A Letter from Josanne Reaves

Dear Friends,
 
It is with mixed emotions that I am letting you know I am departing from my role as Executive Director at Leadership Rochester and am honored to move to a new position at the City of Rochester.
 
I spent 17 years doing something I loved and will miss it dearly. I want to thank the hundreds of alumni that made my job so easy, that volunteered for committees, facilitated program days and recruited the over 500 speakers, sites and venues that made the program days so special!  A special shout out to the 25th Anniversary Committee that put on one hell of a show. We could never have done this without you!!!
 
And most importantly, thank you to Victoria Simmons, Mary Hartstein, Stephanie Yost, Alicia Oddo, Joan Roby Davison, and Felica Erway who helped me over those 17 years.  Thank you to all of our board members and chairs who supported all of my ideas!!!
 
Lastly, I never could have accomplished everything we did over the past 3 years without my colleague, Gwen Van Laeken, who will be taking over the helm Jan 1st!!! I miss you already Gwen!!!!!
 
The role of Board Chair is in the capable hands of Cindee Gray! Please welcome and offer your support to this fabulous team!
 
My new position will be as part of the Mayor's Senior Management Team as City Council Liaison. My new email will be Josanne.Reaves@CityofRochester.gov
 
It was quite a ride and the ...Legacy of Leaders... continues!
 
With much respect,
 
Josanne
 
Josanne Reaves
Executive Director

Offering Our Thanks

Every individual who has participated in the Leadership Rochester program over the past 17 years, has had the privilege of coming to know Josanne Reaves.  Josanne’s commitment to the city of Rochester and the Leadership Rochester program have helped broaden participants’ understanding of our city’s issues and deepened community relationships across our non-profit, business, and government sectors. 

Under Josanne’s leadership diversity among the Leadership Rochester classes increased sharply, community engagement increased, and the program grew. Leadership Rochester is a program unlike any other. We thank Josanne for her dedication and commitment and wish her well in her new role at the City of Rochester. She will be truly missed but we know she will continue to inspire and support our great city in new ways.

Rochester and its surrounding communities are stronger when we build relationships and understanding across all levels.  At Leadership Rochester we look forward to continuing our important work as we connect leaders within our community and deepen the power of community collective impact.

Here’s to the success of Josanne Reaves and more great things to come for Rochester.

Sincerely,
 

Gwen Van Laeken 
Executive Director, Leadership Rochester 
Leadership Rochester Class of 2015