NYS Senate Honors Rochester’s Sandy Parker
June 10, 2021 (ALBANY, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) celebrated the life of the late Sandy Parker with a formal resolution by the New York State Senate. Parker, who died earlier this week, was a fixture in the Rochester community and a trailblazing woman in business.
As the CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance, now called the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Parker was known as a diplomatic manager who was able to work across business and community sectors. Her work in the community extended beyond business. Through her philanthropy, she impacted the lives of thousands of young people as they pursued education. Senator Cooney spoke on the floor of the Senate today and announced the resolution.
Senator Jeremy Cooney: "Rochester mourns the loss of Sandy Parker, a noble fixture of our business and philanthropic community. Sandy was a trusted advisor to countless professionals, community leaders, and mentored young people through her charitable work. I extend my condolences to her husband Dutch Summers, and I am honored to celebrate her legacy through this Senate resolution.”
Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce: “Sandy was an unsung hero in the Greater Rochester community for decades, contributing her time, resources, and expertise to countless philanthropic and economic development initiatives. In partnership with her husband, Dutch Summers, Sandy’s contributions to, and passion for, educational endeavors were unmatched. Without exaggeration, thousands of young minds were shaped and enhanced due to the generosity of Sandy, who saw these kids through from grammar school to their college graduations. Sandy quietly seeded goodness throughout the Rochester community for decades, sitting on dozens of boards and councils, never seeking attention or recognition. Sandy Parker had a profound impact on me personally and professionally, often offering invaluable advice and guidance throughout each stage of my career.”
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