The School Snack Cupboard began in September at the suggestion of 1^st Grade Teacher Nicole Gayton. Using funds donated by the community through the School Supply Drive, sponsored by the Bergen Business and Civil Association and the Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Boosters, Principal Kristin Loftus cleared cabinet space in the Main Office kitchen and filled it with snacks for students. When those snacks began to run out, Elementary School Social Worker Courtney Bapst arranged donations from local organizations, including the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern and the United Way. Currently, over 200 snacks are distributed each month through the School Snack Cupboard.

“It has been truly incredible to see the impact of this initiative on our students,” said Loftus. “Whether a child needs a snack because they’re hungry or because it supports a sensory need, having free and easy access removes barriers and allows them to focus on learning. It also reassures our teachers that they have the support needed to help meet the whole child — including their most basic needs.”

Kindergarten Teacher Ayn Gardner and Instructional Coach and Student Council Advisor Debbie Slocum met with the Student Council to discuss this year’s beneficiary for the annual school community service project. After reviewing the local organizations that have already benefited from the annual project, the Student Council held a discussion, took a vote, and decided to collect food to support the needs of their school’s student body.

“We have never done a community service project to support the District before,” said Gardner. “The students are using it every day. This year, it seemed to be a perfect fit!”

Student Council members helped track donations by coloring in thermometers for each item. Every grade level met the goal of 100 donated snack items. 

“I am deeply grateful to our school community for stepping up in such a generous way,” said Loftus. “The outpouring of snack donations reflects the care and commitment that make our school so special. We are beyond thankful.”

Provided information

During a press conference on February 25, Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, along with members of the Senate Housing Committee and the Senate Republican Conference, unveiled a comprehensive package of housing legislation designed to help New Yorkers build homes that are affordable in an effort to keep homeowners here in the Empire State.

The package includes affordability incentives for first-time homeowners and lowers the construction costs by removing regulatory burdens, such as streamlining the environmental review process to build homes. The package aims to increase housing supply by establishing a task force composed of local government officials, state agencies, and other stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development. In addition, the package includes legislation that ensures rent-controlled and stabilized housing goes to those who need it most.

“To keep New Yorkers living here, we need to ensure that housing is attainable and reasonably priced. The lack of housing affordability remains one of the most difficult economic hurdles facing our state, and a major driver of the affordability crisis that has so many New Yorkers leaving year after year. This is a direct result of policies by our Democratic colleagues. In contrast, our legislative package is about cutting costs, building more, and keeping New Yorkers here,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“For some, it may be uncomfortable to talk about politics. But the reality is that Albany Democrats’ high taxes, costly energy mandates, and excessive regulations are making homeownership harder to achieve. New York families are working hard and trying to put down roots, yet rising construction costs and skyrocketing utility bills are pushing the dream of owning a home further out of reach. These policies are also making it more difficult for retirees to stay in their homes. My housing and energy affordability package offers real, practical solutions. It reduces costly energy mandates that drive up utility bills, lowers construction costs, increases housing supply, and delivers meaningful property tax relief. If the Governor and the Legislature are serious about affordability, they should set aside their politics and pass these bills. Let’s work together to lower costs, expand opportunity, and make it possible for families, seniors, and workers to build a future and stay in New York,” said Senator Pam Helming, Member of the Senate Housing, Construction & Community Development Committee.

Included in the package are proposals that would:

Increase Housing Supply

S.538 (Martins) – Means test rent-controlled apartments to ensure that people who need affordable housing are occupying them.

S.3545 (Borrello) – Streamlines the environmental review process to make it easier to build more homes.

S.529 (Martins) – Establishes the local initiatives task force on housing, in order to collaborate with local government officials, state agencies, and stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development.

S.576 (Helming) – Create tax incentives for manufactured housing developers to build affordable homes in rural areas.

Homeownership Affordability

S.850 (Helming) – Provides a first-time homebuyer tax credit for local property taxes.

S.8489 (Weber) – Freezes real property taxes for three years to provide relief to New York homeowners. New York has some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

S.852 (Helming) – Give homebuyers who rehabilitate dilapidated properties an exemption from property tax reassessment.

