Amidst the landscape of Rochester’s economic and community evolution, Sandy Parker, President and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance (RBA), has chosen to postpone her retirement. Originally slated to step down at the year’s end, Parker has opted to remain at the helm to navigate several pivotal events crucial to RBA members and the wider community.
Who is Sandy Parker?
In a statement released in May, Parker elucidated her decision, citing 2014 as a year marked by substantial change and transition within the region. Key factors influencing her choice include the ongoing repurposing of Eastman Business Park, significant advancements in economic development projects across Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and the profound implications of the Affordable Care Act on RBA constituents and local healthcare systems:
- Parker’s decision has garnered widespread support from the RBA Board of Directors, with Susan Holliday, Chairman of the Board and Publisher of the Rochester Business Journal, expressing delight at her continued leadership. Holliday praised Parker’s exemplary stewardship, highlighting her invaluable expertise, extensive business networks, and profound commitment to community advancement. Notably, succession planning remains a focal point for the Board, ensuring a seamless transition when Parker eventually steps down;
- Since assuming the role of President and CEO in 2005, following the merger of the Industrial Management Council and Chamber of Commerce to form the RBA in 2003, Parker has been a driving force in shaping the organization’s identity as the preeminent “Voice of Business” in the region.
Under her guidance, the RBA has emerged as a catalyst for positive change, advocating for equitable state aid through initiatives like the Fair Share Coalition and fostering collaborative partnerships through the Rochester Community Coalition. Parker’s leadership extends beyond regional boundaries, as evidenced by her pivotal role in founding and leading the Unshackle Upstate coalition, dedicated to legislative reform aimed at revitalizing the regional economy.
Conclusions
As Parker extends her tenure, her commitment to championing the interests of RBA members and the broader community remains unwavering. Her decision to postpone retirement underscores not only her dedication to service but also her belief in the transformative potential of collective action in driving sustainable growth and prosperity. In the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Sandy Parker stands poised to lead the RBA through the next chapter of Rochester’s evolution, ensuring a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and shared prosperity.
