Who We Are

Centered in equity, the mission of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive.

Our History

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation (Health Foundation) was created in 2006 when the not-for-profit MVP Health Plan acquired the not-for-profit HMO Preferred Care.

The value of Preferred Care was returned to the community through MVP’s purchase price of $232 million to create a foundation dedicated to improving the health of the Greater Rochester community, inclusive of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Since its inception, the Health Foundation has acted as an independent foundation governed by a community-based board of directors and managed by a professional staff.

 

We view health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being — powerfully shaped by social, economic and environmental factors that are distributed unevenly and unjustly, creating pervasive health inequities by race, income, geography, disability and other identities. Structural racism has resulted in a public health crisis, combining and intersecting with other forms of discrimination, generational poverty, neighborhood disinvestment, rural access barriers, and other social inequities that prevent far too many residents of our region from reaching their full health potential.

Yet, we believe that potential is vast — the people, neighborhoods, and organizations closest to the issues have the expertise to create solutions — harnessing often underappreciated strengths and assets. Guided by the voice and participation of the community, we invest resources to help implement these solutions. We operate with a sense of urgency while engaging in the relationship building and co-creation needed for enduring change, recognizing that we will go farther together.

 

At the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, we understand that health equity is a matter of both justice and impact. As the largest driver of adverse health outcomes, eliminating inequities is essential to improving the overall health of our region—and requires directing resources to communities most impacted. We are committed to doing our part to changing systems, policies and practices to be more just and equitable, contributing to a healthier region where all people can thrive.

The mission of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive.

Our Values:

Equity: To achieve justice and fairness in health resources and outcomes we seek to disrupt the conditions that result in racial and other health inequities in our nine-county region.

 

Stewardship: To support our work we must have responsible oversight and management of the Foundation’s resources.  

 

Partnership: We are committed to listening to and collaborating with people across communities, across sectors, and across differences in recognition that we accomplish more together to assure relevant strategies and solutions.

 

Innovation: We strive to catalyze innovative solutions to complex community health challenges.

 

Integrity: We act in an honest, accountable, ethical, and transparent manner and foster a culture of trust and respect in our interactions with people, organizations, and communities.  

How We Work

Our Strategic Framework highlights our commitment to equity, emphasizing what we strive to do across our work.

Download the Greater Rochester Health Foundation Strategic Framework here.

Meet the Team

Recognizing that health outcomes are created by inequitable policies and systems, we seek to effect change at both ends of the spectrum with values centered in equity, stewardship, partnership, innovation, and integrity.

Board of Directors

Sage Gerling, MA

Chair
Associate Director, Business Operations, Cornell AgriTech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Michael A. Scharf, M.D.

Vice Chair
Mark and Maureen Davitt Professor and Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Kenneth L. Hines

Secretary
CIMA Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Yissette Rivas, MHA

Treasurer
VP, Strategic Operations, GreenSpark Energy

Thomas Bartlett

Co-Founding Partner, Cobblestone Capital Advisors, LLC

Jose Canario, M.D.

Family Medicine, The Mary Clark Thompson Family Practice

Linda Clark, M.D., M.S.

President & CEO, Chief Medical Officer, Anthony Jordan Health Corporation

Sady Alvarado-Fischer

Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Chenoa Maye, Esq.

Founder, Maye Mediation, LLC

Sanford J. Mayer, MD FAAP

Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine

Thomas Mucha

Former Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Pension Investments Worldwide, Eastman Kodak Company

Paul Pettit

Director of Public Health, Genesee and Orleans County

Hezekiah Simmons

Director, HigherEd Partnerships, three+one

Rev. James C. Simmons

Senior Pastor, Baber AME Church and Chairperson, Rise Up Rochester Inc.

Christine Wagner, SSJ

Immediate Past Chair
Former Executive Director/Volunteer, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center

Contact Us

We’d love to receive feedback from you

Contact Information:

585.258.1730 | rbetts@thegrhf.org

Rachel Betts

Program Officer

Rachel Betts joined the Greater Rochester Health Foundation in 2023. Previously, Rachel was the Data and Engagement Project Manager at Connected Communities, Inc. During her first 3 years at the organization, Rachel established the Resident Ambassador Program and helped create a framework for community engagement in the Beechwood and EMMA neighborhoods. She later transitioned to data management and collection. Rachel also teaches Freshmen Writing/Urban Studies at Eastman School of Music. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Rochester and a 2022 graduate of United Way’s Latino Leadership Development Program. Recently, she joined the Family Promise of Greater Rochester’s Board of Directors where she is a member of the Endowment Committee. Rachel previously earned a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Centre College in Danville, KY. In her spare time, she enjoys trail running with friends, reading, and spending time with her two bunnies, Cocopuff and Olive.

