Edwin Rodriguez Jr.

JAMESTOWN — The Leadership Team at Lutheran has announced the hiring of Edwin Rodriguez Jr. as the new director of public relations and Marketing upon the retirement of Patty Eckwahl. Rodriguez will continue Lutheran’s award-winning Best of Times seminar series and further the organization’s commitment to helping people plan well to age well.

“Edwin was a shining star as we interviewed for this position,” said Tom Holt, president and CEO for Lutheran. “He has the strong background in marketing and brand management that we were seeking. He also has experience in the nonprofit realm, which is key to our focus on giving back to the community through education, support, and providing choices for people of all ages to be successful,” said Holt.

Rodriguez is a graduate of Falconer Central School. He earned an associate degree in Communications from Jamestown Community College and transferred to SUNY Fredonia where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing. Since graduation, his professional background includes working for a winery in Lake Erie Wine Country, Brooks Memorial Hospital, Chautauqua County Humane Society, and most recently at the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. Rodriguez has also been an adjunct Communications professor at Jamestown Community College and he serves on the board of directors for the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County and the Jamestown Center City Development Corporation which oversees the Northwest Arena in downtown Jamestown.

“We are pleased to bring a local, young professional on board,” Holt added.  “He has a refreshing, wonderful enthusiasm for our area and the people we serve. We have a strong marketing program today and look forward to even more innovative ideas.”

“I have built a great career here in Chautauqua County,” Rodriguez said.  “As a young professional, it means the world to me that I’ve been given this opportunity by Mr. Holt and the Leadership Team at Lutheran. I’m very excited to get started. Coming from the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, I have learned the importance of neighborhoods and our greater Jamestown community. I look forward to finding ways to connect the residents here with all that the Jamestown area has to offer,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez will be responsible for the marketing and communications for all of Lutheran’s five divisions: The Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center, a 148-bed skilled nursing facility and short-term rehabilitation department; Hultquist Place, a 96-bed assisted living program; Lutheran Senior Housing with over 300 independent living apartments; G.A. Family Services, a residential treatment facility and school for more than 70 at-risk youth; Grace Community Services, residences for developmentally disabled adults in the Rochester area; Warner Place medical model adult day health care facility; and the G.A. Therapeutic Foster Care Program serving the eight counties of western New York.

For more information on the services provided by Lutheran, call 665-4905 or visit Lutheran on the web at www.lutheran-jamestown.org.

Lutheran, a Christian organization, is a comprehensive continuum of community, residential, and home based supportive services that help people of all ages gain or retain independence.