St. John’s announces changes in leadership

Charlie Runyon

St. John’s, a leading provider of a full continuum of services for older adults for 125 years, announced that Charlie Runyon, its resident and CEO for 23 years, will retire in February 2025. Robert Earl, St. John’s executive vice president of finance/chief financial officer, has been named as Runyon’s successor and will begin assuming duties throughout the remainder of 2024.

“It has been an honor to serve as St. John’s president and CEO,” Runyon said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in the organization’s future under Rob’s leadership.”

Runyon has served as St. John’s president and CEO since 2001, but has been with the organization since 1993. During his tenure, St. John’s experienced its greatest period of growth, adding St. John’s Meadows in 1996, Penfield Green House Homes in 2011 and Brickstone by St. John’s in 2014. Recent innovations such as the development of a new dementia resource center and a strategic partnership with University of Rochester Medical Center point to Runyon’s unwavering leadership, commitment and dedication, which have enabled the organization to successfully navigate through the pandemic into its 125th year of operation.

Rob Earl

“We are deeply grateful for Charlie’s dedication and leadership. He has made an indelible impact on St. John’s, the senior services sector, and our community. We wish him the very best in retirement,” said Mike Waters, chairman, St. John’s board of directors.

Earl, who will fully assume the duties of St. John’s president and CEO in February 2025, came to St. John’s in 2012 as controller after nearly five years managing the finances for the Monroe County Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to his role at the county, Earl worked in the manufacturing sector, with finance roles at Nalge Nunc International and Dresser-Rand.