Robert J. Duffy has led Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce as President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 2015. Prior to joining Greater Rochester Chamber, Duffy served as New York State lieutenant governor from January 2011 until December 2014, as well as Mayor of Rochester from January 2006 to January 2011 and Rochester Police Chief from March 1998 to April 2005.
Duffy works with a great team at Greater Rochester Chamber to influence and grow the nine-county Finger Lakes Region’s business community through advocacy and support services. Under his leadership, Greater Rochester Chamber has received statewide recognition including the 2024 Chuck Steiner Memorial Chamber of the Year Award from the Business Council of New York State. Additionally, Greater Rochester Chamber has received 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce twice and is one of only four chambers in NYS to receive this honor.
In his previous careers, Duffy was recognized for his work to reduce taxes and the cost of government, improve services for constituents, strengthen the New York State economy, and reduce statutory and regulatory burdens throughout the state. These experiences and relationships have guided his work at Greater Rochester Chamber.
A Rochester native, Duffy holds two degrees from Monroe Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Master of Arts from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He serves on a variety of boards, including the SUNY Board of Trustees, Co-Chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, the Center for Governmental Research, Business Council of New York State, US Chamber of Commerce Council of 100, AVANGRID, and others.
Duffy has been awarded with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Clarkson University’s Bertrand H. Snell Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to community service, and with Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University of Rochester, St. John Fisher University, and Keuka College.