President – Aaron Hilger

Aaron is the President of the Builders Exchange of Rochester.  Mr. Hilger’s activities include government relations, labor relations, and economic development.  Mr. Hilger is active in numerous trade associations and is Managing Director of the Construction Industry Association of Rochester, Executive Director of SMACNA Rochester, and Executive Director of the Rochester Roofers Association.  He is a board member of UNiCON, the Construction Employers Labor Relations Association, and a past Chairman of the New York State Construction Industry Council.  He is also a founding member of Builder Partners, and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Builders Exchange Executives Association.

Prior to joining the Builders Exchange, Mr. Hilger was a senior executive with a commercial roofing firm in Buffalo NY.  He has also held positions with the National Roofing Contractors Association, George Washington University, and with a member of the NYS Assembly.

Mr. Hilger earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester.  He holds a Masters Degree in Political Management from George Washington University and an MBA from the University at Buffalo.  He is an alumni of the 2006 Leadership Rochester Class and a recipient of the Rochester Forty Under 40 award.

Coordinator, Membership Services - Nicole Gissendanner

Nicole has been with the Builders Exchange since Februrary 2006. She began working as part-time administrative support and was promoted to her current position in November of 2006.

Nicole plays a vital role in our Planroom.  She calls for future projects, current projects, and project leads. She communicates with architects, engineers and plan holders. Nicole also helps perform daily planroom tasks such as entering projects, printing blueprints, and assisting member who visit the physical planroom.  In addition to her planroom responsibilities, Nicole provides Robex online training, member assistance, and updates member accounts.

Director, Membership & Planroom Services - Mike Kanealey

Mike joined the Builders Exchange in August 2007 bringing with him over 12 years of account management experience.  As Director, Membership & Planroom Services, his primary role is to increase awareness of the Exchange and maintain/increase membership levels.  Mike spends his time with current and potential members informing them of the services and benefits that an Exchange membership offers.  Mike also oversees the Planroom activites and staff.

Prior to coming to the Exchange, Mike served as Account Manager for Lake Beverage and Great Lakes Premium Brands as well as  Accounts Manager at Genesee/ High Falls  Brewing Company for 7 years.

Mike holds a B.S. in Marketing / Communications from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York.

Executive Assistant - Racheal Roberts

Public Affairs Assistant - Karissa J. Grant

Karissa joined Builders Exchange in March 2011. As Public Affairs Assistant, she will be responsible for creative and graphic designing, social media, website editing/development and assistance with event planning.

Prior to joining the Builders Exchange, Karissa worked as the Program Assistant for Unshackle Upstate and has held various internships with WROC-T8V, CMAC, and Dixon Schwabl.

Karissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University's Scripps Howard School Of Journalism and Communications in Broadcast Journalism. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan.

Accounting Manager – Deana Dillon

Deana Dillon joined the Builders Exchange in March 2008.  In her role she serves as the primary contact for all finance related items for the Builders Exchange as well as its’ affiliated groups. In addition, Deana administers the health insurance programs and services as a back-up for planroom related activities.

Deana received her Bachelors of Science in Business, from Roberts Wesleyan College.  Prior to arriving to the Builders Exchange, Deana served in a variety of finance positions for local companies.

Planroom Manager - Michelle Fishbaugh

Michelle has been with the Builders Exchange since March 2010.  As Planroom Manager, she is responsible for obtaining current and pre-bid construction projects throughout New York State with a focus on the Rochester area.  She acts as liason with architects, engineers and owners for all types of projects. She also assists members with the online and physical planroom along with overseeing the day to day operations.  She has recently become a member of the local CSI chapter.     

Michelle has over 13 years of construction experience prior to joining the Builders Exchange.  She was an Administrative Assistant and Office Manger at Christa Construction for over 10 years as well as providing Construction Administration Support the Architectural staff at Stantec.  

Planroom Services - Corrine Markowski

Corrine joined the Builders Exchange in March 2011. She performs daily plan room tasks such as printing blueprints and assisting members who visit the physical planroom. Some other duties include posting bid results, updating plan holder lists and updating member information.

Prior to joining the Builders Exchange, Corrine worked in the home improvement business for three years.