Contact Information:

585.258.1710 | mbrown@thegrhf.org

Monica Brown

Senior Program Officer

Area of Focus: Responsive Portfolio

 

Monica Brown joined the Greater Rochester Health Foundation in 2020. Previously, Monica was a program officer at the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWCNY), a position she had held since 2014. At the HFWCNY she managed investment in children 0-5 impacted by poverty and community health capacity. Her work focused on ensuring that children and their families had the resources they need for school readiness and to strengthen the community and systems that support that goal . Monica has more than 30 years of experience working within community both as a provider and a funder. Monica received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She and her wife currently reside in Cheektowaga, New York and they look forward to becoming Rochester residents.

Contact Information:

585.258.1719 | dcampbell-bell@thegrhf.org

Danette Campbell-Bell

Senior Program Officer

Area of Focus: Targeted Portfolio

 

Danette Campbell-Bell joined the Health Foundation in 2020. A youth development practitioner, trainer, instructor, coach, mentor and conference speaker with more than 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and managing quality youth programs with high-performance outcomes, Danette is a champion, advocate and voice for children and youth. Danette has served as a consultant to a wide range of clients including: The United Way of Greater Rochester, the Greater Rochester After School Alliance, the New York State Network For Youth Success, the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Youth Services, and the Center For Youth Services. Danette currently serves on several boards, initiatives and committees throughout the community related to children, youth, community development, leadership and business. She is also Managing Partner at Strings For Life, LLC as well as Project Founder and Director of the award winning Strings For Life Music Project.

Contact Information:

585.258.1703 | hcastelli@thegrhf.org

Hannah Castelli

Program Officer

Area of Focus: Responsive Grants & Neighborhood Health Status Improvement

Hannah earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from SUNY Fredonia and master’s of public administration from the College at Brockport. Prior to her work at the Health Foundation, she obtained extensive experience as a payroll specialist. Most recently, Hannah graduated as a fellow from the Healthcare Business Academy Fellowship Program. She has been a member of the Health Foundation since 2016 and is currently a Program Officer for the Responsive Grant team. Hannah incorporates her education and expertise while working closely with grantees to ensure their success. She is passionate about advancing equity and is proud to be learning from and partnering with community to continue improving access and opportunity.

Contact Information:

585.258.1799 | menadeghe@thegrhf.org

Mimi Enadeghe

Finance and Communications Administrative Assistant

Mimi first joined the Health Foundation January of 2019 as a temporary receptionist. Prior to the Health Foundation, she held an executive position as a receptionist/administrative assistant where she presented the highest level of customer care and projected high level of competence as well as maintained a high-level of confidential files.

 

Mimi is a life-long community servant, often involved with community efforts from feeding the homeless to volunteering at several private organizations.

Contact Information:

585.258.1716 | kfeeney@thegrhf.org

Kristine K. Feeney

Executive & Program Administrative Assistant

Kristine joined the Health Foundation in 2013. As the Executive and Program Administrative Assistant she supports all program staff with additional duties supporting the President & CEO and Board of Directors. Prior to the Health Foundation, Kristine held the position of executive secretary and psychologist’s aide maintaining confidential student files and preparing special education documents while adhering to NYS regulations. She spent most of her earlier years raising her children and actively participating in their school and recreational activities. She enjoys supporting the staff and Board of Directors at the Health Foundation as they pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive.

Contact Information:

585.258.1725 | tflynn@thegrhf.org

Tiana Flynn

Communications Officer

Tiana Flynn joined the Health Foundation in 2019, merging her professional skills with her personal passion for serving the community. 

 

Prior to joining the Health Foundation, Tiana led a team of instructional designers as Director of Content Development at an eLearning company in Rochester. Tiana has worked in government communications at the City of Rochester where she produced and hosted a public affairs talk show, in television news as an Emmy award-winning assignment editor and producer, and as a consultant for non-profit organizations and small businesses.

