RSMP BOARD
Thomas Richards
Thomas (Tom) Richards served as Mayor of the City of Rochester from March 2011 until December 2013. He began his service with the City in January 2006 as the Corporation Counsel. Previously, he was chairman of the Greater Rochester Enterprise, a public/private partnership dedicated to the economic development of the Rochester region. From 1998 until 2002, he was the chairman, president and chief executive officer of RGS Energy Group, the parent company of Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E). He joined RG&E in 1991 and served as general counsel, senior vice president for corporate services, senior vice president for finance and president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining RG&E, Mr. Richards was a partner in the Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle (now Nixon Peabody) law firm where he specialized in civil litigation for 20 years. Mr. Richards has received the highest award for public service from the New York State Bar Association (Root/Stimson Award), the Rochester Rotary Award and the Monroe County Bar Association Rodenbeck Award. Mr. Richards serves on several Boards, including the Volunteer Legal Services Program, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Seneca Waterways Boy Scout Council and the Canandaigua National Bank.
Mr. Richards is a graduate of Bucknell University and Cornell University Law School. He served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy.
Jacob Scott
Jacob Scott is the Chief Operating Officer for the Rochester City School District, where he oversees key operational departments, including Safety and Security, Transportation, Food Service, Facilities, and Distribution. He is also a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochester, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing education and systemic improvement.
A distinguished professional with a rich educational background and a passion for making a positive impact in his community, Jacob began his academic journey at the University of Rochester, earning a dual major in Political Science
and History and a minor in Journalism Studies. He later received his Master’s in Counselor Education from SUNY Brockport.
With over 25 years of experience in education, Jacob has served as a School Counselor, Assistant Principal, and ultimately Principal at his alma mater, Edison Career & Technology High School. He remains deeply committed to giving back, volunteering as a mentor to student athletes, and championing initiatives that bring meaningful change to the Rochester community.
Kim Jones
Kim D. Jones is a 27-year employee with the City of Rochester. She started her tenure with the City in Economic Development, served as Deputy City Treasurer, and City Treasurer. Currently she serves as the Director of the Department of Finance and is a member of the Mayor’s Senior Management Team.
In her current role, Kim oversees management of the City’s financial affairs including accounting, purchasing, assessment, treasury, parking, and traffic violations. Kim oversees a $12.2 million operating budget.
She is responsible for issuance and management of all City and City School District debt (note and bond sales); has oversight for all financial reporting to include the Cities’ annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), and official statements.
Kim also serves on the following committees and boards:
· Committee Chair, City Deferred Compensation Program, assets over $367.9 million and approximately 2800 participants.
· Treasurer and Member, Rochester Joint School Construction Board, oversees modernization of City School facilities, $1.2 billion investment.
· Trustee at Large, International Sister Cities of Rochester
Jesse Dudley
Mr. Dudley is a retiree from public service, having spent over 35 years serving the citizens of the City of Rochester and Monroe County. He has held various positions within City government, culminating with him serving as the City of Rochester’s Purchasing Agent until his retirement in 2011. Additionally, he has served as a Probation Officer for Monroe County, prior to attending graduate school. He has served and continues to serve on community boards, along with being a current volunteer athletic/academic coach at Edison Technical High School. He is a graduate of the Rochester City School District ( East High School). He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from SUNY Brockport and his graduate degree (MBA-Finance) from Atlanta University-School of Business.
Shawn Farr
Shawn Farr currently serves as the Fiscal Monitor for the East Ramapo Central School District appointed by the New York Commissioner of Education. Previously he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Rochester City School District before retiring in August 2024.
Mr. Farr has had a long career in education and nonprofit administration. He served as Vice President of Administration and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer, for Central Penn College. He also worked for many years in K-12 education in Pennsylvania and served as Chief Operating Officer for the Annenberg Foundation in suburban Philadelphia.
Kabutey Ocansey
Kabutey Ocansey is currently the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services at the City of Rochester. In his role Mr. Ocansey oversees the Office of the Commissioner, Bureau of Architectural Services, Bureau of Operations, Bureau of Buildings and Parks, Bureau of Equipment Services, and the Water Bureau while managing over 700 full and part-time employees. With 23 years in public service roles, Mr. Ocansey is experienced in strategic planning and performance management. Mr. Ocansey seats on several boards as an appointed by the Mayor of Rochester, including the Rochester Housing Authority, Riverside Convention Center, and Downtown Enhancement District.
Mr. Ocansey holds a Master’s Degree in Information Strategy and Management from the Nelson Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at SUNY Albany.
Ronald Gaither
Norman Jones is the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services for the City of Rochester. Bureaus under his oversight provide administration of water, lighting, recycling, refuse collection, snow and ice control, street maintenance, municipal fleet maintenance, facilities, parks, cemeteries and the City’s architecture and engineering functions. Commissioner Jones has over 30 years of experience working for the City of Rochester and in his current role, oversees an operating budget of more than $86,000,000 and a work force of over 700 employees. Mr. Norman’s strengths are his commitment to public service, leadership skills and his emphasis on delivering quality customer service.
As a lifelong City resident, Commissioner Jones is a product of the Rochester City School District and attended the University of Buffalo.
Brian Sanvidge
Norman Jones is the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services for the City of Rochester. Bureaus under his oversight provide administration of water, lighting, recycling, refuse collection, snow and ice control, street maintenance, municipal fleet maintenance, facilities, parks, cemeteries and the City’s architecture and engineering functions. Commissioner Jones has over 30 years of experience working for the City of Rochester and in his current role, oversees an operating budget of more than $86,000,000 and a work force of over 700 employees. Mr. Norman’s strengths are his commitment to public service, leadership skills and his emphasis on delivering quality customer service.
As a lifelong City resident, Commissioner Jones is a product of the Rochester City School District and attended the University of Buffalo.