S.9270 (Chan) – Establishes a new part of the housing court dedicated exclusively to buildings 35 units or less. The owners and tenants of these smaller buildings would benefit from faster resolution of issues.

Lower Construction Costs

S.1167 (Mattera) – Repeal the All-Electric Building Act. The all-electric mandate will increase the cost of the average single-family home by about $20,000.

S.8621 (Mattera) – Allow building developers to comply with the less costly and less burdensome 2020 Energy Codes in lieu of the 2025 Energy Code. This would result in lowering the cost of an average single-family home by approximately $7,400.

“Too many New Yorkers, especially young families and first-time homebuyers, are watching the American Dream of homeownership slip further out of reach. Between crushing property taxes, excessive regulations, and programs that too often miss the people they were meant to serve, the deck is stacked against those trying to put down roots in the communities they call home. This package advances common-sense reforms to increase the housing supply, cut unnecessary regulatory burdens, and provide property tax relief. These are practical steps toward restoring opportunity, bringing down costs, and making it possible for more families to build their future right here in New York,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th.

SUNY Brockport has received a three-year, $373,360 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen the University’s capacity to pursue innovative, externally funded research—work that often grows through collaboration with regional industry and community partners.

SUNY Brockport will join NSF’s Enabling Partnership to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program as part of the Supporting Partnership for Advancement, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) cohort. The national program is designed to help institutions expand research capacity and build stronger partnerships that support innovation.

SUNY Brockport collaborated with three other SPARK cohort institutions—Guilford College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Southern Arkansas University—to submit the proposal.

“The NSF recognizes that a majority of the research they fund goes to highly resourced institutions, which can leave others behind in federal funding,” said Dr. Jose Maliekal, associate professor and principal investigator for the project. “Institutions like Brockport have the capacity to innovate, but our faculty don’t always have the time or resources to dedicate to projects.”

The grant’s aim is to create a collaborative environment that supports scholarship through community partnerships and that allows innovative work to take shape. Maliekal will serve as the principal investigator (PI) and lead the initiative at SUNY Brockport alongside co-principal investigators Dr. Martin Abraham, Dr. Laurie Cook, and Dr. Michael Coleman.

“Writing a grant is labor-intensive, so fewer faculty are writing them, which reduces our institution’s capacity for research opportunities,” Maliekal said. “We want to create an environment in which faculty feel supported as they seek collaboration and funding to advance their career goals.”

The EPIIC-SPARK grant will create conditions for more Brockport faculty to compete for external funding, allowing more students to participate in applied research and community-based projects that connect classroom learning to real regional needs. A central component of the initiative is collaboration with regional industry and community partners whose needs coincide with the expertise of SUNY Brockport faculty.

“External partners are not always aware of what we have to offer them,” Cook said. “EPIIC is essentially trying to bridge that gap between the needs of institutions and regional partners.”

As part of this initiative and community collaboration, more experiential learning opportunities will be available for students to take part in engaging research, internships, and shadowing/mentoring with regional partners.

“When faculty scholarship connects with regional partners, long-term connections are made and pipelines open up for our students,” Cook said. “Ultimately, that is where the NSF is going. They want to better prepare our students to enter the modern workforce.”

In addition, the initiative will recruit two Faculty Fellows each year, who will receive course release time and professional development. Each Fellow will build a small team of colleagues to develop a project and prepare a grant proposal—expanding the number of faculty positioned to compete for external funding and increasing opportunities for students to participate in applied research.

“The more faculty learn about opportunities like this, the better positioned they will be to take advantage of them,” Maliekal said.

Want to partner with SUNY Brockport?

Regional/industry and community partners interested in exploring research collaborations, internships, mentoring, or applied projects may contact Jose Maliekal at 585-395-5598 or jmaliekal@brockport.edu or Laurie Cook at 585-395-5757 or lcook@brockport.edu to discuss partnership opportunities.

Provided information and photo

Pothole season is expected to make an early debut in Western and Central New York this year. Cracked and crumbling pavement creates ideal conditions for potholes to form. Moisture seeps into these cracks, causing them to expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, pavement deteriorates, and the weight of passing vehicles eventually causes it to form potholes. This year’s harsh winter and extended cold temperatures have taken their toll on area roads, leading to an earlier-than-expected pothole season.

