Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District Superintendent Jo Anne L. Antonacci was selected as one of Rochester Business Journal’s ICON Honors recipients for 2022. The award recognizes exceptional area business leaders who have moved their organizations forward by making a difference to the community. The award was presented at a reception on Dec. 5.
“I am honored and humbled to be included among the 2022 RBJ ICON Honorees,” she said. “This recognition is a testament to all those who value education; BOCES staff, my colleagues and board members whose efforts to build partnerships across districts, business, industry and public and private agencies bring opportunities to the students, families and community members.”
Antonacci, who joined BOCES 2 as an educator in 1977, has expanded the organization and unerringly guided its support for its nine component school districts for 45 years, the last 12 as District Superintendent. Her experience, collaborative nature and foundational commitment to helping students learn has made Antonacci a trusted leader across the educational and business spectrum, in both our region and at the state level.
"The 2022 ICON Honors recipients have displayed sustained leadership and integrity as they have made an indelible mark in their fields and beyond. They are also strongly committed to the Greater Rochester community and to the area's future leaders through mentoring," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Rochester Business Journal. "These leaders have passed the test of time, and we at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor them."
Causewave Community Partners Director of Community Engagement Elizabeth Murray coordinated the nomination with letters of support from community dignitaries, partners and businesspeople including Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Michael Mendoza; Campus Construction Management Group President Mark Esposito; Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Robert J. Duffy; Monroe County School Boards Association Executive Director Amy J. Thomas and former Executive Director Sherry Johnson; Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York President and CEO Patricia Leva and Monroe 2–Orleans Educational Foundation Board President Joseph Kelly.
Antonacci was accompanied to the event by her daughter Jenna Morris. Also in attendance to honor Antonacci was BOCES 2 Board President Dennis Laba, Board Member John Abbott and Kelly.