12/20/2024
A Monumental Moment for AID Upstate
We are excited to announce Rajee Rao as the new CEO of AID Upstate! This marks a historic occasion for us—our first new CEO in over three decades. As we bid farewell to our longtime leader, Andy Hall, who is retiring after years of transformative leadership, we look ahead with excitement for the next chapter under Rajee’s guidance.
To help you get to know her better, we sat down with Rajee to speak about her background, what brought her here, and her vision for the future of AID Upstate:
Q: Can you share a brief summary of your career journey before joining AID Upstate?
"I have had the good fortune of working in healthcare management and a deep commitment to serving communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Prior to joining AID Upstate, I served as Division Director for Prisma Health Medical Group's Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, where I managed programs aimed at improving patient care and outcomes."
Q: What inspired you to join AID Upstate?
"Success is never achieved in isolation. Even though we bring our dedication and talents to the table, someone – a mentor, a colleague, a friend – plays a pivotal role in opening doors, offering guidance, or inspiring us to go further. Andy Hall, the former CEO of AID Upstate, was that person for me. I have known Andy for over 18 years and have always viewed him as a mentor. His leadership and vision played a significant role in my decision to be a part of this organization."
Q: What excites you the most about leading AID Upstate?
"I am very excited to work with this exceptional team of new colleagues. I look forward to building on the strengths of our organization and exploring new opportunities to enhance the level of care we provide to the community."
Q: Which of AID Upstate’s core values resonates most with you, and why?
"With my background in Public Health, I strongly believe that HIV prevention education and PrEP services are key to ending the HIV epidemic. Having spent 23 years working in a healthcare setting and being dedicated to providing care for individuals living with HIV, I have found my purpose in this work. The opportunity to combine these passions here at AID Upstate truly energizes me!"
Q: What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
"Cooking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends."
Q: Is there a message you’d like to share with the community, staff, or stakeholders?
"I am honored to join AID Upstate and look forward to working with our dedicated team to continue the vital work of supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Together, we will strive to end new infections, improve health outcomes, and eliminate the stigma associated with HIV."
As we celebrate this exciting transition, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Andy Hall for his 30+ years of extraordinary leadership. His vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for AID Upstate’s continued success.
Please join us in welcoming Rajee and wishing Andy a well-deserved, happy retirement!
