Monroe County, NY Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Monroe County, NY has 7 executives leading key functions including administrative coordination, financial oversight, information technology, and public service leadership.

Committed to regional prosperity, Monroe County, NY delivers essential emergency services, public health initiatives, and economic development programs to ensure the well-being of all residents across the Rochester area.

Leadership Roles at Monroe County, NY

  • Chief Financial Officer - Peter Michelena
  • President M. C. D. S. A. - Wayne Guest
  • Office of the President - Nayeliz Santiago
  • Ladies Aux President - Patricia Edwards
  • President - Jason Elliotto
  • Chief of Staff - Amy Grower
  • Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Services - Jennifer Kusse
  • Peter Michelena - Chief Financial Officer

    Peter Michelena, the Chief Financial Officer at Monroe County, NY, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire government entity. Michelena manages complex financial reporting, capital allocation, and long-term economic planning to support essential public services. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that taxpayer resources fund critical emergency services and public health programs effectively. Peter Michelena also collaborates with the Board to establish sustainable financial policies that drive regional economic development. This role involves rigorous auditing and compliance management to maintain the highest standards of fiscal accountability. Through strategic financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates economic risks and secures the necessary funding for infrastructure projects. Michelena provides the financial foundation required for the county to deliver consistent, high-quality services to the residents of the Rochester area.

    Wayne Guest - President M. C. D. S. A.

    Wayne Guest, the President M. C. D. S. A. at Monroe County, NY, leads specialized service initiatives focused on public safety and community support. Guest directs the operational strategy for the association, ensuring that all activities align with the broader mission of the county government. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, the President M. C. D. S. A. expands the reach of emergency response programs and community outreach efforts. Wayne Guest also oversees the allocation of resources to ensure that frontline teams possess the necessary tools for effective service delivery. This leadership role requires constant engagement with the public to address evolving safety needs and community concerns. Through proactive management of association activities, the President M. C. D. S. A. strengthens the bond between government services and the residents of the region. Guest drives continuous improvement in service quality and operational responsiveness.

    Nayeliz Santiago - Office of the President

    Nayeliz Santiago, the Office of the President at Monroe County, NY, manages the executive agenda and facilitates high-level decision-making processes. Santiago coordinates the daily operations of the presidential office to ensure alignment with the strategic goals of the county government. By organizing executive communications and public engagements, the Office of the President maintains a clear and consistent message regarding public health and economic development initiatives. Nayeliz Santiago also monitors the progress of key policy projects, providing essential support to the leadership team. This role involves managing complex schedules and stakeholder relationships to ensure that the president remains focused on critical governance issues. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Office of the President supports the effective execution of administrative duties across all departments. Santiago ensures that the executive office functions as a cohesive unit to address the needs of the local community.

    Patricia Edwards - Ladies Aux President

    Patricia Edwards, the Ladies Aux President at Monroe County, NY, directs volunteer-led support programs that enhance the delivery of public services. Edwards coordinates community-based initiatives that provide supplemental resources for emergency services and public health outreach. By mobilizing volunteers, the Ladies Aux President expands the capacity of the county to address specific social needs and community welfare projects. Patricia Edwards also fosters collaboration between the auxiliary and government departments to ensure that volunteer efforts support the overarching mission of the county. This leadership role involves managing fundraising activities and community events that raise awareness for critical public programs. Through dedicated service, the Ladies Aux President strengthens the connection between the government and the residents of the region. Edwards ensures that volunteer contributions remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the strategic objectives of the county government.

    Jason Elliotto - President

    Jason Elliotto, the President at Monroe County, NY, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire government organization. Elliotto directs the implementation of policies that govern public health, emergency services, and economic development across the region. By setting the tone for administrative excellence, the President ensures that all departments work in harmony to serve the residents of the Rochester area. Jason Elliotto also represents the county in high-level negotiations with state and federal partners to secure funding and support for local infrastructure. This leadership role involves balancing the diverse needs of the community with the fiscal realities of the government budget. Through decisive action and long-term planning, the President drives the growth and stability of the county. Elliotto maintains a focus on innovation and efficiency to ensure that the government remains responsive to the evolving challenges of the modern era.

    Amy Grower - Chief of Staff

    Amy Grower, the Chief of Staff at Monroe County, NY, manages high-level administrative operations and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Grower directs the flow of information between executive leadership and various government agencies to ensure operational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the delivery of public health and emergency services across the region. Amy Grower also facilitates strategic planning sessions that align departmental goals with the broader mission of the county government. Through rigorous oversight of daily administrative functions, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability and promotes effective communication among staff members. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite leaders to address complex policy challenges. Ultimately, Grower optimizes the internal infrastructure of the county to better serve the diverse needs of the local population while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational transparency.

    Jennifer Kusse - Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Services

    Jennifer Kusse, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Services at Monroe County, NY, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework for all government operations. Kusse directs the implementation of secure data systems that support emergency services and public health tracking. By modernizing legacy platforms, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Services enhances the accessibility of government services for the entire population. Jennifer Kusse also manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive resident data from emerging digital threats. This leadership role involves coordinating with other departments to integrate software solutions that improve operational efficiency and service delivery. Through the deployment of scalable cloud technologies, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Services ensures that the county remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Kusse maintains a robust technological environment that empowers staff to perform duties with precision and speed.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Monroe County, NY Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Monroe County, NY?
    Monroe County, NY is led by Peter Michelena (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Guest (President M. C. D. S. A.) and Nayeliz Santiago (Office of the President).
    Who is part of Monroe County, NY’s executive team?
    The executive team of Monroe County, NY includes leaders such as Peter Michelena (Chief Financial Officer), Wayne Guest (President M. C. D. S. A.), Nayeliz Santiago (Office of the President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Monroe County, NY have?
    Monroe County, NY has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Monroe County, NY’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Monroe County, NY includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President M. C. D. S. A., Office of the President, Ladies Aux President, President.