unified in the belief that no matter what company you are or what role an individual holds within it, you can be a leader igniting positive change. That’s why we’re proud today to recognize so many outstanding organizations with these awards – it takes us all to make a real change. Thank you to our finalists for their communal commitment to inclusion. From senior executives to front line workers, the individuals employed by all fourteen of our finalists are part of the positive change sweeping our region – and we’re proud to be here today to celebrate that. Additional thanks to our sponsors and partners for making this program possible, and of course to all of our guests for joining us to honor our finalists. Best of luck to all of our finalists, and here’s to continued inclusive leadership moving forward.
BOB DUFFY President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
THANK YOU TO OUR
SPONSORS Greater Rochester Chamber is pleased to bring the fifth annual Inclusive Leadership Award program to our region. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our 2026 sponsors:
PROGRAM PARTNERS
CORPORATE SPONSORS Marquee Events Starbridge
SUPPORTING SPONSORS The Arc of Monroe Authentica | Beyond TalentEdge Five Star Bank Heritage Christian Services Genesee Regional Bank John Schlia Photography Nazareth University RochesterWorks, Inc. To learn more about supporting this event next year, please contact Events Director, Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Inclusive Leadership Award
2026 FINALISTS THE ARC OF MONROE
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Tracy Petrichick, President & CEO
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER ROCHESTER
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Dr. Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison, President & CEO
COORDINATED CARE SERVICES, INC.
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Anne Wilder, President & CEO
FIRST AMERICAN EQUIPMENT FINANCE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Alan Sikora, CEO
FIVE STAR BANK
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Martin K. Birmingham, President & CEO
GENESEE REGIONAL BANK
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Philip L. Pecora, President & CEO
GREENSPARK SOLAR
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Kevin Schulte, CEO
NAZARETH UNIVERSITY
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Dr. Maureen Finney, President
REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICE (RTS)
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Miguel Velázquez, CEO
ROCHESTERWORKS, INC.
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Dave Seeley, CEO
STARBRIDGE
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Nikisha Ridgeway, President & CEO
THE SUMMIT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Laurie Baker, President & CEO
SWBR
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Tom Gears, AIA, President & CEO
TRILLIUM HEALTH
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President & CEO
THE ARC OF MONROE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Tracy Petrichick, President & CEO
For over 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live truly integrated lives while fostering a workplace and community where everyone belongs. Through innovative workforce development, equitable hiring and leadership programs, nationally recognized credentialing, and comprehensive employee support, they invest in their people so they can make a lasting impact. Beyond their organization, they champion inclusion through advocacy, accessibility initiatives, and strategic community partnerships. From hosting legislative forums and collaborating with local organizations to produce accessibility-focused video series, to partnering with organizations that expand inclusive recreation and essential community resources, they work to remove barriers and create opportunities for all. Employees are encouraged to volunteer, lead, and engage throughout Greater Rochester, strengthening connections and advancing our mission. Guided by their values, The Arc of Monroe is building a more inclusive community where people of all abilities can live, work, and thrive.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER ROCHESTER UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Dr. Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison, President & CEO
Founded in 1973, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester (BBBSR) creates and supports mentoring relationships that help young people reach their full potential. Each year, BBBSR serves nearly 300 youth across Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties through community, school, and workplace-based mentoring programs. With more than 130 children currently waiting for a mentor, their work is more critical than ever. BBBSR’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond the young people we serve and is reflected in their organizational culture. Under the leadership of President & CEO Dr. Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison, the organization has strengthened a workplace built on belonging, transparency, collaboration, and shared leadership. Through equitable compensation practices, professional development opportunities, employee engagement, and a culture that values every voice, BBBSR fosters an environment where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered to lead. This commitment carries into the broader community through initiatives such as the Partners with Purpose Collaborative, Family Resource Hub, and Food Pantry, which bring together organizations and resources to strengthen opportunities for youth and families throughout Greater Rochester.
COORDINATED CARE SERVICES, INC. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Anne Wilder, President & CEO CCSI is a non-profit that strengthens the organizations communities rely on, partnering with state and local government, health and human services organizations, and schools to build capacity for lasting change. Inclusive leadership is woven into everything CCSI does. Culture and belonging initiatives like the MOSAIC newsletter, Belonging Brigade, and Courageous Care Circles help every employee feel welcomed and valued. With fair and equitable practices, CCSI backs their values with action—$40,000 in annual education awards, a scaling Career Lattice program, and the LIFT learning collaborative for staff from diverse backgrounds. CCSI builds empowered and engaged teams through leadership cohorts, Bite-Sized Learning Sessions, and organization-wide participation in trauma-responsive self-assessment, giving employees real voice in shaping their workplace. Finally, CCSI extends their impact outward through capacity-building partnerships, board service, sponsorships, and knowledge-sharing that helps other organizations thrive—proof that CCSI’s inclusive culture ripples far beyond their own walls.
