Chemung River Friends is proud to announce that Emily Marino, of Corning, took over as the organization’s executive director on September 1, 2020, with the retirement of River Friends co-founder, Jim Pfiffer.
Emily will lead the 11-year-old Elmira-based nonprofit organization in all professional capacities, including collaboration with the board of directors, management of volunteers, business operations, and public contact, and spokesperson.
“As a long-time environmental advocate and supporter of the Southern Tier, I am thrilled to be able to contribute towards our region’s continued enjoyment, understanding, and stewardship of our precious waterways. With our world changing so much every day, I think it is crucial that we find more ways to engage children and families in environmental education, and create more ways for our community to embrace the natural resources that we have available to us. I look forward to leading the Chemung River Friends, and to working with our community to promote one of our greatest recreational, educational, and historical natural resources.”
Prior to joining River Friends, Emily served as executive director and consultant for CCS Fundraising in Manhattan. During her time with CCS, she offered consultative services to New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, partnered with Lincoln Center Theater on a fundraising campaign feasibility study, and developed an institutional giving infrastructure for the Catholic Foundation of Brooklyn and Queens. A 11-year veteran of the nonprofit sector and native of the Southern Tier, Emily has served with a variety of local nonprofit organizations in the Corning/Elmira area. She holds an MBA from the Simon School of Business with the University of Rochester (2019), an MA from Syracuse University (2010), a BA from Binghamton University (2004), and graduated from Corning-Painted Post East High School (2000).
“Emily has the leadership skills, experience, knowledge and regional contacts to continue River Friend’s mission to improve and protect our waterways,” Pfiffer said. “Her love of nature, passion and fundraising capabilities will assure the organization’s growth and success, while protecting our natural resources and improving the region’s quality of life.”
Emily is an avid runner, hiker, kayaker, and gardener, and is excited to be back in her hometown of Elmira.