Ronald Boillat, Class of 1977

Ronald Boillat, a member of the Rush-Henrietta Class of 1977, has enjoyed a successful business career supporting start-up ventures, turnaround situations, and established entities.

His initial business experience was at ACC Long Distance, a regional carrier in Upstate New York. Ron spent eight years at this start-up, ending his tenure as vice president of sales and marketing. He spent the next 12 years in the wireless industry, six with Cellular One as vice president of sales and marketing. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company and played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the company.

Ron later joined Frontier Cellular, which was facing a significant challenge. Its growth was well below industry averages and it was losing money. By developing and executing an aggressive strategic plan, including implementation of CDMA technology ahead of its competitors, Ron was able to help the company post record growth that outpaced the industry. From 2001 to 2009, he served as president of Current Communications, a privately held company.

Today, Ron serves as chief development officer at Rochester-based Sweetwater Energy. The company uses a patented technology to produce low-cost sugar solutions from non-food biomass. This sugar solution is sold to refineries, which use it to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and bioplastics. Unlike petroleum-based technologies, this unique process significantly reduces greenhouse gases. Ron is responsible for the design, deployment, and operation of Sweetwater’s demonstration plant in Rochester and its commercial facilities that will open throughout the United States during the next two years.

In addition to his successful business ventures, Ron has been involved in his community. His volunteer service includes sitting on the board of directors at Bivona Child Advocacy Center, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He also has coached youth baseball, football, and soccer for more than a decade. Ron was honored with the Rochester Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” award, which recognizes men and women 40 and younger who have achieved professional success and made significant contributions to our community.

A member of the 1976 state champion football team, Ron remembers his time at Rush-Henrietta fondly. He lives in Pittsford.