Rochester Downtown Development Corporation Announces Leadership Transition
Galin Brooks to depart for new opportunity in Washington, DC; Heidi Zimmer-Meyer named Interim President
ROCHESTER, NY, May 18, 2026 - The Rochester Downtown Development Corporation announced today that President & CEO Galin Brooks will be leaving the organization to pursue a new professional opportunity in Washington, DC.
Brooks led RDDC through a period of renewed momentum for downtown Rochester, expanding the organization’s programming, partnerships, visibility, and role as a convener for downtown revitalization. During her tenure, RDDC welcomed more than 67,000 people to free outdoor community events, grew its programmatic activities threefold, and forged new partnerships to launch initiatives that enhance livability and drive business vitality downtown.
Most recently, Brooks led the RDDC Board of Directors through a strategic planning process designed to guide the organization’s next phase of impact and position its next leader for success.
“On behalf of the RDDC Board of Directors, I want to thank Galin for her leadership, energy, and commitment to downtown Rochester,” said Steve Dubnik, Board Chair of RDDC and President & CEO of The Strong National Museum of Play. “Galin has helped strengthen RDDC’s role as a catalyst, connector, and advocate for our city center. Her work has helped create a solid foundation for the organization’s next chapter. We are grateful for her service and wish her continued success in Washington, DC.”
Brooks expressed gratitude for her time leading RDDC and for the many partners who supported the organization’s work.
“I am so thankful to have been part of the revitalization of downtown Rochester over the last four years,” said Brooks. “It has been an honor and privilege working with the board of RDDC, downtown community leaders, public sector partners, residents, businesses, aligned nonprofits, and the many generous funding partners who have supported our work. The trajectory for downtown Rochester is up, and RDDC will continue to do great work to help realize its full potential.”
Heidi Zimmer-Meyer will serve as Interim President of RDDC, effective June 1. Zimmer-Meyer is the past president of RDDC, having served as the organization’s longtime leader for nearly two decades before her retirement in June 2022. Brooks succeeded Zimmer-Meyer as President & CEO following her retirement.
“RDDC is entering this transition from a position of strength,” Dubnik added. “With a recently ratified strategic plan, an engaged board, dedicated partners, and Heidi’s experienced interim leadership, the organization is well positioned to continue advancing downtown’s momentum.”
A regional search for Brooks’ replacement will commence after the annual meeting in June.
About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
The Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the growth, vitality, and continued revitalization of downtown Rochester. RDDC works with public, private, nonprofit, and community partners to strengthen downtown as a vibrant place to live, work, visit, invest, and gather.
Established in 1977, RDDC promotes economic vitality by attracting businesses and investments while fostering innovative ideas to create a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC founded The Commissary, the region's first food business incubator and shared kitchen.
The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, established in 2021, is a public-private partnership between New York State, Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, RDDC, and ROC2025. The Partnership was created to facilitate placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and lead promotion of activities throughout downtown Rochester and along the Genesee Riverway. The Partnership’s goal is to increase private sector participation to better activate public spaces and help guide the revitalization of Rochester for the benefit of downtown stakeholders, visitors, and the overall community. The Partnership for Downtown Rochester is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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