Rodric Cox-Cooper is the Rochester & Genesee Valley Regional Director for the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a statewide organization focused on strengthening New York’s workforce. He has over 20 years of community and workforce development experience.  

In his role as Regional Director, he works with businesses and organizations to develop and implement quality training initiatives that support the skill development of their workers.  He also collaborates with numerous community partners to assess the ongoing needs of various job industries and sectors.

Prior to joining WDI in 2021, Rodric served for 12 years as an executive in Rochester city government, and for 7 years as the CEO of human service organizations focused on economic self-sufficiency, employment and education for low-income and challenged populations. 

He represented the City of Rochester on the Monroe County/Rochester Workforce Investment Board and Private Industry Council, and led impactful workforce development initiatives including the Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) Program, and the youth-focused Good Grades Pay Program.

He has been recognized as one of the Rochester Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award honorees, and was the recipient of the Dr. Samuel McCree Jr. award for his efforts to improve the quality of life in Rochester.  He was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus award from both his high school and undergraduate alma maters: McQuaid Jesuit High School (Rochester, NY) and the University of Dayton (Dayton, OH), respectively.  He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards and committees, and is a graduate of the United Way African-American Leadership Development Program and Leadership Rochester.

Rodric holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and a Master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.