Consultant’s Consultant

Jennifer Sertl consults to many tech start-ups, not only locally but internationally. She is always looking to give more to her clients and to her community. She brings in speakers on topics of interest to her clients and others in our region. These events are often free and great places to network. Jenn is involved in the Carlson Co-Work community and started the 50/50 Day event in Rochester in 2017 and is running the 2018 event too. Jenn see the world through giving eyes and consults with the same genuine giving and caring

Community Champion

Todd Baxter joined the local force following three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division, for another 19 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti-Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned Officer in 2005.

Within the Rochester Police Department, Baxter commanded a Division consisting of officers, investigators and supervisors in five platoons, non-sworn employees, and managed a new police facility. Baxter served as the Administrative Aide to three Chiefs of Police in an organization consisting of 893 sworn and non-sworn employees. Baxter was a 19 year member of the SWAT team, completing his assignment as team Commander.

Tapped to lead local law enforcement through a period of transition in Greece, Baxter took over what was once the most embattled police force in the U.S. Baxter has been praised for his efforts in creating initiatives of public and private partnership, and his focus on the ethical responsibility and professional development of his team. He reorganized the department with a bilateral checks and balance system that required accountability from all levels of the organization.

In April 2014, Baxter assumed the duties of Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., the oldest, local, non-profit, taking care of veterans. He recognized the role family wellness plays in supporting the overall success of an individual, and is proud to have helped produce financial stability and programs that serve the region's 68,000 veterans and their families.

Elected to Monroe County Sheriff in November 2017 by nearly 57% of the vote, Baxter holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management and a Master's Degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College. He also teaches at Roberts Wesleyan.

Todd is married to Mary Baxter. They have two sons, Kevin and Zachary.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Todd Bernhard is the leader and cofounder of AppRochester, an organization devoted to supporting local mobile app developers. He is an award-winning and bestselling app producer, with over 5 million downloads to date.

Dave Young Dedicated Service Award (RPCN Member)

Dave Bassett was president of RPCN and still managed the role as Treasurer when our Treasurer left. Two heavy-duty roles - at the same time! He stayed on as Treasurer for David Powe's term as president and mine. He successfully found and trained a replacement for the Treasurer role. Dave has remained active in RPCN by being on the board, the OPs Committee and leading the new U of R/Simon School Mentoring Program.

Linda Halliburton Friend of RPCN Award (Non-Member) :

In her role at the SBDC, Carla Vasquez arranges for speakers within the business community working alongside Linda Halliburton to hold events that would teach, inspire, and aid those who need help getting a new business started. Many of these are consultants who have then joined the RPCN. She has used the RPCN members as speakers including Dave Bassett who gave a talk on Patents and Laurie Enos who has spoken on social media several times for Carla. This award recognizes any non-member of RPCN whose efforts of devotion and dedication greatly benefit RPCN’s organization, growth, or programs is certainly reflected in the work that Carla does for the SBDC.

Steve Royal Lifetime Achievement Award

Nick Francesco has not only been a friend of RPCN's but he has successfully run (and still runs!) his business for many years. He has the Security Tango website for free security apps. He publishes an IT column weekly for the D&C, and he also hosts a radio show where he answers IT an computer-related questions. He also has a column in ComputerLink Magazine.