The Rochester Business Journal and the Rochester Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) have selected Kyle Johnson, Chief Financial Officer of Leonard’s Express, as a “Financial Leaders 2023” honoree. Johnson is one of four Rochester-area executives recognized in the For-Profit Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance category.
The Financial Leaders Award recognizes financial professionals who have made outstanding contributions to their organizations and to the Greater Rochester community during the past year. Nominees were judged based on their professional accomplishment within their category and on their civic commitment to the Rochester community by their contribution to the economic growth and stability of the region.
Last year, Johnson and the Leonard’s Express team opened a new 114,500-square-foot refrigerated warehouse that has already made a positive impact on the local economy. The Shortsville, New York warehouse is strategically located with easy access to I-90 and the Finger Lakes Railway, making it ideal for transporting goods across the northeastern United States. The facility contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and providing shippers, including Wegmans, another option to quickly and efficiently move and store perishable goods.
Johnson was also part of a grassroots effort to help Inclusion in Motion build a playground in Canandaigua, New York for people of all abilities. Leonard’s Express delivered five truckloads of raw materials and playground equipment more than 1,000 miles from Minnesota to Canandaigua, free of charge. In addition, Johnson and Leonard’s supported the Salvation Army of Canandaigua’s Red Kettle Campaign by providing extra warehouse space to store donations that the organization would have been unable to accept.
“The 2023 Financial Leaders are financial experts who have created incredible teams to make a difference in their field and in the community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Managing Director of the Rochester Business Journal/BridgeTower Media. “They are committed to making the Greater Rochester area a better place to work and live. We are pleased to join with the Rochester Chapter of Financial Executives International to recognize these outstanding leaders."
Honorees for Financial Leaders 2023 were chosen by a panel of judges including past honorees, educators, and representatives from the Rochester Chapter of FEI and the Rochester Business Journal. The honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon on June 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 East Main Street in Rochester.
Honorees will also be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the June 23 issue of the Rochester Business Journal and will be available online at RBJ.net.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Rochester Chapter of FEI and the Rochester Business Journal,” said Johnson. “We take great pride in our work at Leonard’s Express and it’s even more gratifying when we can make a difference in the cities and towns where we live. This recognition is a direct result of all our employees coming together to make a positive impact on our communities.”
