Rochester native Wade Norwood has held leadership positions in the community for more than three decades, including roles in public service, education and health care. In management at Common Ground Health since 2006, Norwood has been central to the nonprofit’s strategic planning process, pushing the organization to become a more effective change agent for all Finger Lakes region residents, especially those most at risk. He also spearheaded the organization’s efforts to engage underserved populations in health improvement, championing the creation of the African American Health Coalition, the Latino Health Coalition and the Partnership for Access to Healthcare, and providing ongoing support for these and other engagement initiatives.
He currently serves as Co-CEO of the organization formed by the merger of Common Ground Health and the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization. The new entity combines the RRHIO’s expertise providing a secure information exchange with Common Ground’s data analysis, convening and community engagement expertise to improve health outcomes and advance health innovation.
Norwood’s previous leadership roles at the state and local level include chairing the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, co-chairing the New York State Health Department’s workgroup on health care workforce and co-chairing with Congressman Joseph Morelle the region’s Systems Integration initiative, a cross-sector effort to integrate services and data for families affected by poverty. As a member of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Norwood helps to guide funding for economic-development, job-development and anti-poverty efforts across the region.
From 1990 to 2005, Norwood served as a Rochester City Council member and chair of the council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development. During his tenure, he proposed and developed several new programs in housing, neighborhood development and police oversight.
Since 2009, he has served as an at-large member of the New York State Board of Regents. Responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities within the state, the Regents preside over the University and the New York State Education Department. He also serves as chair of the Committee on Professional Practices, which oversees professional practice policy matters on behalf of the Board.