Potholes can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s tires, alignment, suspension, and shocks. Every month, AAA responds to thousands of tire-related calls across Western and Central New York. Nationwide, AAA handles millions of such requests each winter and spring. Although AAA doesn’t track roadside assistance specifically for pothole damage, it’s clear that many calls during this time are due to vehicles hitting potholes. Tire-related requests make up about 10 to 14% of AAA emergency road service calls each month.

“While we’ve been inundated with requests to service dead batteries this year amid the cold spell, we expect to see more tire-related issues due to potholes now that temperatures are warming up,” said AAA Fleet Manager Jeremy Harrington. “This winter’s harsh conditions could make for an early and rough pothole season.”

In 2023, a AAA survey found that nearly 2 in 10 drivers had to get their vehicles repaired after hitting a pothole. Researchers estimated that pothole-related damage increased by 57% nationwide.

The average vehicle repair cost for pothole damage in 2022 was $406, and with automotive parts and repair costs rising, potholes are certainly even more costly this year. Some drivers undergo multiple pothole-related repairs each season, underscoring the urgent need to repair America’s roadways.

How to Save Your Car and Your Wallet from Pothole Damage

Check your tires, including tread depth, tire pressure, suspension, and alignment

• Tread depth—insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires.
• Tire pressure—check this at least once a month before driving, when the tires have been at rest and are not hot. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.
• Suspension and alignment—look for changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration, or uneven wearing of tires, all indications of a problem with the suspension, like alignment or shocks.

Keep your eyes on the road.An alert and cautious driver is less likely to hit a pothole

• Scan the road ahead for potholes and, if it’s safe to do so, drive around any in your path.
• Standing water or puddles may disguise a deep pothole. Avoid driving through standing water when possible, but if you can’t, drive through slowly.
• If you can’t avoid a pothole, reduce your speed safely and avoid braking abruptly, particularly as you go over the pothole. Striking a pothole at higher speeds increases the chance of knocking the wheels out of alignment, affecting the steering, and bending or even breaking suspension components.

If you hit a pothole, pay attention to any new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you detect something is off with your vehicle, take it to a trusted repair facility for a full vehicle inspection as soon as possible.

Provided information

Mrs. Giancursio is the current Assistant Principal at Churchville Elementary School. She has worked for Churchville-Chili CSD for 20 years and has been Assistant Principal since July 2021. She previously worked for the district as an Instructional Literacy Coach and a First Grade Teacher.

“I am incredibly honored to accept the position of Principal at Churchville Elementary School,” says Kim Giancursio. “I value the relationships I have developed with the students, staff, and families of our school community. I look forward to our continued partnership in supporting the growth and success of every student.” 

Provided information and photo

During a press conference in Albany on February 25, Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, along with members of the Senate Housing Committee and the Senate Republican Conference, unveiled a comprehensive package of housing legislation designed to help New Yorkers build homes that are affordable in an effort to keep homeowners here in the Empire State.

The package includes affordability incentives for first-time homeowners and lowers the construction costs by removing regulatory burdens, such as streamlining the environmental review process to build homes. The package aims to increase housing supply by establishing a task force composed of local government officials, state agencies, and other stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development. In addition, the package includes legislation that ensures rent-controlled and stabilized housing goes to those who need it most.

“To keep New Yorkers living here, we need to ensure that housing is attainable and reasonably priced. The lack of housing affordability remains one of the most difficult economic hurdles facing our state, and a major driver of the affordability crisis that has so many New Yorkers leaving year after year. This is a direct result of policies by our Democratic colleagues. In contrast, our legislative package is about cutting costs, building more, and keeping New Yorkers here,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“New York families are working hard and trying to put down roots, yet rising construction costs and skyrocketing utility bills are pushing the dream of owning a home further out of reach. These policies are also making it more difficult for retirees to stay in their homes,” said Senator Pam Helming, Member of the Senate Housing, Construction & Community Development Committee. “My housing and energy affordability package offers real, practical solutions. It reduces costly energy mandates that drive up utility bills, lowers construction costs, increases housing supply, and delivers meaningful property tax relief. If the Governor and the Legislature are serious about affordability, they should set aside their politics and pass these bills. Let’s work together to lower costs, expand opportunity, and make it possible for families, seniors, and workers to build a future and stay in New York.”

