Memorial Art Gallery Announces Rob Tortorella as President of Board of Managers
Rochester, NY, July 14, 2026— The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) of the University of Rochester has named Rob Tortorella President of its Board of Managers. He assumes the leadership role at a pivotal moment as the museum prepares for its historic transition to free general admission for all.
An art patron, civic leader, disability rights advocate, and nonprofit leader, Tortorella has long championed creating more inclusive communities. In 1983, just days after earning a degree in political science from Holy Cross College, Tortorella sustained a spinal cord injury. After recovery and rehabilitation, he worked with renowned disability rights leader Charlie Carr at the Northeast Independent Living Agency in Massachusetts before moving to Rochester. Following a successful career in business, he founded Endless Highway in 2018, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to sports, recreation, and the arts for people who use mobility devices.
"Rob is an esteemed community leader and generous supporter of MAG who shares the values of accessibility and inclusion," said Sarah Jesse, the Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director of the Memorial Art Gallery. "Among his many contributions to the museum, Rob was integral to the success of the Free for All, Forever campaign, a historic initiative that will eliminate the admission fee for everyone in perpetuity. We have tremendous ambitions for the museum and the impact we can have on our community, especially once we become free for everyone to visit in 2027. With Rob at the helm of the Board, I'm excited and optimistic about our future."
As Board President, Tortorella will help guide MAG as it continues to expand access to art, strengthen community partnerships, and advance its mission to inspire curiosity, connection, and creativity through exceptional art and experiences.
“I'm honored to serve MAG during this historic shift to free admission, ensuring that cost never stands between a community member and the opportunity to experience the power of art,” said Tortorella. “My focus as Board President will be connecting with communities across our city to bring new visitors of all ages through our doors, while supporting Sarah Jesse as she leads this museum into an inclusive future.”
The Memorial Art Gallery is also pleased to welcome Charlie Colbert, Vikram Dogra, Susan Halpern, and Bill Maniscalco to its Board of Directors.
About the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery showcases art from antiquity to the present day, including the outdoor public Centennial Sculpture Park. In addition to its permanent collection, MAG offers a year-round schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, after-hours social events, and family activities. Learn more at mag.rochester.edu