FIRST AMERICAN EQUIPMENT FINANCE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Alan Sikora, CEO
First American Equipment Finance, an RBC / City National company, is a leader in equipment financing, helping organizations across the U.S. acquire the equipment and technology they need to grow. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, we believe our success begins with our people. We’re committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their best through learning opportunities, colleague-led Employee Resource Groups, mentorship, continuous learning, and open dialogue with leadership. We extend that commitment through volunteerism and community partnerships that strengthen the Greater Rochester region. By embedding inclusion, fairness, and engagement into how we work every day, we’re building a workplace where colleagues, clients, and communities can flourish.
FIVE STAR BANK UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Martin K. Birmingham, President & CEO Five Star Bank is a purpose-driven community bank with more than 200 years of history serving Western and Central New York, including the Greater Rochester region. They provide financial services that help individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities achieve their goals while strengthening local communities. Their purpose, to keep people and their well-being at the heart of everything they do, guides how they serve customers, support employees, and invest in their communities. Grounded in their HEART values, Humble, Empowered, Ambitious, Resilient, and Transparent, they foster a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. That commitment extends beyond banking through partnerships and volunteer initiatives that promote financial literacy, workforce readiness, educational access, and community engagement. During their annual Work of Heart Week in 2025, nearly 600 associates volunteered more than 1,500 hours with approximately 50 nonprofit organizations across their footprint, creating meaningful and lasting community impact.
GENESEE REGIONAL BANK UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Philip L. Pecora, President & CEO Genesee Regional Bank (GRB) is a community bank committed to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Inclusive leadership is embedded throughout the organization, with employees actively shaping culture through affinity groups and committees dedicated to diversity, women’s advancement, career development, employee recognition, volunteerism, and workplace engagement. GRB provides meaningful opportunities for connection and growth through employee-led initiatives, a cross-functional mentorship program that connects staff with leaders across the bank, and regular opportunities for employees to share honest feedback that informs executive decision-making. Through multiple communication channels, employee surveys, and a strong culture of transparency, team members are encouraged to voice ideas and concerns confidently. The bank’s commitment extends beyond its walls through volunteerism, charitable giving, and participation in community events. By intentionally creating spaces for belonging, professional growth, and engagement, GRB demonstrates how inclusive leadership strengthens both its organizational culture and community impact.
GREENSPARK SOLAR UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Kevin Schulte, CEO At GreenSpark Solar, their mission to combat climate change and strengthen our communities through access to renewable energy is matched only by thier dedication to building a workplace where every person truly belongs. They see themselves as a community-first organization, guided by core values that shape how they connect, collaborate, and grow together. They believe that when their team members feel supported, heard, and empowered to lead, they naturally deliver their best work, driving innovation that moves their organization and their industry forward. Beyond their internal culture, they are deeply committed to being a positive force in the Greater Rochester region. They strive to be a reliable partner and advocate for equitable energy access, demystifying the industry through education and outreach. By prioritizing an inclusive environment and authentic community stewardship, they aim to lead by example, proving that a successful business can—and should—actively strengthen the communities it serves.
NAZARETH UNIVERSITY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Dr. Maureen Finney, President Nazareth University’s mission is to educate whole persons guided by empathy, committed to equity, and prepared to lead. These values shape both the student experience and a workplace culture rooted in belonging, inclusion, equity, and shared responsibility. Fair and equitable practices are embedded throughout the institution, supported by accessible facilities, inclusive policies, and opportunities for every employee to contribute. Faculty and staff engage in ongoing professional learning through leadership development and dialogue that strengthen inclusive practices and pedagogies, accessibility, and community building. Shared governance through the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Student Undergraduate Association, and numerous cross-campus committees empowers all to collaborate and shape institutional priorities. Nazareth’s commitment extends beyond campus through community partnerships, service-learning initiatives, and programs that foster belonging and thriving. This includes Naz in Action and collaborations with local schools, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and community agencies, creating meaningful connections that advance employee engagement and the university’s mission.
REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICE (RTS) UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Miguel Velázquez, CEO Regional Transit Service (RTS) is a regional transit authority established by New York State with more than 1,000 employees who proudly serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. RTS connects the community by providing public transportation services to nearly 12 million people each year. They carry out our mission by connecting their customers to jobs, school, healthcare, shopping, and recreational activities every day. Every year they focus on strengthening their culture through strategic initiatives related to inclusiveness, open communication, overall employee well-being, and continuous development.
ROCHESTERWORKS, INC UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Dave Seeley, CEO
RochesterWorks strengthens Greater Rochester by connecting job seekers, employers, and community partners to workforce opportunities and resources. Inclusion is central to both their mission and workplace culture. They invest in employee growth through leadership development, with multiple staff participating in United Way Leadership Development Programs, including the African American Leadership Development Program, and multiple employees selected for Leadership Rochester. Their employee-led DEIA Committee partners with senior leadership to strengthen organizational culture and recommend more inclusive practices, including accessible and equitable job postings. Community connection is equally fundamental to our work. As a convener of the local workforce system, RochesterWorks maintains MOUs with dozens of organizations providing workforce, training, and social care services. Their Enhanced Recovery Services program alone partners formally with 17 community agencies providing clinical supports for individuals in substance use disorder recovery. By empowering employees and building meaningful partnerships, RochesterWorks creates opportunities for their team and the community they serve.
STARBRIDGE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Nikisha Ridgeway, President & CEO Starbridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 17,200 individuals annually across New York State. Their mission of transforming communities to include everyone begins with their own workplace. They are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Guided by their values of Integrity, Trust, Inclusion, and Collaboration, they cultivate a culture of belonging by creating equitable opportunities for growth, leadership, and collaboration. They embrace diverse perspectives, encourage open dialogue, invest in professional development, and prioritize accessibility so every person can fully participate and thrive. Inclusion is embedded in our policies, practices, and everyday interactions, shaping how they recruit, develop talent, recognize contributions, and support one another and the individuals they serve. By creating a workplace where employees feel heard, connected, and supported, they strengthen their organization and enhance their impact. Together, they are transforming communities to include everyone.
THE SUMMIT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Laurie Baker, President & CEO Since 1941, The Summit has been helping members achieve their financial goals, guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Inclusion and belonging extend beyond their walls into the communities they serve. Each year, they support more than 180 organizations through community partnerships and to date, they have volunteered 1,616 hours in their community. Through their Council for Inclusion, Employee Resource Groups, and Employee Recognition Program, they endeavor to ensure every employee feels a sense of belonging, is recognized, and that their voice is heard. All employees at The Summit are encouraged to pursue monthly development opportunities, strengthening the team and culture. Inclusion is also embedded in our recruiting strategy, shaping the experience of our candidates and new team members. Everyone belongs. Their goal is not only to accept those around them, but to create opportunities to learn, grow, and better understand one another.
SWBR UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Tom Gears, AIA, President & CEO Founded in 1969, SWBR is a 130+ person, multidisciplinary design firm with four New York state offices located in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Troy. They offer professional services spanning architecture, interior design, structural engineering, landscape architecture, graphic design, and civil engineering to clients within and across the Higher Education, K-12 Education, Housing and Workplace market sectors. Every project is undertaken with one goal in mind: to positively impact lives through meaningful design. That same purpose shapes their culture. They’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, informed, supported, and empowered to contribute. Recent initiatives have strengthened peer recognition, transparent compensation and career development frameworks, inclusive ownership opportunities, employee-led action groups, mentorship, and professional growth across disciplines and career stages. Their team also supports community programs that expand access to careers in the A/E industry, reflecting the belief that meaningful design starts with people.
TRILLIUM HEALTH UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President & CEO Trillium Health is a community health center that has served the Greater Rochester region for more than 35 years, providing primary care, specialty care, pediatrics, gynecology, behavioral health, supportive services, and pharmacy services to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Founded on a commitment to compassionate, judgment-free care, Trillium Health works to remove barriers to healthcare while creating an environment where all people feel respected, valued, and supported. This commitment extends to Trillium Health’s workforce. The organization fosters a culture of belonging, advances equitable opportunities, and empowers employees through employee resource groups, leadership development, mentorship programs, wellness initiatives, and ongoing diversity and cultural competency education. By investing in its people, Trillium Health strengthens its ability to deliver exceptional care and improve health outcomes throughout the Greater Rochester area.
Member FDIC
Nazareth is proud to be a finalist for our efforts in creating lasting change in our community. naz.edu
Proud to be an
Inclusive Leadership Ad Here Award Finalist Celebrating 70 Years of Advocacy, Inclusion and Opportunity arcmonroe.org