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Local health organization selects new CEO

Matt Kuhlenbeck is taking over as CEO of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation Jan. 14.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Matt Kuhlenbeck is taking over as CEO of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation Jan. 14.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation has appointed a new CEO.

The organization has hired Matthew Kuhlenbeck, of St. Louis, Missouri, as its new leader.

Interim CEO Dennis Richardson said the foundation’s board chose Kuhlenbeck after a nationwide search that yielded at least 50 applicants.

“Matt stood out as a person who brings a collaborative mind and a wealth of experience,” Richardson said.

Kuhlenbeck will take over on Jan. 14. Richardson has been in his interim position since July, and he said he’s glad there will be a more permanent person in the role to address some of the chronic issues facing the Rochester region.

“When you think about solving issues like poverty, that's going to take many, many years,” Richardson said.

Both he and Kuhlenbeck noted that the foundation’s efforts to improve health also extend into issues like race, ethnicity, and income that play a role in determining a person’s access to health care and treatment.

Kuhlenbeck said he is looking forward to meeting with community groups and local nonprofit organizations to hear their needs and concerns. He said in his work in St. Louis, he’s found that the people most affected by gaps in the health care system are also the people with the best ideas to fill those gaps.

“I plan to come to Rochester with humility,” Kuhlenbeck said, “and prioritize listening and asking questions. Lots of listening, lots of questions.”

Brett was the health reporter and a producer at WXXI News. He has a master’s degree from the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.
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