06/09/2026
Scott C. Benjamin, CEO of Charles Settlement House & The Community Place of Greater Rochester Announces Plan to Retire
Scott C. Benjamin, President & CEO of Charles Settlement House and The Community Place of Greater Rochester Inc. announced his plan to retire in the first quarter of 2027. Benjamin, who has led Charles Settlement House since 2006, also took over the helm of The Community Place in 2018 when the organizations began an affiliation.
Benjamin, a native of Waverly, NY, previously served as Director of Operations for the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester for 10 years after a career in news media that included a stint as News Director at WROC-TV.
During Benjamin’s tenure at Charles Settlement House and Community Place he shepherded the intricate steps of shared services, followed by a permanent affiliation of the two organizations. The affiliation allowed the nonprofit agencies to share administrative functions and management, allowing greater investment in programs and services and to work together for the good of the Rochester community.
"We have two stalwart organizations, and the affiliation has made them stronger and better equipped to serve children, families and seniors in the Northwest and Northeast of Rochester,” Benjamin said. “Our extraordinary staff is dedicated to serving others. I am proud to have worked alongside them and to work with local, state and federal government leaders and other nonprofits to provide vital programs and services in our communities.”
During Benjamin’s tenure, Charles Settlement House was instrumental in the creation of the master plan for the JOSANA neighborhood. That resulted in construction of Stadium Estates, 91 affordable homes in JOSANA, and led to other investments in the neighborhood. During the COVID pandemic, Charles Settlement House and Community Place partnered with the City of Rochester and Monroe County to provide rental and mortgage assistance to keep hundreds of families in their homes. The organizations also innovated across all programs to provide essential human services during the pandemic, without ever closing.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is difficult to fully express our gratitude for the extraordinary leadership and dedication that Scott has given to Charles Settlement House and Community Place of Greater Rochester over the past 20 years,“ said Rick Nangreave, board chair. “For many of us, Scott has been far more than a CEO. He has been a trusted leader, a passionate advocate, a mentor, and a tireless champion for the individuals, families, and neighborhoods we serve. Through challenges and opportunities alike, his steady leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our mission have inspired staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
The true measure of Scott’s legacy is not found alone in programs, buildings, or statistics but in the countless lives that have been touched, strengthened, and transformed because he cared deeply about creating a more equitable and supportive community. His work has made our organizations stronger, our community better, and all of us who have had the privilege of serving alongside him richer for the experience.
While this retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, Scott’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation and wish him and his family the very best that life has to offer in this well-earned next chapter. The Board remains committed to building upon the strong foundation Scott has established as we continue advancing the mission of Charles Settlement House and Community Place of Greater Rochester."
The Board of Directors has formed a search committee to lead the search for their next CEO.
Rochester’s settlement houses continue to bolster their surrounding neighborhoods through a variety of services that encourage individual and family sustainability. They offer programs and services including after-school and youth development programs, early childhood, senior centers, emergency assistance for basic needs, intellectual and developmental disability services, GED and workforce development, and prevention services.
Charles Settlement House, established in 1917, serves Rochester’s northwest neighborhoods, including JOSANA, Edgerton, Dutchtown, Brown Square, Lyell-Otis, Maplewood and Charlotte. The Community Place, established in 2001 from the merger of Lewis Street Center, Genesee Settlement House and Eastside Community Center, serves residents in northeast Rochester.
