Rochester, NY | March 27, 2009
News from our Chief Executive Officer, Rodric Cox-Cooper
I would like to introduce myself to the many friends and supporters of Wilson Commencement Park (WCP). I am Rodric Cox-Cooper and it is my honor to greet you as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to this appointment, I’d been a supporter of WCP as a member of its Advisory Board from 2000-2005, and have long admired the dynamic work and rich tradition of this organization. I’m also proud to succeed the previous Executive Directors, G. Jean Howard and Iris Banister, both of whom I know personally.
As the incoming Chief Executive Officer, my enthusiasm continues as I see the dream for the Park as a fiscally self-sufficient community, which serves as a model of innovation and welfare reform: a place where staff and volunteers model stability, support and vision for its families and our community; helping them remain strong even in economic hard times.
Since starting in this position on February 9, 2009, I have been busy meeting with Board members, staff, and community partners to determine the best path forward for the organization over the short and long term.
Much of my focus in the short term will be on the operations of our Early Learning Center (ELC) and our Family Support Services (FSS). The ELC is where we provide quality early childhood education to approximately 150 students. The FSS team consists of staff that provides intensive case management to all of our WCP residents. Both of these functions are critical to the success of WCP, and it is our intent to identify any possible areas of improvements.
Over the long term, I will be looking to form new community partnerships, which I believe will be an important strategy in what will continue to be very difficult economic conditions.
It will also be important for me to continuously market WCP and all of the wonderful things we are doing here, to those who may be unfamiliar with our mission.
Thank you for sharing in our vision and passion, and helping our success stories multiply. As we work together with a focus of purpose, we will continue the WCP legacy of providing housing, hope, and change for our families.
I want to invite you, as friends and supporters of WCP, to visit us for a closer look at our work. I am also open to speak to you at anytime regarding any questions you may have. I am looking forward to the future. The best days of WCP are in front of us, and I am energized and excited about where we are headed!
