Theresa Glessner, a Rochester Regional Health nursing executive who previously led nursing at hospitals in Newark and Clifton Springs, has received a 2026 Finger Lakes regional leadership award.
The health system announced that the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership presented the award during its annual conference. The organization recognizes nurse leaders for mentorship, service and contributions to their hospitals and communities.
Glessner spent eight years as chief nursing officer at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic. She has worked for Rochester Regional Health for more than a decade and is now its senior vice president and chief nursing practice officer.
She was one of six regional leadership award recipients across New York in 2026, according to the health system. The announcement did not describe a change in her duties or a new program tied to the award.
Michael Rulffes, president and chief operating officer of the Newark and Clifton Springs hospitals and United Memorial Medical Center, said Glessner has helped nurses develop professionally while staying attentive to the communities served by the hospitals.
“I've seen firsthand how much she cares about our nurses and the pride she takes in helping them succeed,” Rulffes said in the announcement.
Rochester Regional Health operates hospitals and other health services across the Finger Lakes and western New York. Glessner's current systemwide nursing-practice role follows her leadership at the two local hospitals.
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