Greater Rochester Chamber announces plans to honor Colleen Wegman and Julia Tedesco with the 2026 Community Stewardship Awards for their exceptional leadership

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced that two of the region’s most influential leaders—Colleen Wegman and Julia Tedesco—will be recognized with the organization’s 2026 Community Stewardship Awards. The announcement, made on December 9, highlights two individuals whose long-term commitments to service, leadership, and community well-being have shaped essential parts of life across Rochester and the Finger Lakes. The awards will be formally presented at the Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Breakfast, scheduled for January 15 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Each year, the Community Stewardship Awards honor leaders who go beyond traditional expectations to strengthen the civic and social fabric of the region. This year’s recipients represent both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, underscoring how community progress often comes from different directions but depends on shared values. Colleen Wegman, President and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets, will receive the for-profit sector award, while Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink, will be honored in the nonprofit category.

The Chamber emphasized that both honorees have demonstrated leadership during some of the region’s most challenging years—marked by economic uncertainty, shifting community needs, and ongoing efforts to improve access to essential services. The organization noted that Wegman and Tedesco’s leadership has been particularly impactful during moments when stability, trust, and long-term vision were needed most.

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Bob Duffy, President & CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber, highlighted their shared influence in the announcement. “Greater Rochester Chamber is honored to present this year’s Community Stewardship Awards to Colleen Wegman and Julia Tedesco, both of whom are pillars of our Greater Rochester region. The work that Julia and Colleen do behind the scenes, without recognition, to uplift our community and build a better future for all who live, work, and play here is palpable. Within their own organizations and through their longstanding collaborative efforts, these leaders have invested in our community, provided countless opportunities, and truly changed lives. Now more than ever, the unwavering leadership they demonstrate in turbulent and chaotic times deserves to be honored. We appreciate both of their staunch commitments to our region and are proud to recognize them with these awards.”

A Legacy of Leadership in Business and Community

Colleen Wegman’s recognition comes after decades of guiding one of the region’s most prominent family-owned companies. Wegman began her career at Wegmans Food Markets in 1991, working in various customer service roles before eventually moving into leadership positions. She became President in 2005 and took on the role of CEO in 2017, continuing a four-generation family legacy that began in 1916. Over the past century, Wegmans has grown to 114 stores and more than 54,000 employees nationwide.

Under her leadership, the company has become known not only for its store experience and employee culture but also for its enduring commitment to community support. Wegmans has appeared on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 28 consecutive years—an achievement that reflects the company’s consistent investment in employee well-being and workplace culture. Beyond her corporate role, Wegman has also contributed to community initiatives, serving as chairperson for the United Way of Greater Rochester’s annual campaign and participating on the Food Marketing Institute’s board of directors.

Wegman reflected on the award by highlighting long-standing collaborations that have made measurable differences across the region. “Partnership amplifies impact. Wegmans is proud to partner with Julia and Foodlink to expand equitable access to nutritious food across our community. By combining Foodlink’s local expertise with Wegmans’ people—and the generosity of our customers— we can help ensure consistent, meaningful support for our neighbors who need it most.”

Transforming Food Access Through Public Health Leadership

Julia Tedesco’s award recognizes her visionary leadership in the nonprofit sector. As President & CEO of Foodlink, she oversees a regional nonprofit serving Rochester and the Finger Lakes, dedicated to addressing hunger and strengthening community health. Since joining Foodlink in 2008, Tedesco has helped the organization shift from a traditional food bank to a broader public health agency, focused not only on distributing food but also on addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

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Her tenure includes major expansions in programming, infrastructure, and partnerships. Foodlink currently provides more than 20 million pounds of food each year, rescues 10 million pounds from waste, and prepares more than 2 million meals for children. Programs such as the Curbside Market and the Foodlink Career Fellowship have become models for community-driven solutions and received national recognition. Foodlink also played a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing large-scale distributions and emergency-response operations during a period of unprecedented need.

Tedesco spoke about the award and the organization’s role during ongoing challenges. “Foodlink is deeply honored to accept Greater Rochester Chamber’s annual award that recognizes Community Stewardship — a concept that is integral to our values and our work as the region’s sole food bank,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO, Foodlink. “We are in the midst of a challenging time when thousands of our neighbors face uncertainty. Food banks nationwide have been challenged with addressing a surge in need for emergency food, and I am immensely proud of how Foodlink and our network of partners has responded. It is also a special privilege to be honored alongside Colleen Wegman. Wegmans has been a foundational partner of Foodlink’s for four decades – fueling so much of the impact we have had in our community, and Colleen has been a model of intentional, values-driven leadership and generosity.”

Celebrating Community Stewards at the 2026 Legislative Breakfast

The recognition of Wegman and Tedesco comes at a time when collaboration between businesses and nonprofits is vital. Their joint efforts—particularly in food access—highlight how shared purpose can support thousands of families facing instability. The Chamber noted that this year’s honorees both represent leadership that extends well beyond traditional roles, showing how community stewardship can be expressed through innovation, compassion, and long-term commitment.

The awards will be presented at the Greater Rochester Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Breakfast, one of the organization’s largest annual events, bringing together regional leaders, elected officials, and community members. Registration information can be found on the Chamber’s website for those who wish to attend and celebrate the honorees.