Unshackle Upstate appoints Wilcox as new executive director

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Unshackle Upstate announced Tuesday that its executive board has chosen Justin Wilcox to be its new executive director.

Unshackle Upstate describes itself as a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education, and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of upstate New York.

In this role, Wilcox will lead the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts, strengthen partnerships with allied organizations, and raise awareness about key issues affecting upstate New York’s taxpayers.

Wilcox replaces Michael Kracker, who had served as Unshackle’s executive director for two years, before departing a few months ago to become a senior advisor to Republicans in the New York State Senate.

Wilcox is a former small-business owner who has extensive experience in state and local government. He has been a Monroe County legislator since 2011. His work in the New York State Legislature started two decades ago when hired as a legislative aide to former state Senator Richard Dollinger. Since then, Wilcox has served as legislative director to former Senator Ted O’Brien, and former Assembly members Joe Morelle and Jamie Romeo. Before his government work, Wilcox started and owned his own small roofing business in the early 1990s.

“I’m honored and excited to lead this dynamic organization. Having worked in the public sector as well as the private sector, I know what needs to be done to revive our economy and restore Upstate communities,” Wilcox said in a statement. “Working together with our leaders in Albany, I believe we can provide real relief for struggling people across Upstate New York.”

Wilcox earned his associate degree from Monroe Community College in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University at Buffalo in 2001. He is a 25-year resident of Brighton, just south of Rochester.