 

Tiana earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Chinese Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Contact Information:

585.258.1724 | mhaskins@thegrhf.org

Maurice Haskins

Program Officer

Area of Focus: Healthy and Equitable Futures

 

Maurice is strong advocate for youth in our community and has a passion for relationship building. Most recently, Maurice worked as the community liaison for the My Brother’s Keeper initiative at the Rochester City School District, where his work focused on young men of color and connecting them to community resources. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for the Care and Protection of Children.

Maurice has been closely involved in our Healthy and Equitable Futures work as a Parent Leader Facilitator and will continue to bring his expertise as a parent and community leader to his new role at the Health Foundation.

Contact Information:

585.258.1704 | mkuhlenbeck@thegrhf.org

Matthew A. Kuhlenbeck, PhD

President & CEO

Appointed CEO in January 2019, Kuhlenbeck leads the Greater Rochester Health Foundation in its efforts to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive. In addition to his service at the Health Foundation, Kuhlenbeck is active in many local efforts including the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, ROC the Future, and NorthStar Network’s Healthcare Business Academy Fellowship Program.

 

Prior to joining the Health Foundation, Kuhlenbeck served as program director of the Missouri Foundation for Health where he led teams and programs focused on positive disruptions in the healthcare system and managed a $20 million annual portfolio of responsive grantmaking over his 16-year tenure. Kuhlenbeck holds a M.H.A degree from Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, where he earned his PhD in health management and policy. He earned his B.S. degree in Community Health and Health Administration from Northern Illinois University’s College of Health and Human Services.

Contact Information:

585.258.1707 | jrand@thegrhf.org

Justin Rand

VP & Chief Financial Officer

Justin joined the Health Foundation in 2015 as the Director of Accounting and Administration. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in July 2020 and manages the organization’s finances and operations, including, investment portfolio oversight, building and information technology matters, auditing, human resource and compliance functions. Prior to joining the Health Foundation, Justin spent seven years as a financial assurance manager at a public accounting firm where he focused his time and energy working with not-for-profit organizations around Rochester. Justin is a Certified Public Accountant and graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Contact Information:

585.258.1709 | csmith@thegrhf.org

Chiara Smith

Program Officer

Area of Focus: Racial Health Equity

Chiara Smith joined the Health Foundation in 2018. Chiara is a committed servant leader and racial justice advocate dedicated to uplifting her community and advancing the well-being of Black Americans. With a passion for fostering positive change, she has led impactful initiatives that engage diverse voices and address pressing social issues. A graduate of Buffalo State College, Chiara earned a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University and graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Chiara’s advocacy for racial justice was shaped by her experiences in the workplace, where she witnessed the challenges faced by Black and Brown professionals. In response, she developed the Listen, Learn, Implement (LLI) model, a universal framework designed to foster inclusive, equitable environments. The LLI model emphasizes actively listening to diverse perspectives, learning from those experiences, and implementing meaningful, solution-focused workplace changes. This adaptable approach has helped organizations navigate workplace dynamics, engage communities, and restore organizational trust.

Chiara has also focused on psychological safety in the workplace, working with organizations to develop strategies that create environments where all employees feel safe, valued, seen , and heard. She assists companies in building and restoring trust by fostering transparency, accountability, and a commitment to equity.

Her leadership extends to community-driven solutions as well. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chiara co-led a grassroots initiative with Yvette Webb, providing child-friendly food boxes in underserved areas. As Program Officer at the Health Foundation, she spearheads the Racial Health Equity Strategy, working to secure equitable healthcare access for Black and Brown communities. Chiara’s advocacy, both in the workplace and the community, continues to inspire progress and foster meaningful, impactful and lasting change.

Contact Information:

585.258.1729 | kverbanic@thegrhf.org

Kristin Verbanic

Finance and Grants Manager

Kristin joined the Greater Rochester Health Foundation in 2020 and serves as the Finance and Grants Manager, focusing on management of the grant administration and contract process. She is responsible for ensuring best practices are followed in the grantmaking process and manages the Health Foundation’s grants system.

 

Prior to joining the Health Foundation, Kristin served as the Grants Accounting Manager at Trillium Health as well as the Grants Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. She brings over 9 years of experience to the Health Foundation, having worked in the Rochester community for her entire career on issues such as sexual health and infectious disease, youth services, senior nutrition, and dementia. A graduate of Elmira College, she has degrees in Health and Human Services, Sociology, and Anthropology.

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