First American Equipment Finance Accepts Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award
Five Star Bank, Nazareth University, Regional Transit Service, and Starbridge Receive 2026 Excellence Awards
ROCHESTER, NY (September 16, 2026) – Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce presented First American Equipment Finance with its 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award. In its fifth year, the Inclusive Leadership Award honors organizations that create meaningful, lasting changes in workplace cultures where employees feel acknowledged and valued.
Under the leadership of President & CEO Alan Sikora, First American Equipment Finance, an RBC / City National company, is a leader in equipment financing, helping organizations across the U.S. acquire the equipment and technology they need to grow. They are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their best through learning opportunities, colleague-led Employee Resource Groups, mentorship, continuous learning, and open dialogue with leadership. They additionally invest in our region through volunteerism and community partnerships that strengthen the Greater Rochester region, including through partnerships with organizations including the Urban League of Rochester, Ibero-American Action League, Education Success Foundation, and more.
Additionally, Excellence Awards were presented in four categories to organizations demonstrating standout performance in four focus areas:
- Community Connections Award Recipient: Five Star Bank, under the leadership of President & CEO Martin Birmingham
- Fair & Equitable Practices Award Recipient: Nazareth University, under the leadership of President Dr. Maureen Finney
- Culture of Belonging Award Recipient: Regional Transit Service (RTS), under the leadership of CEO Miguel Velázquez
- Empowered & Engaged Teams Award Recipient: Starbridge, under the leadership of President & CEO Nikisha Ridgeway
“Congratulations to Alan and the whole First American Equipment Finance team on this recognition, and thank you for the work you are all doing to make our region a better place. One hire at a time and through each initiative building upon others, this team is demonstrating what inclusivity in the workplace and community looks like. Alongside our Excellence Awards recipients and all of this year’s finalists, these honorees are ensuring that economic opportunity and community vitality are available to all residents in our region inside their organizations and beyond,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you to all of our sponsors and guests for helping make tonight’s celebration possible, and to all of the employees at all of our finalists for their collective contributions to our community.”
A complete list of 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber Inclusive Leadership Award finalists is as follows:
- The Arc of Monroe
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester
- Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
- First American Equipment Finance
- Five Star Bank
- Genesee Regional Bank
- GreenSpark Solar
- Nazareth University
- Regional Transit Service (RTS)
- RochesterWorks, Inc.
- Starbridge
- The Summit Federal Credit Union
- SWBR
- Trillium Health
For more information about all of our finalists, please see our 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award event publication. A selection committee consisting of a diverse group of professional leaders from the Finger Lakes business community determined the recipient based on submitted applications.
About Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is the region’s one-stop shop for business support, influence, and community connection. Rooted in advocacy, compliance, talent, and belonging, our organization combines an unmatched depth and breadth of business support with the agility and dedication to turn possibility into progress and accelerate opportunity and action. Here, you’re in good company. Learn more at GreaterRochesterChamber.com.