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Christopher Rosenquest, City of Plattsburgh Mayor

May 10, 2023

One of NEOA’s 2023 TRIO Achievers, Christopher is currently the Mayor of the City of Plattsburg

Christopher Rosenquest is an accomplished public servant, entrepreneur, and the 29th Mayor of the City of Plattsburgh. His success, impact, and view of himself in the world are all a function of his experience with Upward Bound, a program he credits with helping him shape his education and personal goals.

Rosenquest vividly remembers his first day attending the program, describing himself as a melting pot of nervousness, uncertainty, and excitement about the new opportunity. As a student who struggled in a traditional classroom, he stated the importance of the staff who helped him develop tools to adapt and persevere. Those tools and experiences remain foundational experiences he draws on as a public servant, entrepreneur, and father.

After completing his senior year, Rosenquest completed a two-year degree from Clinton Community College. He continued his education at SUNY Plattsburgh, finishing his four-year degree and entering the workforce. As a first-generation college graduate, completing his degrees gave him confidence in his abilities as a student. After being in the workforce for ten years, Rosenquest completed his MBA from the University of Washington.

During his time at Upward Bound, he forged lifelong friendships with people he remains connected to today. Rosenquest still looks to the former Executive Director of his Upward Bound program for advice, as she made it her goal to ensure that he found success as a student and a young man.

For Rosenquest, Upward Bound was more than just an opportunity to develop and maintain educational goals. Through the community, he cultivated at Upward Bound and the many examples of the administration’s selflessness and service leadership, he too has taken on the life goal of being of service and to persevere in the face of self-doubt and personal challenges.

Today, Rosenquest serves as the 29th Mayor of the City of Plattsburgh and owns his own business.