The Council of Agency Executives (COAE) provides an important resource network for nonprofit leaders. We can rely on the expertise, institutional knowledge, and often, mentorship of our peers who reflect on topics that are important to any leader. And, let’s not forget fellowship. The COAE gives us a chance to socialize with some of the most incredible people our community has to offer. Thankfully, friendships are born when we may not otherwise be inclined to take a moment from our work for such interaction!
Our monthly programs for CEOs are outstanding. Additionally, we share a wealth of experience and knowledge with leaders from our member organizations through our affinity networking groups which touch on finance, human resources, operations, compliance and more.
But, it’s more than that, the COAE also gives our sector a voice. This year our programs have drawn community leaders from government and transportation, to funders, policy-makers and business leaders. These groups often seek counsel from the COAE Board of Directors, and use the forum of meetings to ensure there’s a pipeline of information from our members to the community and vice-versa.
There is power in our numbers. COAE member organizations represent an annual economic impact of more than $1 billion in our community, and employ more than 20,000 residents, not including hospitals or higher education. All told, our members serve more than 1.5 million of our friends and neighbors every year.
When we think about our community’s top priorities -- economic development, employment and workforce development, improving education, and lifting up people in poverty, it is clear that our organizations must continue to be the partners of business and government.
This year, we are watching many long-standing CEO’s transition into retirement. We pay tribute to them; their legacies are so admirable, and we all hope we can live up to the examples they have set as we work to improve the lives of people in our community every day.
Here’s to the future of the COAE!
Donna M. Dedee
Council of Agency Executives President
Holy Childhood and Special Touch Bakery President and CEO
Our Presidents through the years with their organization at the time of their service:
2015 – 2017 Greg Soehner, East House
2012 – 2015 Ann Marie Cook, Lifespan
2010 – 2012 Bill McDonald, Medical Motor Service
2008 – 2010 Colin Garwood, LDA Life & Learning Services
2006 – 2008 Germaine Knapp, Sojourner House
2004 – 2006 Carolyn Portanova, Catholic Family Center
2002 – 2004 Jean Carroll, YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County
2000 – 2002 Alan Harris, Legal Aid Society of Rochester
1999 – 2000 Jim Sorrentino, East House