LaBellans Jennifer Gillen and Michael Cocquyt Honored at RBJ’s 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards Ceremony!
Congratulations to all the winners!
On November 28th, the Rochester Business Journal hosted its 29th Annual Forty Under 40 Awards ceremony. This event recognizes and brings together the individuals who will be the future leaders of Rochester. These individuals have not only achieved success in their careers but have given back in a meaningful way to the Rochester community.
LaBella is honored to announce Jennifer Gillen and Michael Cocquyt are among those being recognized for their significant impact on the Rochester region.
A full list of the 2023 RBJ Forty Under 40 honorees can be found here. More information about LaBella’s 2023 award winners can be found below. Please scroll down to learn more about Jennifer and Michael.
Jennifer Gillen, PG – Director of Environmental
As LaBella’s newly appointed Director of Environmental, Jennifer leads a team of over 230 professionals with a direct, calm, and practical demeanor that sets the tone for successful mentorship of future leaders within the organization. Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Jennifer is deeply passionate about her work in remediating and redeveloping brownfield properties, which often blight communities, adversely affecting their economy, health, and quality of life. She has successfully managed numerous brownfield and state superfund projects, demonstrating a remarkable focus on redeveloping these sites for affordable housing to positively transform the Rochester community.
Jennifer is a founding member of LaBella’s Inclusion Council, which was established in 2021 to facilitate a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support employees and serve the communities in which we reside.
Jen’s influence reaches beyond LaBella, her active membership in the Brownfield Coalition of the Northeast (BCONE) showcases her dedication to the facilitation of brownfield remediation and sustainable redevelopment in the Northeastern United States.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jen’s commitment to community service includes spearheading LaBella’s involvement in the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity’s Rochester Women Build program, where she and her team have completed over 600 hours of community service, raised substantial funds, and provided architectural design services for a duplex, positively impacting families in need of housing. Additionally, Jennifer is a founding member of the Carbon Forestry Trust, a Rochester-based nonprofit established in 2021 to focus on the acquisition of land for reforestation and management to mitigate the increasingly adverse effects of climate change.
Congratulations Jennifer!
Michael Cocquyt, CPRP, MBA – Senior Program Manager
As a Senior Program Manager at LaBella Associates, Michael is building a strong clientele and initiating projects that positively impact communities across New York State. He skillfully handles a diverse range of responsibilities, from managing projects and teams to making strategic business decisions.
Currently, Michael is involved in several transformative projects in the Rochester region, each contributing to the well-being and vitality of the community. From supporting small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to revitalizing downtown areas through the New York Main Street initiative and spearheading electric vehicle charging infrastructure opportunities, Michael’s contributions are driving positive change and progress.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity is evident in his involvement with LaBella’s Inclusion Council, where he serves as co-chair. As Vice President of the Rochester Press Radio Club, a Board Member at Al Sigl Community of Agencies, and a Volunteer Coordinator for Shared Ski Adventures, he works tirelessly to enhance the lives of those he serves.
Michael’s involvement in the Rochester Press Radio Club includes working diligently to benefit children and families in the Rochester and surrounding areas through fundraising and volunteer efforts. As a Board Member at Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Michael plays a crucial role in the Al Sigl mission of supporting nonprofit organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Furthermore, Michael’s role as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Shared Ski Adventures Program at Swain is a testament to his dedication to creating opportunities for adaptive skiing and recreational programs. Over the years, he has touched the lives of hundreds of students, ensuring that they have the chance to experience the joy and thrill of skiing, regardless of their abilities.
Congratulations Michael!
