Dana Miller

Dana Miller was elected in November, 2005 to a four-year term as one of the City of Rochester's five at-large Councilmembers. He is a member of the Public Safety Committee, and Chairs the Economic Development and the Environment Committee. Two of his initiatives as a councilmember are creating a pilot project to place street managers in neighborhood commercial districts, and holding an annual poster contest (Rochester Clean and Green) to deliver an anti-litter message to young people.
A life-long resident of Rochester, Dana attended Rochester City Schools #2, #4, Monroe and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1974. He received an A.A.S. degree from Monroe Community College in 1976 and began working full-time at Xerox Corporation. Dana continued his studies at the University of Rochester's Simon School where he graduated with an M.B.A. After completing a 34-year career at Xerox where he held a series of technical and management positions, Dana has joined the staff of the Rochester Area Community Foundation as Vice President for Development .
Dana has been active in numerous volunteer activities for over 30 years including 2 terms as President of the 19th Ward Community Association, President of the NBN Sector 4 Common Council, and Vice President of Greater Rochester Fights Back. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the Rochester Economic Zone and Unity Health System. Dana also facilitates strategic planning and diversity sessions for local not-for-profit organizations, and supports the annual Leadership Rochester retreat with a Rochester History Timeline exercise.
A major area of focus for Dana has been increasing economic development opportunities in city neighborhoods. He has spent over 25 years organizing neighbors, stakeholders, developers, and the City to bring the Brooks Landing Development Project in southwest Rochester to fruition. He is a founding member and the current Board Chair of the Sector 4 Community Development Corporation, which is developing a community owned coffee shop. Dana also is a member of the Rochester Downtown Charrette Steering Committee.
Dana was appointed by Mayor Ryan to serve on the City's Environmental Commission. He was appointed by Mayor Johnson to serve on the Mayor's Stewardship Council to develop the 2010 Renaissance Plan, and also to serve on the City Planning Commission. During his seven years on Planning Commission, he served as Chairman from 2003-2005. A major area of focus was balancing the needs of neighborhoods with the demands of business and making sure that responsible development was encouraged throughout the city.
Dana has received numerous awards for his service including: 19th Ward City/County Award (2007), Mayor's Renaissance Award (2005), City of Rochester "Unsung Heroes Award" (2003), City of Rochester "NBN Award of Appreciation" (2002), Urban League of Rochester "Outstanding Volunteer Award" (1999), Rochestarians Against Illegal Narcotics "Outstanding Citizen Service Award" (1999), Sector 4 Southwest Common Council "Leadership Award" (1999), Sector 4 Community Development Corporation "Service Award" (1999), Rochester City School District "Hall of Fame" (1998), Jefferson Ave. Business Association "Community Service Award" (1998), 19th Ward "Citizen of the Year" (1996).
Dana, and his wife, Freda raised their children in the City's historic and diverse 19th Ward and continue to make it their home. Freda works for the Rochester City School District, and has also been an active community and school volunteer.