June White brings people-first leadership to NAMI Rochester

June White, M.S., is using two decades of experience in HR, talent development, and workplace culture to guide operations at NAMI Rochester in 2026. Her move from corporate leadership to nonprofit work links organizational strategy with mental health advocacy in Rochester, New York.

Why it matters: - June White’s move from corporate leadership to a nonprofit mental health role shows how operational and people-management skills can transfer into community service. - Her work at NAMI Rochester connects organizational growth with expanded access to mental health resources in the Rochester area. - Her career reflects a broader shift toward leadership that ties business performance to employee well-being and purpose-driven outcomes.

What happened: - June White, M.S., transitioned in 2026 from corporate leadership to become Director of Operations at NAMI Rochester in Rochester, New York. - White brings more than 20 years of experience in organizational development, operations, human resources, talent management, leadership development, and workplace culture. - Her background includes leadership roles at CooperCompanies, CooperVision, Caldwell Manufacturing, and Southco.

The details: - At CooperCompanies’ Inclusion & Diversity Center of Excellence, White led programs focused on leadership development, belonging, and employee well-being. - Her experience spans organizational development, learning and development, succession planning, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. - White’s role at NAMI Rochester includes overseeing day-to-day operations, staff leadership, strategic planning, policy development, fundraising initiatives, and organizational growth efforts. - White holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Development and a bachelor’s degree in Music and Business from Nazareth University. - She is a member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Association for Talent Development. - Her Influential Women profile is available here.

Between the lines: - White’s career path suggests that people-centered leadership can be a bridge between corporate systems and nonprofit mission work. - Her emphasis on not waiting until she feels fully ready points to a growth mindset that has shaped her career moves. - Reflecting on past accomplishments has helped White recognize the value of her experience and step into new responsibilities with more confidence.

What's next: - White is expected to continue applying her leadership and operations background to strengthen NAMI Rochester’s internal capacity and community reach. - Her work will likely remain centered on mission execution, organizational growth, and broader access to mental health support.

The bottom line: - June White’s next chapter combines business discipline with public service, aiming to help both people and organizations move forward with greater purpose.