Alumni Hall of Fame - Kimberly J. Gaylord

Kimberly J. Gaylord ’98
President and CEO,
Builders Exchange of Rochester

Nominated by David Beinetti

“MCC played a crucial role in my academic career. It was the institution that opened my eyes to the opportunities around me and inspired me to continue my studies. One professor in particular, Carmen Powers, inspired me and made me view my path forward in a different light. She mentored me without ever knowing it. Her words and advice still resonate with me daily.”

Kim Gaylord is committed to improving the Rochester and regional construction industry in all ways. In May 2022, Kim was named the first female president and CEO of the Builders Exchange of Rochester, a 135-year-old, not-for-profit association founded in 1887 with over 600 members representing all sectors of the construction industry. The Builders Exchange is a catalyst for the commercial construction community in our region. Their mission is to deliver their members education, programs and services to grow their local businesses and the local community.

Kim came to the Builders Exchange with over 15 years of marketing and customer service experience. Following college, she worked for Spoon Exhibit Services as the account services coordinator where she supported the tradeshow programs for Fortune 500 companies. In 2005, she joined KrausCreative as an account manager, following that she joined Ontario & Trumansburg Telephone Companies (OTTC)/Finger Lakes Technologies Group (FLTG) as the director, marketing and corporate communications. In 2016, she joined the Builders Exchange as vice president, member experience and operations. Kim credits her time as OTTC/FLTG as the reason for her success at the Builders Exchange.

Upon graduation from Monroe Community College with an associate’s degree in business administration, Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and management and a minor in communications from SUNY Brockport.