Alicia Brockway

Determination key to executive’s success

By TORY N. PARRISH
Observer-Dispatch
tparrish@utica.gannett.com

Alicia Brockway knows the value of hard work, courtesy of her mother.“She worked so hard, and I attribute everything and who I
am today to her determination to make sure that myself and my two brothers had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on the table,” said Brockway, 36.

Brockway’s applying those childhood lessons in her adult life helped her earn a spot among 10 Mohawk Valley residents selected as Accent on Excellence honorees. The awards recognize people younger than 40 years old who have contributed to improving the region’s economy and quality of life.

A Frankfort resident, Brockway is an assistant vice president, business services lender at Partners Trust Bank in Whitesboro.

Brockway started in the financial industry 12 years ago as a collector at Herkimer County Trust, which became part of Partners Trust in 2004. She was nominated for Accent on Excellence by her co-worker, Jim Hill, a business development representative at Partners Trust, for her involvement with nonprofits in the community.

“He’s been a big advocate for women and pushing them and
just being behind them,” Brockway said.

Brockway’s determination was a motivation for the nomination, Hill said.“If she says something, she’s going to do it. She has absolutely no overt egotistical behavior at all,” Hill said.

Brockway is a member of the Rome Rotary, where she will be
chairing the Rotary Readers, a volunteer tutoring program for
children. She also has volunteered with Role Models for Youth Groups and the Women’s Business Center to provide financial training for those looking to start businesses.

Five months ago, Brockway became a member of the board of directors at the Utica-based Cosmopolitan Center, where she also is a member of the financial committee.

“And she’s (given) some valuable suggestions in dealing with our financial matters, our financial committee,” said Sam Smith, executive director of the Cosmopolitan Center.

“She just impresses me again as one of the valuable assets that… Utica, Oneida County has with young people who are going to be future decision-makers … of this region,” Smith said. Between work, volunteering and her family, Brockway’s time is valuable.

“I guess I balance it, and if there’s any volunteer work, I try to bring my children with me,” she said.