City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, Dec. 28, 2009) – Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that Charles Reaves, Commissioner of the City’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services (DRYS), has decided not to return for the Mayor’s second term in 2010. Commissioner Reaves submitted his resignation and has elected not to reapply.
“When I took this post in 2006, I made a commitment to Mayor Duffy to serve for four years. I have fulfilled my pledge. My passion has always been to return to the private/not-for-profit sectors,” said Commissioner Reaves. “I want to thank the Mayor for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am proud of the accomplishments that were made in DRYS under my watch.”
“The well being of the youth of our city is a major priority of my administration. Charles has served them and their families well during his tenure,” said Mayor Duffy. “He was an integral member of our Senior Management Team who brought innovation and major improvements to DRYS. Charles is one of the hardest working people I know. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
“I truly care about Rochester and making a difference in the lives of the people that we serve,” added Commissioner Reaves. “I am looking forward to continuing to do that in a different venue. If the Mayor ever needs me, I am only a phone call away.”
Since taking the helm of DRYS in 2006, Commissioner Reaves has played a major role in almost a dozen projects and initiatives to advance the interests of our city’s youth, visitors and other customers. These include: the establishment of the Summer of Opportunity Program, which in conjunction with the private sector, provides summer jobs for city youth; the Providing Real Incentives to Maintain Employment (PRIME) program, which provides job skills and jobs to ex-offenders and those without high school diplomas; establishment of the EZ RecPass, which improves customer access to the City Recreation Centers; re-establishment of the City’s truancy program and the launch of Cool Sweep, which provides city youth with increased access to City pools, spray parks and cooling sprays from fire hydrants during the hottest days of the summer.
Commissioner Reaves has also overseen several major capital programs within his department. These include the construction of the Thomas P. Ryan Jr. Community Center, the renovation of the North Street Community Center and the renovation of Manhattan Square Park and ice-skating rink. He was also instrumental in the opening of Durand Eastman Beach to public swimming.
Prior to coming to work for the City, Commissioner Reaves served in several capacities in the not-for-profit and educational communities.
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News Media: For more information, please call Gary Walker at 428-7135.