It is with deep regret that we announce Courtney Klee is stepping down as SEAC’s Executive Director.  Courtney has been part of the SEAC family for more than two years, starting out as a board member, then moving up to Vice Chair before entering her role as Executive Director.  We are grateful to Courtney for her years of service and appreciate her willingness to step up and lead SEAC operations during this exceptionally challenging time.  Under her direction and leadership, Courtney worked with local talent to raise money for SEAC’s Community Fund through the sale of SEAC-inspired face masks, ran a very successful Mini Clean Sweep which provided support to our community in a time of need and helped grow relationships with numerous SEAC partners.  Courtney will continue in her position until September 25.

We thank Courtney for her leadership and unwavering passion for improving lives in the city of Rochester.  We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

We’d also like to thank Selena Ragland for their service as our Community Outreach Coordinator, since they will also be leaving on September 25.  Selena worked diligently on the Growing Out of Poverty grant from RMAPI with School Without Walls, provided support to partners such as 490 Farmers, and represented SEAC at various community meetings and through social media.  Selena has been a valuable asset to SEAC over the past year and a half.

We are sad to see them go, but we know their work in the community doesn’t stop here.

SEAC Board of Directors

Interested individuals in becoming our next Executive Director, or for general inquiries, please contact SEAC’s Chairman of the Board, boardchair@seacrochester.org.

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

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 the last 50 years SEAC has been 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. We invite you to help us celebrate our legacy and our future as a sponsor of our Golden Anniversary Gala.

SEAC’s Golden Anniversary Gala will be on June 8th at the Harro East Ballroom. Featuring The Crooked North as our musical guest, great auction and raffle items from our neighborhoods unique businesses, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks.

Get your Tickets here.

Details

When: June 8th
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location:
Harro East Ballroom
155 N. Chestnut St.
Rochester, NY 14607