Leadership
Our President
Dr. Seanelle Hawkins
President and CEO
As the first woman to serve as President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester (ULR), Dr. Seanelle Hawkins has consistently demonstrated her commitment to transparent engagement and advocacy for the Rochester community. Celebrating her fifth anniversary in this leadership role, Dr. Hawkins has significantly advanced the organization's mission and impact.
Under Dr. Hawkins' leadership, ULR's operating budget has doubled, and the organization has expanded its programs, prioritizing public health initiatives. Her personal and meticulous approach to every program and staff member has propelled ULR to exceed expectations in program performance, fundraising, and community recognition. Dr. Hawkins has emphasized public safety through gun violence prevention programs and expanded trades and skill-building programs, ensuring individuals have access to good jobs and pathways for upward mobility.
ULR has reclaimed its status as the premier civil rights organization in the Greater Rochester area under Dr. Hawkins' direction. She introduced the INTERRUPT RACISM initiative, now in its fifth year, which includes an annual summit, year-long Interrupt Racism cohorts, and school programs in several districts. Additionally, Dr. Hawkins was appointed by the Mayor of Rochester and the County Executive to lead the RASE (Race and Structural Equity) Commission’s Phase Two, championing community recommendations that prioritize equity in housing, employment, mental health and addiction, business, policing, and other areas affected by systemic racism.
An expert in community engagement and cultural change, advocacy, transitional and permanent supportive housing, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and staff development, Dr. Hawkins brings over 25 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience to her role. Her background includes various executive positions in nonprofits and program consultancies.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Hawkins earned her Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University, a Master's in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, and a Doctorate of Education from the Executive Leadership Program at St. John Fisher University.
In 2024, Dr. Hawkins was appointed to the New York State Community Commission on Reparation Remedies and serves as their Chair. (If you would like to contact Dr. Hawkins about reparations, please email her at seanelle.hawkins@reparations.ny.gov.)
Dr. Hawkins actively serves on several boards, including The Council of Agency Executives, Inc., Excellus Health Plan Inc., ROC2025 Board, M&T Bank Directors Advisory Council, and Person Centered Services. She is also the President of the Rochester Women’s Council.
Residing in Rochester with her husband John and their six-year-old daughter Zoe, Dr. Hawkins remains committed to fostering equity and creating a more just community.
“I am thrilled to serve as the first female President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester. I am so proud of how we continue to address systemic racism and public safety issues head-on by increasing education and employment opportunities. Together as a community, I believe we can interrupt racism and create a more equitable Rochester. ”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Tiffany Owens
Executive Vice President of Programs
Anne Beyer
Vice President, Program Planning, Research & Evaluation
Eboni Henderson
HR Director of People Operations
Bruce Watson
Senior Vice President of Finance
Ronald Washington
Housing Director/Manager Home Store
Dr. Candice Lucas
Senior Vice President, Equity & Advocacy
Taurean Uthman
VP of Youth & Education
Joyce Johnson
Vice President of Accounts Receivables
Jonathan Compton
Director, Workforce Development
Board of Directors
2023 - 2024 Officers
Chairperson
Dr. Calvin Gantt
Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging & Executive Director, Downtown Campus - Monroe Community College
Vice Chairpersons
Gregory Ewing
Chief Compliance Officer, Trillium Health, Inc.
Dr. Sim Jonathan Covington, Jr.
Chief Diversity Officer - Finger Lakes Community College
Treasurer
Keith Cleary
Director of Business Banking - ESL Federal Credit Union
Assistant Treasurer
Ashley L. Freeman
Corporate Auditor - MAR Compliance Manager - Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Recording Secretary
Essie Calhoun-McDavid
Retired - Global Diversity & Community Affairs Officer / VP - Eastman Kodak Company
Corresponding Secretary
John Ramerman
CEO - Ramerman Leadership Group
Chairperson, Nominating Committee
Erica Toluhi
Director of People Strategy & Talent Management - Paychex
Chairperson, HR Committee
Talethea Best
Founder & CEO - Best Innovations Consulting
Chairperson, Marketing, Fundraising & Communications Committee
Denishea Ortiz
Executive Director of Strategic Marketing - Rochester Institute of Technology
Officers-At-Large
Emerson U. Fullwood
Retired - Executive Chief Staff and Marketing Officer, Xerox North America - Xerox Corporation
Dr. Derrill A. Blue
Senior Pastor - Memorial AME Zion Church
Garfield Ruddock
Group HR Manager - Enterprise Mobility
Board Members
Leah Hamilton
Manager - Culture and Organizational Effectiveness, Optimax Systems
Taelor Jackson
President - Panther Graphics
Jerdine Johnson
Retired - City of Rochester
Salomon Madera
Major Account Manager - Waste Management
Stuart Mitchell
Retired Executive Director - Pathstone Foundation; President, SJM III Consulting Services
Sherry Mitchell
Associate Financial Representative - Clement Wealth Management
George Opira
Financial Advisor - Avantax Wealth Management
Kara Roth
Director of Human Resources - Ingredients Plus
Septimus Scott
Program Manager - East House
Joseph L. Searles
Vice President & Chief Community Engagement Officer - Trillium Health
Mallory Smith
Of Counsel - Adams Leclair LLP, Attorneys
Raymond Sykes
Vice President, Student Lending Relationship Manager - Citizens Bank
Tashanda Thomas
Chief Human Resources Officer - WXXI
Sheri Watkins
Chief of Finance - Monroe County Office of Mental Health