Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce reveals 20 emerging leaders selected for the 2026 Re:Gen Rising recognition program

Rochester, New York – A new generation of professionals shaping the future of the Rochester region is stepping into the spotlight.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce announced twenty honorees selected for its inaugural 2026 Re:Gen Rising program, an initiative designed to recognize young professionals who are already making a significant mark across business, nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, healthcare, community planning, and innovation.

The newly launched program, introduced through the Chamber’s Greater ROC Young Professional initiative, highlights professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are helping redefine what leadership looks like in the modern workplace. Organizers say the recognition goes beyond traditional career success, focusing instead on individuals who are driving collaboration, creating measurable impact, and helping move the Rochester region forward in new ways.

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This year’s class reflects a wide cross-section of industries and organizations, from healthcare systems and financial institutions to grassroots advocacy and creative services. The list includes executives, founders, engineers, nonprofit leaders, marketers, planners, and community advocates whose work touches nearly every corner of Greater Rochester.

Among those recognized are Malorie Benjamin of Dixon Schwabl + Company, Erin Bombard of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and community influencer Hope Breen, known through ROCthecitywithHope. Also honored are Samantha Britt of Palmer Food Services, Nick Esposito of Re:Build Optimation, and Dr. Ana Gómez Parga of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Surgery.

Additional honorees include Kristy Gonzalez of Radionix, Allison Hinman of the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, Stephanie Hyde of Highland Planning, and Jasmine Mabry from the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley.

The 2026 class further includes Alyssa Moore of Bank of America, Kateri Murphy of The Arc of Monroe, Lindsay Murphy of RochesterWorks, and Dr. Mary Rombaut, founder and CEO of R-Sqaured Solutions LLC and Recommenda LLC.

Amy Sadler of Helen + Gertrude, Chris Stocking of the Veterans Outreach Center, Samantha Taylor of Olive Speech Therapy, PLLC, and Colin Thompson of CPL Architects, Engineers, and Planners also earned recognition. Rounding out the list are Nick Wetherwax of Info Advantage, Inc., and Shaina Zazzaro, founder and CEO of Effortlessly Healthy.

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The Chamber says the honorees emerged from a competitive application process and were selected based on several factors, including demonstrated excellence, innovative thinking, measurable impact, and long-term vision.

For the organization, the new Re:Gen Rising program represents more than a name change. It marks a broader evolution of the Chamber’s longstanding IGNITE Awards, which previously celebrated young professionals throughout the region. The refreshed initiative revives the “Re:Generation” branding first introduced in 2017 while expanding its mission to create stronger regional influence and wider community engagement.

In many ways, the program reflects larger shifts happening across workplaces and industries. Younger professionals are increasingly being called upon to lead during periods of rapid change, economic uncertainty, technological transformation, and evolving community needs. The Chamber’s honorees represent those navigating that environment while still finding ways to innovate and contribute beyond their job titles.

Bob Duffy, President and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber, praised the group for the impact they are already making throughout the region.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees! Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to recognize and celebrate the tremendous impact you are already having on our region, and the promise of continued impact for years to come. From non-profits to entrepreneurs to corporate icons, this year’s honorees are redefining excellence across all areas of our community, and I know our region’s leadership is in good hands for the future. We look forward to celebrating with you in June!”

The honorees will officially be recognized during a ceremony and celebration scheduled for Wednesday, June 24. The event is expected to bring together business leaders, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and community members from across the Rochester area to celebrate emerging leadership and professional achievement.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce continues to position itself as one of the region’s leading business advocacy and networking organizations, supporting employers and professionals through workforce development, policy advocacy, compliance resources, and community engagement efforts.

Officials say programs like Re:Gen Rising are intended not only to celebrate achievement, but also to strengthen connections among future leaders who may help shape the region’s economy and culture for decades to come.

As Rochester continues navigating economic transformation and workforce changes, the Chamber appears to be betting heavily on the next generation — professionals who blend ambition with civic involvement, innovation with collaboration, and career success with community impact.

The 2026 Re:Gen Rising class, diverse in both profession and perspective, offers a snapshot of where that future may already be taking shape.