Included in the package are proposals that would:

Increase Housing Supply

• S.538 (Martins) – Means test rent-controlled apartments to ensure that people who need affordable housing are occupying them.
• S.3545 (Borrello) – Streamlines the environmental review process to make it easier to build more homes.
• S.529 (Martins) – Establishes the local initiatives task force on housing, in order to collaborate with local government officials, state agencies, and stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development.
• S.576 (Helming) – Create tax incentives for manufactured housing developers to build affordable homes in rural areas.

Homeownership Affordability

• S.850 (Helming) – Provides a first-time homebuyer tax credit for local property taxes.
• S.8489 (Weber) – Freezes real property taxes for three years to provide relief to New York homeowners. New York has some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
• S.852 (Helming)- Give homebuyers who rehabilitate dilapidated properties an exemption from property tax reassessment.
• S.9270 (Chan)– Establishes a new part of the housing court dedicated exclusively to buildings with 35 units or less. The owners and tenants of these smaller buildings would benefit from faster resolution of issues.

Lower Construction Costs

• S.1167 (Mattera) – Repeal the All-Electric Building Act. The all-electric mandate will increase the cost of the average single-family home by about $20,000.
• S.8621 (Mattera) – Allow building developers to comply with the less costly and less burdensome 2020 Energy Codes in lieu of the 2025 Energy Code. This would result in lowering the cost of an average single-family home by approximately $7,400.

“Too many New Yorkers, especially young families and first-time homebuyers, are watching the American Dream of homeownership slip further out of reach. Between crushing property taxes, excessive regulations, and programs that too often miss the people they were meant to serve, the deck is stacked against those trying to put down roots in the communities they call home. This package advances common-sense reforms to increase the housing supply, cut unnecessary regulatory burdens, and provide property tax relief. These are practical steps toward restoring opportunity, bringing down costs, and making it possible for more families to build their future right here in New York,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th.

Provided information and photo

The Hilton Village Election is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, from noon to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street. There are seven candidates across four party lines: three candidates are vying for the office of mayor, and four are vying for two open trustee positions. All are to serve a four-year term.

CITIZENS PARTY
Larry Speer, Candidate for Mayor
Speer says, “Experience matters when it comes to leading our community.” He served for 22 years on the Village Board, acting as liaison to the Zoning Board, Building Department, Recreation Department, and Fire Department. A 34-year volunteer firefighter for the Hilton FD, Speer served 14 years on its board of directors. During his career, he spent 38 years as a Senior Engineering Technician at Eastman Kodak and L3Harris, 20 years with a family-owned construction company, 30 years as a part-time employee at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, and 40 years as the owner/operator of a snowplow business. He has volunteered with the Hilton school sports teams, served as chairman of the Hilton Rotary Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast, and served on the board of Parma Union Cemetery. Speer’s vision is to utilize his problem-solving and collaboration skills to deliver high-quality services for Hilton residents, promote local businesses, and establish a community-based ambulance service within the Hilton Fire Department.

HILTON FIRST PARTY
Michael Sengillo, Candidate for Mayor
Sengillo is a longtime resident of Hilton, a proud father and grandfather, and a dedicated local business owner. Working in one of the most demanding businesses in NYS, Sengillo believes the Village of Hilton should be run with the same responsibility, efficiency, and accountability as a successful business. He has a deep passion for his community and says he wants to bring fresh, practical ideas to the table. He holds an associate’s degree from Monroe Community College and has given back to the community through volunteer work with the Hilton Lions Club, Hilton Apple Fest, Habitat for Humanity, and as a Cub Scout leader. Sengillo is committed to protecting what makes Hilton special—its close-knit community, public safety, and local businesses—while leading with transparency, common sense, and integrity. Sengillo said, “I am ready to lead Hilton with honesty, dedication, and a clear focus on what matters most: our families and our future.”

