About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at Rochester Childfirst Network plays a vital role in advancing our mission to support the growth and development of all children through high-quality early education, special education, and family support services.

Our Board is made up of dedicated community leaders, professionals, parents, and advocates who volunteer their time, expertise, and insight to ensure RCN remains a trusted, impactful organization serving over 1,600 children and families across the Greater Rochester area each year.

What Our Board Members Do:
  • Provide strategic direction and long-term vision for the organization
  • Ensure financial health and accountability, including reviewing budgets and audited financials
  • Support fundraising efforts through personal giving and helping connect RCN to new supporters
  • Serve as ambassadors in the community, helping raise awareness of our mission and impact
  • Participate in board and committee meetings, offering guidance on key decisions and policies
  • Hire and support the Executive Director, ensuring strong leadership and organizational performance
  • Uphold legal and ethical standards, ensuring compliance with nonprofit governance best practices

Board members bring diverse skills and perspectives, but they’re united by a shared commitment to making sure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Interested in Joining Our Board of Directors?

Rochester Childfirst Network is always looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to help lead our mission forward. As a member of our Board of Directors, you’ll play a meaningful role in supporting the growth, learning, and well-being of over 1,600 children and their families each year.

We welcome professionals from all backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives, leadership experience, and a shared commitment to educational equity, inclusion, and community impact.

We are actively recruiting individuals with the following experience:
  • Development/Fundraising
  • Banking, finance, accouting, and/or wealth management
  • Legal expertise
  • Information Technology/Networking
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Teaching and Education
  • Business management and operations
Board Members Help:
  • Provide strategic direction and governance
  • Support fundraising and advocacy efforts
  • Serve as ambassadors for RCN in the community
  • Promote strong leadership and financial sustainability
 
Commitment & Expectations:

  • Attend 6 board meetings annually, a mix of virtual and in-person, 1-2 hours.

  • Participate in at least two board committees, which typically meet monthly (often virtually, depending on the committee and action items).

  • Support and participate in fundraising campaigns and RCN-hosted events
  • Make a financial gift to the organization annually.
  • Actively serve as ambassadors, helping connect RCN to corporate partners, community organizations, and individuals who share in our mission.

Serving on the board is both a responsibility and a rewarding opportunity to create lasting change for children and families across Rochester.

Interested in learning more?

Please contact Andrew Scott, Board & Community Liaison, at: ascott@rcn4kids.org or (585) 473-2858 x230 to start the conversation.

Board Officers

Lisa McCabe
Chair
Cornell University

Joseph Sergio
Vice Chair
Rochester City School District

Matthew Carrigg
Secretary
Nixon Peabody, LLP

Jeri Rombaut
Treasurer
Retired

Board Members

Barbara Clemons
ESL Investment Services, LLC

Rohini Daliya
Ameriprise Financial

Stephanie Darrow
URMC, Operations Excellence

Michelle Halloran
Episcopal Senior Life

John Harris
Harris Law Firm

Stephen Howles
Beltz Ianni and Associates

Timothy Miles
Brite

Peter Nabozny
The Children's Agenda

Barbara Reifler
Retired

Georgine Stenger
Retired

Nikia Washington
The Community Foundation

Lynanne Wehner
LaBella Associates

Jean Williams
Retired – B. Forman’s

Barry Wisset
HomeServe USA Corp

Understanding Nonprofit Board Governance

Serving on a nonprofit board is a meaningful way to support a mission you believe in while helping to ensure the organization is well-managed, fiscally responsible, and operating in compliance with state and federal laws.

Nonprofit boards are legally responsible for overseeing the organization's mission, financial health, and strategic direction. Board members serve as fiduciaries—acting in the best interest of the organization and the public it serves. They play a critical role in setting policy, ensuring accountability, and guiding long-term impact.

In addition to internal policies, nonprofit boards are subject to oversight by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of maintaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and by the New York State Charities Bureau, a division of the Attorney General’s office that monitors financial reporting, fiduciary duties, and public trust in charitable organizations.

To learn more about the responsibilities and best practices of board service, visit: