PAUL SMITHS, NY – Paul Smith’s College announced the appointment of Maureen Cunningham as the new Executive Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI), effective this month. A seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience in environmental policy and nonprofit management, Cunningham will lead AWI in its mission to protect clean water and healthy watersheds.
“Maureen’s extensive background in water policy, her proven ability to secure significant funding, and her strategic leadership skills make her the ideal person to lead AWI into its next chapter,” said Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith’s College. “Her passion for conservation and her track record of building effective coalitions will be invaluable as we work to address pressing environmental challenges facing our region, and in providing incredible research and learning opportunities for our students.”
Cunningham joins AWI from the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), where she served as Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Water. During her tenure, she helped the organization grow from a small team to a staff of nearly 40 and helped raise millions in funding to build a water equity program. She also worked with federal and state agencies and local governments on critical water infrastructure initiatives.
Prior to her role at EPIC, Cunningham was the Senior Director for Clean Water at Environmental Advocates New York, where she successfully advocated for key environmental legislation in New York State, including drinking water standards for PFAS (known as “forever chemicals”), road salt reduction, stream and wetland protections, and increased state investment in water infrastructure. She also served as the Executive Director of the Hudson River Watershed Alliance, where she supported grassroots efforts to protect streams and water resources and helped lead community engagement as part of a multi-year partnership that resulted in the Hudson River Restoration Plan.
Her experience also includes serving as the Director of the World Heritage Partnership at Rare, where she managed a four-year project with the United Nations and four countries in Latin America and Indonesia. In this role, she created innovative strategies that linked ecotourism to community-based conservation at six UNESCO World Heritage sites.
“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at AWI to help advance the vital work of protecting Adirondack waters and wildlife,” said Cunningham. “Together with our partners, community members, and Paul Smith’s College students, we can make a real difference for clean water, healthy habitats, and future generations.. This is a region is where my love of water began, and I look forward to what we‘ll accomplish together.”
Cunningham holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from The American University. In addition to her professional work, she is an elected Town Councilmember in Bethlehem, New York, where she has championed initiatives for land conservation and community sustainability
About Paul Smith’s College:
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
Media Contacts:
Juana Blackwell
PRforPaulSmiths@bospar.com