Joe Lee, Candidate for Trustee
Lee has served as Hilton’s mayor since 2014, and in March 2025, announced that he would not run for another term in that office. He hopes to continue serving the community, albeit in a different capacity as trustee, a position he held for a decade before being elected mayor. Lee is a long-time village resident and a member of Hilton High School’s Class of 1970. He worked for Eastman Kodak, retiring after 36 years of service. He is an active member of several organizations, including the Hilton Lions Club, Knights of Columbus Council #9461, and the Hilton Apple Fest Committee, and volunteers with the Salvation Army and Foodlink. “It has been an honor to work on behalf of our community,” Lee said. “I remain committed to continuing the work we’ve started together — focusing on public safety, quality of living, growth, and supporting our newly elected Mayor.”

HILTON FORWARD PARTY
Christine A. Brower, Candidate for Trustee
A village resident for 33 years, Brower says her decision to run for trustee is driven by a desire to ensure that Hilton continues to thrive, thoughtfully balancing progress with the preservation of its unique character. She served on the Planning Board from 2007 to 2011 and continues to attend Zoning Board meetings to stay current on local development and policy matters. “I understand the importance of thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and transparent governance,” Brower said. She is a longtime employee of the University of Rochester, where she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Local involvements include Quest PTSO, Hilton Heat Soccer Club, and the Hilton Apple Festival Board. Brower says she wants to bring a dedicated, experienced, and community-focused perspective to the village board. “I am committed to being a strong advocate for our residents and a responsible steward of our village’s future.” 

John E. Steinmetz, Candidate for Trustee
Steinmetz has lived in Hilton for over 30 years, raising his family and starting a business (Steinmetz Planning Group) in the community. With a degree in City Planning, he has worked with local governments across the state as a community planning consultant. He was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2020 and is currently Principal Planner and Regional Discipline Leader at Colliers Engineering and Design. Steinmetz says he is running for trustee to utilize his professional and personal experience to benefit the community. “I believe Hilton deserves leadership that is proactive, forward thinking, and focused on the things that matter most to residents – keeping our village financially sound and not only maintaining, but elevating the quality of life we all value, and ensuring everyone has a voice in decisions that affect our community.” He previously served several years on the Hilton Planning Board and has completed multiple consulting assignments on behalf of the Village.

HILTON’S FUTURE PARTY
Andrew Fowler, Candidate for Mayor
A lifelong Hilton resident, Fowler has served three terms as trustee, with experience as vice mayor and as liaison to the Town of Parma, Hilton CSD, and Hilton-Parma Fire Commission. He has been the sitting board member on the Village’s Budget Committee since 2018. Noting the Village’s fiscal responsibility, Fowler said, “Being a debt-free municipality is one of our community’s greatest accomplishments.” He is a Special Education teacher at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES, where he teaches career readiness skills to high school and postsecondary students with diverse abilities. At BOCES, he is a member of the BOCES 2 United Professionals Executive Board, a liaison to administration, and a Curriculum Team Leader. His wife, Samantha, also teaches Special Education at BOCES. Their sons both attend Hilton schools. “My family is the reason I do the work I do,” Fowler said. “I want my children to grow up in a community that they are proud of, similar to the way I was raised.”

Jamie Attoma, Candidate for Trustee
Attoma has lived in Hilton for the past ten years, and her husband is a lifelong resident. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in finance, and has worked in strategic sourcing as well as talent and human resources across various industries. “My background has provided me with a strong understanding of budgeting, financial responsibility, strategic planning, and people-centered leadership—skills that are essential for effective local government service,” Attoma said. She is a volunteer and commissioner with Hilton-Parma Recreation and supports its Friends group. She believes in supporting local businesses and that community engagement is essential to building trust and making informed decisions. “As a village trustee, I would advocate for transparency and accountability by ensuring village budgets, meetings, and decisions are accessible and easy for residents to understand. I also believe in maintaining safe and welcoming neighborhoods and supporting the public safety and emergency services that keep our community strong.”

In February, Churchville Elementary School students helped support the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Students around the country participate in the Kids Heart Challenge to learn about the importance of heart health, exercise, and giving back to others.

