Dear Partners and Colleagues,

I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Children’s Institute. As someone who is deeply committed to this community and the work we do together, I’m excited to begin this new chapter with you.

As I start this position, I’ll be focused on listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for our shared future. I want to share a few of the priorities that will guide my early efforts:

1. Deepening Understanding of Our Work and Culture 
I’ll be spending time getting to know our operations, programs, and team culture. I’ll be working on-site full-time to foster open communication and collaboration, and to ensure transparency and accessibility.

2. Program and Evaluation Review 
I’ll be reviewing our program development and evaluation strategies to identify opportunities for growth and to strengthen support for our staff and services.

3. Individual Conversations 
I’m looking forward to one-on-one meetings with each team member to hear their insights and experiences. These conversations will help shape our direction and deepen our collective understanding.

4. Strategic Priorities 
Key areas of focus will include:

• Financial Sustainability: Working toward a balanced 2026 budget and reviewing our business plan in partnership with the University of Rochester.
• Operational Strengthening: Redesigning internal systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Partnership Development: Strengthening relationships with ROC the Future Alliance, the University of Rochester, and other valued community partners.
• Strategic Planning: Beginning the process of developing a new strategic plan, with staff engagement at the heart of it.

5. Board Engagement 
We’re refreshing our relationship with the Board of Directors. Leadership Team members will resume participation in Board meetings this fall, and staff will have opportunities to share their work directly with the Board.

6. Staff Support and Wellbeing 
To support healing and connection, we’re planning a two-day off-site staff retreat at the end of the summer—a time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.

As I begin this role, I bring with me a deep respect for the work that has come before me and a strong sense of optimism for what we can achieve together. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months and to building strong, collaborative relationships that move our mission forward.

With appreciation,

 

 

 

Dianne Cooney Miner, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Executive Director  
Children’s Institute