Faheem Masood elected as new Chair of Greater Rochester Chamber Board of Directors as nine new members join leadership team

Rochester, New York – In a significant leadership shift at one of the region’s most influential business organizations, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced that Faheem Masood, President and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union, has been elected as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. The appointment was revealed Monday as part of a broader leadership update that also included the election of nine new board members.

Masood steps into the role following nearly a decade of service on the Chamber’s board, most recently as Secretary. He succeeds Rob Sands, who has served as Chair since 2016—a historic nine-year tenure that makes him the longest-serving board chair in the Chamber’s 138-year existence.

“I am excited to work closely alongside Faheem as the new Chair of our Board. His leadership on our board over the past ten years as a member and most recently as secretary, as well as his work at ESL Federal Credit Union have shown his steadfast commitment to our region and community,” said Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

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Sands’ departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for the Chamber, one characterized by modernization and renewed engagement with Rochester’s business community. Under his guidance, the organization strengthened its regional presence and positioned itself as a strategic resource for companies navigating economic and social changes.

“Rob has been the longest chair in our 138-year history. His tenure has been marked by transformation, resulting in a stronger and better Greater Rochester Chamber,” Duffy added. “I look forward to continuing to work with our board leadership to modernize our organization as a chamber of the future.”

Masood brings a reputation for collaboration and strategic vision. Since taking the helm at ESL Federal Credit Union in March 2016, he has steered the organization through periods of both growth and challenge, while maintaining a strong focus on community support and financial empowerment.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Greater Rochester business community as Chair of the Board of Directors,” Masood said. “Greater Rochester Chamber is an essential partner and resource for businesses across our region, working to ensure that they are supported and their voices are heard. The collective power of the Chamber brings knowledge, experience, and local acumen for so many across our business community.”

Beyond his role at ESL, Masood’s extensive civic involvement underscores his commitment to Rochester. He currently sits on several boards including the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Geva Theatre Center, OneROC, Together Now, Lifetime Health Care Companies and its Rochester Regional Advisory Board, and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

In addition to Masood’s elevation to Chair, the Chamber also confirmed its other officers for the upcoming term: Lauren Dixon and Donna Shultz will serve as Vice Chairs, Martin Mucci has been named Treasurer, and Heidi Schult Gregory will take on the role of Secretary.

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Perhaps equally notable is the election of nine new Directors, chosen by Greater Rochester Chamber members during the organization’s annual meeting on June 17. The newly appointed directors bring a wealth of industry experience and a cross-sector perspective to the boardroom.

The newly elected Directors are:

• Denee Stirpe, Vice President of Human Resources, Baldwin Richardson Foods Co.
• Vincent Lecce, Market President, KeyBank
• Melissa Suchodolski, President, USC Builds
• Jerry Warner, President, CooperVision Inc.
• Heidi Schult Gregory, Managing Partner, Harris Beach Murtha
• William Sanders, President, Rochester Institute of Technology
• Paul Griswold, CEO, Griswold Companies
• Stephen McDonnell, CEO, Wilmac Technologies
• David Riedman, President & CEO, Riedman Companies

The inclusion of leaders from banking, food manufacturing, technology, education, and construction signals a continued emphasis on building a well-rounded board reflective of the regional economy. With this diverse group of business minds, the Chamber aims to continue advocating for economic development, workforce needs, and policy initiatives that affect the nine-county Greater Rochester area.

“This new board of directors will help advance Greater Rochester Chamber’s mission to equip, advocate for, and connect people and businesses in the nine-county Greater Rochester region. Together, we’re working to build a region elevated by connected prosperity,” the Chamber stated.

The Chamber’s core mission has long been centered on supporting businesses through compliance services, talent acquisition resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy. As the organization prepares for its next chapter, leadership says it will continue identifying innovative ways to support the evolving needs of its member businesses and communities.

The changes in board leadership come at a time when Rochester, like many cities, is facing both unique challenges and exciting opportunities. With Faheem Masood now leading the board, many anticipate that the Chamber will further its role as a key driver of collaboration between business leaders, government agencies, and community organizations.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is widely regarded as the central hub for business support in the region. By blending deep-rooted community values with a proactive, future-facing strategy, the Chamber aims to accelerate economic opportunity and create lasting impact.

To see the full list of board members and learn more about the Chamber’s initiatives, visit GreaterRochesterChamber.com.