Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) has announced Amy Rote as its new president and CEO. Rote most recently served as interim president and CEO of the organization. She started with the agency in 2013 as vice president of programs where she grew the agency's outreach in its five-county service area.

During the search process, the search committee kept in mind a list of qualifications that was created with input from various constituents, according to Eric Kiehl, BBBSCR board of directors chairperson. Specific candidates were invited for interviews with the search committee and the board of directors.

Rote's dedication to helping young people in need has been demonstrated in her previous roles. She designed and launched Grow Big, Grow Well, a health and wellness education curriculum, and championed Beyond School Walls, the career and workforce development program that matches high school students with mentors from local companies. Rote also introduced Bigs in Blue, a national Big Brothers Big Sisters initiative that matches youths with active-duty law enforcement personnel who serve as mentors. Under her guidance, BBBSCR's Bigs in Blue has grown to be the second-largest program in the nation.

Rote graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy. She also has a Master of Education in public health education and promotion. Prior to joining BBBSCR, Rote served as an adjunct therapist for the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute and a certified therapeutic recreational specialist for Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

She currently serves on Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's Bigs in Blue and High School Mentoring Programs committees.