MEET Josie
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN LEADER
ABOUT Josie Mcclary
My name is Josie McClary, and I am running for Rochester City Council. I currently serve as the Chief Community Engagement Officer for Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, and I am confident that the skills I’ve developed over a 30-year career in government will enable me to be a strong and effective advocate for our community.
My values and commitment to public service come from my parents, who taught me an important lesson: "When one hurts, we all hurt. When one needs, we all need." Although neither of my parents had much formal education, they had an incredible work ethic and always looked out for their community. My mother grew up in North Carolina and my father was raised in Puerto Rico. They met while working for New York City public schools—my mother as a cook and my father as a janitor. Through their hard work and service, they instilled in me a deep sense of community responsibility.
I moved to Rochester in 1989 to raise my family, and it’s been home ever since. My children grew up here and graduated from Rochester City Schools. Today, I live in the 19th Ward and am honored to have served as the recent president of the 19th Ward Community Association (2022-2024).
Serving the community has been the guiding force in my career. As a lifelong Democrat, I became an election inspector in 1997, rising to the role of election coordinator, serving over 20 years. In 1995, I joined the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, serving 25 years as a member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and being promoted several times to jobs with increasing responsibility. In 2020, I was offered a position in County Executive Bello’s Administration, and in my current role, I have had the privilege of supporting a variety of events, including planning and supporting job fairs across the city in collaboration with local County Legislators.
“I’m running for City Council because I’ve seen firsthand the power of local government to make real, positive change.”
I have a passion for the health and wellness of my community, and outside my role at the County, I serve on the Rochester Food Policy Council and the board of Tru-Impact, an organization dedicated to mentoring and tutoring youth. I’m also a personal trainer, wellness coach, and doula. I believe in a future where all residents can thrive, and I am deeply committed to public service because I want to help create that future—especially for my beautiful grandchildren, who I’m proud to be raising here in this very city.
I’m running for City Council because I’ve seen firsthand the power of local government to make real, positive change. When my beloved neighbor, Ryan Grantham Jr., was tragically killed by a motorist on Thurston Road, I took action to make the street safer for everyone. Rochester needs better traffic safety measures to save lives. When Walgreens left our neighborhood, I worked with Mayor Evans to help create the Rochester Pharmacy Access Coalition, ensuring our community still had access to essential services. I know how to tackle problems large and small, and my work with Monroe County has taken me to every corner of Rochester. I am ready to bring my skills, passion, and problem-solving to City Council.
I would be honored to have your support as I work to serve as your next City Council Member At-Large. I am always open to any questions, thoughts, and suggestions, so please feel free to reach out to me at any time.