Kevin Kelley joined City Hall in 2013 and is the Manager of City Planning within the Mayor’s Office. In that role, he serves on the Mayor’s Senior Management Team. He has managed a variety of city-wide and neighborhood plans and studies including work in the Marketview Heights neighborhood, East Main Arts & Market District, West Main Street corridor, and several Downtown initiatives. Most recently, he was one of the primary authors and planners that developed the award-winning Rochester 2034, a bold new comprehensive plan for the Flower City. In 2018, Kevin led a multi-disciplinary team in the creation of ROC the Riverway: A Vision Plan for the Future of Rochester’s Genesee Riverfront. This initiative helped to secure over $100M from New York State that will leverage significant City and private sector investment in downtown and the core of our riverfront. The City Planning team is also involved in a variety of policy initiatives, including work related to public art, healthy food access, housing, zoning, and cannabis-related businesses. Prior to coming to the City, Kevin worked for eight years as a city and town planning consultant for communities throughout New York State. He has managed a broad range of projects, applying his knowledge of planning techniques and best practices in land use, urban design, neighborhood revitalization, zoning, and multi-use trail projects. He has a particular focus on downtown revitalization and bike and pedestrian infrastructure and policy. Kevin is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association. He is a 20-year city resident, a bicycle commuter, an aspiring woodworker, and a father of three kids that will no doubt change the world! He brings a passion for urbanism, sustainable policy and design, healthy living through active transportation, and the impact of the built environment on community vibrancy.

Pastor James Laughlin is pastor of Joy Community Church in the Beechwood community. Pastor Laughlin and his wife Greta have been pastoring at Joy for eight years. Pastor James just recently completed his Masters of Arts Degree in Transformational Leadership at Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College. Pastor James’ life purpose is to remove any obstacles or limitations that would prevent people from discovering their call, gift, and potential so they can be fruitful and fulfilled. Pastor James is also the Executive Director of the Gerhardt Neighborhood Outreach Center (GNOC) in the Beechwood community. As Executive Director, he has overseen the various programs that the GNOC offers. These programs include a doctor’s office, a free weekly hot meal, a grocery giveaway, a counseling center, a youth program, a transitional program that houses women in crisis, and a baby supply support area (clothing, diapers, etc.). The vision of the GNOC is to transform our community by providing the resources and tools to help people better their lives.

As Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Visiting Assistant Professor at St. John Fisher University, Dr. Chantz B. Miles is responsible for teaching courses in entrepreneurship, mentoring students in both the Entrepreneurship and Investment Clubs, and connecting students with internship and experiential learning opportunities in the community. He also guides students in their pursuit of competing in business plan and entrepreneurship competitions. Additionally, Dr. Chantz B. Miles is the founder and CEO of the Mpowerment Group LLC. Chantz's professional experience comprises over 15 years of leadership, of which 10 have been in executive leadership. Chantz is a serial entrepreneur who has owned multiple successful businesses. Most recently, Chantz was a co-owner of a startup venture that he helped grow to 100 employees in 5 years. Chantz has experience consulting small business owners, nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit board guidance. Chantz is a transformational leader with a broad background in working with nonprofit and for-profit business organizations. His leadership and experience include, but are not limited to: leadership development, professional and personal coaching, strategic planning, human resources management, staff training and development, organizational development, and program development. Chantz holds an Ed.D in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University. In addition, Chantz received an A.S. Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management from Monroe Community College, two BS degrees; one in Business Administration with a concentration in management and another in Economics with a concentration in finance from SUNY College at Buffalo, and an Executive MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. While in college at SUNY College at Buffalo, Chantz ran track and field, participated in nine student organizations, received the prestigious SUNY Chancellors Award, and was named a Who's Who in Colleges and Universities award recipient. Dr. Miles's research has concentrated on implementing organizational culture and technology to further organizational effectiveness in charitable nonprofit organizations. He also sits on several local nonprofit boards.

Shanterra and her husband are fully invested in transforming the city of Rochester. They both work and live in the city, purchasing their first home in the Beechwood community, where they raise their three beautiful creations. Shanterra has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specifically in youth, education, and program development. Beginning this work at a young age, she has traveled the nation, presenting and providing expertise on youth voice, power, and engagement. Shanterra Mitchum is the Director of Programs at the Center for Teen Empowerment Rochester. This youth organizing agency works to employ, train, and empower youth to, in collaboration with adults, create peace, equity, and justice in their communities and institutions. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in adolescent inclusive education and history and her Master's Degree focusing on the history of structural racism in Rochester's housing, employment, and educational systems. Shanterra has served on many boards and committees addressing economic and racial disparities in our most marginalized communities. As a certified anti-racism facilitator and a Young Black woman in leadership, she continues to work to not only bridge the gap between youth and adults in our community but to create more pathways for women of color to gain access to top leadership positions in non-profit organizations and lastly to deepen the understanding of how structural racism, economic and social disparities impact us all.

Clayton Jones is the Senior Director of Local Government and Community Relations at the University of Rochester. In this role, Clayton is part of a dynamic team that leads the University's Government and Community Relations efforts across the federal, state, and local levels of government. He directs the day-to-day local government, neighborhood, community, civic, and regional relations activities and advocacy for the University of Rochester and its affiliates. Through his role, Clayton interacts internally with a broad spectrum of University administrators, faculty, staff, community-facing university programs and services, committees, and student organizations. Born and raised in the City of Rochester, Clayton considers himself fortunate to help connect the University with its surrounding communities, helping to inform, engage, and connect the University with all local sectors to help advance shared challenges and priorities. Clayton is a proud graduate of the Florida A&M University and the Florida State University.

Born and raised in the city of Syracuse, I relocated to Rochester, NY in 2016 after graduating from SUNY Alfred State College with my bachelor’s degree in human services management. Shortly after relocating, I began my career with Habitat where I have taught and continue to teach financial literacy to families seeking affordable homeownership, developed a robust critical home repair program that now operates in 3 counties, and expanded our credit counseling services: all while discovering a passion for my community along the way. While advancing my career, I continued my education at the Project Management Institute, earning my PMP in 2021 and expanded my personal development as a member of the Connected Communities Housing Committee and as a United Way Emerging Leaders graduate, class of 2023. As a first-time homeowner in EMMA, I strive to empower others and inspire true community advancement without displacement. I strongly believe in loving thy neighbor, and that a community cannot strive unless we take care of one another. Outside of my career, I am a proud dog mom and wife who loves to paint in my free time and make the most of quality time with loved ones.

Kevin Graham is a seasoned professional with over three decades of diverse experience across customer service, energy programs, employee development, and strategic operations. As Manager of Strategic Operations & Employee Development at Soulstainable Living LLC, Kevin collaborates with senior leadership to drive organizational success, enhance operational efficiency, and empower staff through tailored development programs. Previously, Kevin served as Manager of Customer Support USA at Safran Trusted 4D Inc., where he ensured the seamless execution of service contracts and optimized customer experiences. His tenure as Deputy for Energy Programs at PathStone was marked by impactful leadership in clean energy initiatives, directly benefiting low- and moderate-income households across the Finger Lakes region. Kevin also played a pivotal role at Rochester Gas and Electric as Manager of Low Income & Advocacy, where he oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets, regulatory compliance, and vital customer assistance programs. Kevin’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional roles. As Vice-Chair of the Rochester City Council Board of Ethics and a founding board member of Hinge Neighbors, he champions ethical governance and neighborhood collaboration. An advocate for continuous learning and sustainability, Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Medaille College. He brings unparalleled expertise in performance management, conflict resolution, and customer-focused leadership, making him a catalyst for innovation and positive change in every endeavor.