We're Leadership Greater Syracuse

ABOUT LEADERSHIP GREATER SYRACUSE

Leadership Greater Syracuse was founded in 1990 through a partnership with the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, Onondaga Community College, and CenterState CEO.

As an independent nonprofit, our mission is to inspire current and future leaders to make a difference in the community where we live and work.

Since our first class graduated in 1991, Leadership Greater Syracuse has grown into a trusted and energizing force for community leadership in Central New York. Our programs help participants grow their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of the region, and build meaningful connections that strengthen both personal development and community impact.

LGS is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. Our core values drive all of the work we do–servant leadership, community engagement, belonging, curiosity, and collaboration.

Meet the Staff

We care about Syracuse, because we live here, too. Our team brings genuine passion and a strong commitment to supporting the people who are shaping the future of Central New York.

Leadership Greater Syracuse Executive Director, Michele Diecuch.

Executive Director

Michele Diecuch
Robin Macaluso headshot

Program Director

Robin Macaluso
Leadership Greater Syracuse Board Member, Sarah Jane Ioele.

LLI Program Facilitator

Sarah Jane Ioele

Meet the Board

Our board is made up of dedicated community leaders who guide Leadership Greater Syracuse with purpose, insight, and a strong commitment to the region.
Ryan McDermott headshot

President

Ryan McDermott

M&T Bank

Renae Rokicki headshot

Vice President

Renae Rokicki

SUNY Upstate

Joseph E. Rocco, III headshot

Treasurer

Joseph E Rocco III

Bowers & Company CPAs

Rebecca Hoda-Slye headshot

Secretary

Rebecca Hoda-Slye

SUNY Upstate

Leadership Greater Syracuse Board Member, Shelby Baskin.

Board Member

Shelby Baskin

AmeriCU Credit Union

John Daniel headshot

Board Member

John Daniel

Usherwood Office Technology

Maddie DiGristina headshot

Board Member

Madeleine DiGristina

SRC, Inc.

Latoya Jones Headshot

Board Member

LaToya Jones

LeadSafe CNY Coalition

Sarah Just headshot

Board Member

Sarah Just

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Ocesa Keaton headshot

Board Member

Ocesa Keaton

CNY Regional Economic Development

Gina Rapasadi headshot

Board Member

Gina Rapasadi

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Stefanie Savory headshot

Board Member

Stefanie Savory

Hiscock Legal Aid

Scott Schuhert headshot

Board Member

Scott Schuhert

OCC

Leadership Greater Syracuse Board Member, Megan Thomas.

Board Member

Megan Thomas

Megan Thomas Law, PLLC

Kelly Vaccaro, LGS representative.

Board Member

Kelly Vaccaro

Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY

Pete Wiezalis headshot

Board Member

Pete Wiezalis

Mower Agency

Brown & Sanford Consultants

Board Member

Contractor 1

Board Member

Contractor 2

Board Member

Contractor 2

Our Impact

Since 1990, Leadership Greater Syracuse graduates have helped strengthen Central New York through public service, nonprofit leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement.

Image of an individual excitedly giving a presentation, representing opportunities to get involved with Leadership Greater Syracuse.

What We Do

LGS is where personal development and professional connections serve the greater good. Our programs immerse participants into the challenges and opportunities of Central New York, equipping them with the knowledge and connections to affect change in the community.