Stephen McDonnell Named Finalist in the Greater Rochester Chamber’s 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards
May 29th, 2025
Written by Grace Boesel, Marketing Specialist
Wilmac Technologies President & CEO Featured Among Twelve Finalists in Two Categories
Rochester, New York: The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has named Stephen McDonnell, President and CEO of Wilmac Technologies, as one of twelve finalists for its 2025 Business Person of the Year Award. This honor celebrates regional business leaders whose entrepreneurial success, integrity, and community impact shape the future of Rochester’s economy.
McDonnell, who acquired the company and has served as CEO since 2022, has led the company through a remarkable strategic transformation, from a traditional value-added reseller (VAR) to a modern software firm focused on customer interaction technologies that simplify compliance, centralize data, embed AI capabilities, and elevate the customer experience.
“Congratulations to all of our 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards finalists!,” said Steve Hogan, President of the SBC Board. “Each of our finalists is an exemplary leader in Greater Rochester, contributing to our region’s economic vitality and growth. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and taking time to recognize the leadership of these organizations is so important, now more than ever. We look forward to celebrating all of our finalists on July 30 and hope to see you there.”
Since acquiring the business in 2022, McDonnell has doubled Wilmac’s annual recurring revenue, launched an in-house development team, rebranded the company, and opened a new open-concept headquarters in downtown Rochester. His leadership style, anchored in transparency, urgency, and action, has also placed an increased emphasis on culture and community, earning Wilmac recognition in the top 15 Fastest Growing Companies in Rochester, a Top Workplace in America, and in the top 15 of New York’s Best Companies to Work For for 2 consecutive years.
“Leadership is about creating clarity, driving momentum, and empowering people to do meaningful work,” said McDonnell. “This nomination is a reflection of the team’s relentless focus, our customer-first mindset, and our ambition to build something great here in Rochester.”
Beyond business results, McDonnell has made a deliberate effort to root Wilmac’s future in Rochester. While most of the company’s customer base of financial, healthcare, insurance, utilities, and public safety institutions are based outside the region, he’s focused on growing its local presence; expanding the Continuity product suite, emphasizing local hiring, and strengthening partnerships with Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, and the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship.
“After being based in Rochester for over 65 years, we want to give back,” said McDonnell. “We operate in a unique niche and believe we can help Rochester companies unlock new value from their customer interaction data. Especially as AI becomes more central to business strategy.”
The winner of the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award will be announced by the Greater Rochester Chamber on July 30th, 2025. Wilmac is proud to celebrate this milestone as a symbol of the region’s growing strength in technology and innovation.
About Wilmac Technologies
Wilmac Technologies delivers customer interaction solutions that put people first. Wilmac serves communications centers across financial services, banking, healthcare, insurance, utilities, and public safety to simplify compliance, centralize data, and create seamless customer experiences. Backed by in-house development, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated support team, Wilmac delivers tailored solutions and hands-on support to meet your unique compliance, customer experience, and technology transition challenges. With expertise in Cloud Contact Center, Communications Compliance, and Enterprise Information Archiving solutions, Wilmac empowers its customers to take control of their customer interaction technology, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and exceptional customer experiences.
About Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in the Greater Rochester, NY region, dedicated to promoting the interests of 1,300+ members and advocating for policies that support economic growth and prosperity. Greater Rochester Chamber is the number one resource for information, connections, and support that businesses need to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment. We strive to create a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration that encourages businesses to take risks, explore new opportunities, and grow.
