Greater Rochester Chamber announces Faheem Masood as the first recipient of the 2026 Golisano Philanthropy Award for his decades of community leadership

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced that longtime business leader Faheem Masood will receive the organization’s 2026 Golisano Philanthropy Award, recognizing decades of leadership, community investment, and support for economic growth across the Rochester region.

The award will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 5, during the Chamber’s 40th anniversary Top 100 Awards Celebration. Chamber officials said Masood was selected because of his lasting contributions to the community and his commitment to strengthening the region through philanthropy, financial empowerment, and business leadership.

Masood retired in April 2026 after serving as President and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union for 10 years. During his tenure, the financial institution expanded efforts aimed at improving financial well-being for individuals while also supporting small businesses and encouraging broader economic development throughout Greater Rochester.

Under his leadership, ESL Federal Credit Union returned nearly $500 million to the local community beginning in 2017. Those investments came through several initiatives, including the Owners’ Dividend program, Community Impact philanthropic grants, reduced or eliminated fees, and grant programs that helped first-time homebuyers. Together, those efforts were designed to make financial services more accessible while helping residents and businesses build stronger futures.

Beyond his work at ESL, Masood has remained deeply involved in civic and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Geva Theatre Center, Together Now, and Lifetime Health Care Companies, including its Rochester Regional Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, contributing to regional planning and economic initiatives.

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Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said Masood’s influence extends well beyond the financial industry, pointing to both his professional accomplishments and his personal commitment to serving others.

“Faheem Masood has been one of Greater Rochester’s most significant business and community leaders over the last three decades – and his legacy will be felt for many more decades to come. Throughout his career, he has touched thousands of lives through his strategic investments, his tireless leadership, and his humanity and kindness,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber. “I am honored to have worked with Faheem over the years, and am grateful for the impact he has created. His story is one that showcases the best of Greater Rochester, and the life one can make here. We at Greater Rochester Chamber are proud to thank and recognize him for his financial, economic, and philanthropic impact on our community.”

Masood said the recognition carries special meaning because of his personal connection to Rochester and because the award honors the legacy of entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano.

“Our community has given me and my family a great life and I can’t express enough gratitude for that. I love this community and am proud and honored to have played a role in impacting individuals and organizations across our region,” said Masood. “Tom Golisano has blazed a path with not only his entrepreneurship but also his work to make this community stronger through his leadership and philanthropy. To receive the award that bears his name in truly humbling. Thank you to Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for this recognition.”

This year marks the first presentation of the Golisano Philanthropy Award, making Masood its inaugural recipient. According to the Chamber, the honor is intended to recognize individuals who have achieved notable business success while also making a lasting impact through charitable giving, community leadership, and investments that strengthen the Rochester region.

The new award builds upon the Chamber’s previous Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to B. Thomas Golisano in 2024. By introducing the Golisano Philanthropy Award, the organization aims to continue recognizing leaders whose influence reaches beyond business performance and into community development and long-term regional prosperity.

The presentation will take place during the 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 Celebration, an event that highlights leading businesses while recognizing individuals whose work has shaped the region. This year’s gathering will also commemorate the Chamber’s 40th anniversary, adding another milestone to the annual awards program.

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The celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Floreano Convention Center. Community members, business leaders, and local organizations are invited to attend. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are currently available, while the Chamber plans to announce the full list of Top 100 companies being honored at the event in August.

Greater Rochester Chamber officials describe the organization as a central resource for businesses across the region, offering advocacy, workforce support, compliance assistance, and opportunities for collaboration. Through its programs and partnerships, the Chamber works to encourage economic growth, strengthen local businesses, and create connections that benefit both employers and the broader community.

By selecting Faheem Masood as the inaugural recipient of the Golisano Philanthropy Award, the Chamber is recognizing a career defined not only by business achievement but also by a sustained commitment to giving back. From expanding access to financial resources and supporting first-time homebuyers to investing in nonprofit organizations and regional economic initiatives, Masood’s leadership has left a lasting mark on Greater Rochester. As the Chamber celebrates four decades of serving the business community, officials say honoring leaders whose work combines economic success with community impact reflects the values that continue to shape the region’s future.