During the event, CES students raised funds to help kids with special hearts, inspired by the school’s very own heart hero, third-grade student James. James underwent heart surgery days after being born and has since met all major milestones and is cleared to play the same as other kids his age.

This year, 216 students participated in the challenge, raising $20,391.15. Top fundraisers were recognized during a celebratory assembly, and the students who raised the most money were able to take on the titles of “PE teacher for the day,” “Assistant Principal for the day,” and “Principal for the day.”

At the end of the assembly, to celebrate their accomplishment, a few lucky students had the chance to spray CES physical education teachers, classroom teachers, and Principal Kate Daly with silly string.

This was the school’s 25th year participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge events.

Provided information and photos

New and increased point values for serious driving infractions took effect in New York on Monday, February 16, under changes announced by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many serious violations now carry a higher number of points, and some infractions that previously had no points assigned now receive significant point totals. In addition, the length of time points remain on a driver’s record has been extended, increasing the likelihood that drivers who accumulate multiple serious violations could face suspension or, in some cases, permanent revocation of their license.

“Unfortunately, AAA research shows that risky driving behaviors like distraction, speeding, and driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “We are hopeful the new point values for serious violations will send a strong message to bad drivers that they should change their behavior, thereby saving lives.”

Impaired Driving: The maximum point value for a single violation is now 11 points. Any alcohol- or drug-related conviction or incident — including refusal to submit to a roadside chemical test — now carries the full 11 points. Previously, these violations did not carry any points. Additionally, accumulating four alcohol- or drug-related convictions or incidents will lead to the permanent revocation of a driver’s license.

According to the New York State DMV, as published in the State Register, the need for this measure is underscored by the fact that one in five convicted impaired drivers in New York is a repeat offender, and 44 percent of fatal crashes statewide involve alcohol or drugs.

Unlicensed Operation and Speeding: Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, meaning a person drove while their license was suspended or revoked, will now result in 11 points. Previously, there were no points assigned to such a violation. Also, a conviction of speeding more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit will result in 11 points, but this was the case prior to the new point values.

School Buses: Emphasizing the need to protect the most vulnerable road users, children, the State Register notes that the points for passing or overtaking a stopped school bus have increased from five to eight. This applies only to school bus tickets issued by law enforcement (not bus cameras). From 2020 through 2024, more than 9,000 school bus tickets were issued in New York State.

Bridge Strikes: An over-height vehicle violation or bridge hit previously resulted in no points; under the new regulations, eight (8) points will be assigned. In 2024, there were 350 bridge-hits statewide, primarily downstate.

Additional Changes: Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash now carries a penalty of five points, up from the previous three. Facilitating the aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, meaning someone loaned their vehicle to a person with a suspended or revoked license, has jumped from no points to five. Engaging in a speed contest or race has also increased from no points to five.

Driving Records: Under the new regulations, points will remain on a driver’s record for 24 months, up from 18. Previously, a person who accumulated 11 or more points within an 18-month period was deemed a persistent violator and was subject to a license suspension or revocation. The State Register says increasing the timeframe from 18 to 24 months allows the DMV to review a longer period of operation, during which administrative action can be taken against a persistent violator, and will result in a 40 percent increase in drivers classified as persistent violators.

Provided information

Rochester Business Journal has again recognized SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson in its annual Power 100 – a listing of the top 100 “power players” in the Rochester area. Dr. Macpherson was recognized on the list for the sixth consecutive year. 

Macpherson, who has announced her plans to retire later this year, shared her thoughts on navigating change, prioritizing time to think and plan, and the importance of higher education in Rochester’s future growth in the annual publication, which was released on February 13. 

She also spoke of SUNY Brockport’s work related to the use of artificial intelligence.

“For colleges and universities, it affects all aspects of our work, from how students learn and what opportunities they have to pursue once they graduate, to changes in day-to-day work for employees,” she told the RBJ. “That’s one reason why we’ve created a Generative AI Institute Team on campus to help guide and support colleagues by developing policies, practices, and specific guidance to help our academic community use AI tools ethically and well.” 

View the entire Power 100 list at https://rbj.net/2026/02/13/rbj-2026-power-100/.

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