In 1968 a group of concerned residents from various southeast Rochester neighborhoods began meeting on how to work together to improve their community and formed the South East Area Coalition (SEAC). For over 50 years SEAC has proudly served these neighborhoods through community advocacy, affordable housing projects, supporting local businesses and grassroots community engagement. SEAC’s work has brought millions of dollars in investments and impacted countless lives.
Over the years SEAC has gone through many changes. On June 1st, our Executive Director, Jesse Knoth, will be moving on from SEAC to pursue other opportunities. Over his two and a half year tenure, Jesse navigated SEAC through rough waters to get it to where it is today. He oversaw the reestablishment of SEAC as an independent agency, the move to our current office at 630 East Ave, and the expansion of our staff. Jesse’s commitment to the neighborhoods that SEAC serves was evident throughout his work, whether it be insisting that proceeds from our gala go to community projects instead of overhead, establishing partnerships with a focus on grassroots projects over admin fees, or laying the groundwork for SEAC to restart a housing program.
Courtney Klee will be taking over as our Interim Executive Director while we conduct a thorough search for a permanent director. Courtney joined SEAC’s board in fall of 2018 and served as the Vice Chair for the last year and a half. She brings with her a strong housing background from her years working for PathStone in their energy department. Courtney has also been an active member of the Neighborhood of the Arts Business Association, and serves on the board of The Society of Protection and Care for Children for the past 5 years.
Courtney and Jesse have been working closely to ensure a smooth transition. She can be reached by email at cklee@seacrochester.org. We look forward to updating you on our search in the coming months. Stay safe.
SEAC Board
South East Area Coalition 