ESF President Joanie Mahoney
ESF’s fifth president, Joanie Mahoney, took office on November 4, 2020, earning the distinction of the first woman to hold the highest office at the College. As a native of Syracuse, New York, and a former government official for Onondaga County, Mahoney has a keen understanding of ESF’s programs, aspirations, and achievements. She has served as the College’s Chief Operating Officer since November of 2018. In this role, she was a member of the senior leadership team where she assisted the College with the Discovery Challenge initiatives, supported the expansion of ESF as an instrumental partner with government to address pressing issues like climate change and intrusion of invasive species in our waterways, and served as the point person on COVID-19 matters and preparedness.
Prior to ESF, Mahoney served as Onondaga County Executive for 11 years, during which time she oversaw all aspects of the county government, serving 460,000 residents. During her tenure as county executive, she earned national recognition for her environmentally friendly stewardship.
Before her elective office, Mahoney worked as an attorney in private practice and for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
Mahoney earned her bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University’s School of Management and her juris doctor from S.U.’s College of Law.