Leadership
President's Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet comprises campus leaders who strategically guide the operations of the College, linking goals with ESF’s institutional priorities and assessment, and aligning these efforts to the strategic plan, mission, and vision.
Joanie Mahoney, President
Matthew Millea, Chief of Staff, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives
Matthew Millea, a 20-year veteran of state and local government, joined ESF in 2021 to lead and manage major strategic initiatives and programs across the College’s campuses.
Millea joins ESF following a three-year stint in the private sector working as the Albany Office Principal for the Syracuse-headquartered C&S Companies. Prior to that, he served as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s deputy director of state operations after serving for four years as deputy county executive for physical services to then-County Executive and current ESF President Joanie Mahoney.
While serving as deputy county executive, Millea managed the implementation of Onondaga County’s nationally recognized and award winning Save the Rain combined sewer overflow mitigation program as well as a number of other priority capital projects within the county.
Millea played a key role in the master planning and environmental review effort that preceded the construction of one of Onondaga County’s most recently constructed landmarks, the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater on Onondaga Lake. In 2009, in his role as acting president of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, he managed the implementation and disbursement of $500 million in water infrastructure investments awarded to New York state from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). He is a veteran of four gubernatorial administrations beginning his career in state government working for Governor George Pataki on a number of environmental initiatives.
Millea holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University and bachelor’s in political science from Siena College.
Dr. Lindi Quackenbush, Provost &
Vice President for Research
Amy Brown, Director of Business Affairs
Amy Brown is the Director of Business Affairs, providing leadership and oversight for the college’s financial and administrative operations. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education finance and public administration, Amy brings a deep understanding of budgeting, financial planning, procurement, contract management, compliance, and operational excellence. She is known for her strategic approach to resource management and her ability to develop efficient processes that support institutional priorities while ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Prior to joining ESF in 2024, Amy spent more than 15 years at SUNY Delhi, where she progressed through several increasingly senior leadership roles, including Financial Analyst, Purchasing and Accounts Payable Manager, Controller, Director of Business Affairs, and Interim CFO. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided complex financial operations, collaborated across departments to improve organizational effectiveness, and implemented solutions that enhance both efficiency and service delivery. Her expertise in aligning financial strategies with institutional goals has helped support student success, operational sustainability, and long-term organizational growth.
Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from SUNY Oneonta and has built a reputation as a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Her analytical mindset, strong attention to detail, and commitment to service make her a trusted partner in advancing the mission of higher education institutions.
Amy’s appreciation for ESF’s mission extends well past the office – she spends her free time off the grid at her cabin in the woods with her family and her dogs.
Brenda Greenfield, Chief Advancement Officer and
Executive Director, ESF College Foundation
Brenda Greenfield joined ESF in 1999. She serves as a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet and as the College’s chief advancement officer, overseeing all private philanthropic giving in support of ESF from individuals, alumni, corporations and private foundations. She also serves as the chief administrative officer of ESF College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and the Foundation’s subsidiary organizations, Abby Lane, LLC, and Abby Lane Housing Corporation.
During her tenure at ESF, Greenfield has led an unprecedented period of growth in fundraising and asset development for the Foundation. Under her leadership, Foundation assets have grown from $8 million to over $75 million. Greenfield implemented ESF’s first multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign with a goal of $20 million. The campaign finished 18 months ahead of schedule with gifts totaling $21.5 million. She also oversaw the real estate acquisition, design, construction and financing of ESF’s first student residence facility, Centennial Hall, and the building’s subsequent addition. She supervises the external management company that provides daily operation of Centennial Hall
Greenfield has been recognized in the Syracuse community as a Non-Profit Executive of the Year and has received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Her development career spans nearly 30 years. Prior to joining ESF, she held positions in alumni relations, development, and nonprofit administration in both higher education and environmental nonprofits.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College.
Christopher Tacea, Interim Executive Director for Enrollment Management and Recruitment
Christopher Tacea serves as the Interim Executive Director for Enrollment Management and Recruitment. With more than 31 years of enrollment management experience, he is a seasoned higher education leader whose career has been dedicated to helping students access transformative educational opportunities. His professional experience includes 25 years serving in senior leadership roles across the State University of New York (SUNY) system and six years as a national enrollment consultant, supporting colleges and universities in developing effective enrollment strategies and advancing student success.
Throughout his career, Christopher has led initiatives in admissions, recruitment, enrollment planning, and strategic communications, building strong partnerships to support institutional growth and student achievement. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to expanding access to higher education while ensuring that prospective students and families receive the guidance and support needed to navigate the college search process.
At ESF, Christopher works collaboratively with campus partners to strengthen enrollment, elevate the College's visibility, and connect future students with ESF's distinctive mission and academic opportunities. His extensive experience across the SUNY system and in higher education consulting provides a broad perspective on enrollment trends, student engagement, and institutional success.
Christopher earned his associate’s degree in plant science from SUNY Cobleskill and his bachelor’s degree in business management from Cazenovia College, equipping him with a unique combination of technical industry knowledge and business management expertise.
Outside of work, Christopher enjoys reflecting on the many places his recruitment and consulting career has taken him. After decades of travel across the United States, he has visited 49 of the 50 states, with Hawaii remaining the only state left to cross off his list.
Sarah Yurka, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Sarah Yurka serves as Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). In this role, she supports presidential leadership through strategic communications, executive initiatives, and institution-wide coordination, helping align communications, strategy, and operations across the College. She works closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance institutional priorities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance ESF's visibility and impact.
Since joining ESF in 2020, Yurka has held leadership roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Associate Director of Special Sessions before being appointed Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives. During her tenure in Extended Learning, she led initiatives that contributed to enrollment growth in Special Sessions programs by expanding access to academic opportunities, strengthening student support services, and improving operational processes. Her work focused on advancing student success and retention through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and data-informed decision-making. She also led cross-functional collaborations that enhanced the student experience and supported the College's enrollment and retention goals.
In her current role, Yurka leads and supports cross-campus initiatives, strengthens executive and institutional communications, and collaborates with SUNY and external partners to advance strategic priorities. She also plays a key role in crisis and public information management, helping ensure clear, timely, and consistent communications during critical situations.
Prior to joining ESF, Yurka spent more than 12 years in higher education, healthcare, and public service positions, developing expertise in organizational leadership, operations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic administration. Her diverse professional background provides a strong foundation for advancing institutional initiatives and supporting effective leadership.
Yurka holds a Master of Arts in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from SUNY Cortland.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys staying active through distance running, and experimenting in the kitchen. While she readily admits she is still working toward culinary greatness, she enjoys pretending she can cook as well as Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Seth Thompson, Chief Diversity Officer
Seth Thompson most recently served as VP of Student Affairs and Senior Diversity Officer at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in Dryden, N.Y., where he was a member of the President’s Cabinet and Executive Council. During his tenure, he led the development and implementation of strategic diversity and inclusion plans aligned with SUNY system goals, created equity-focused recruitment strategies, and coordinated Title VI, VII, and IX investigations.
Prior to his role as CDO, Thompson held several key positions at TC3, including Director of Diversity Education & Support Services and Director of Multicultural Services. He also served as Director of Diversity Affairs & New Student Programs and Acting Director of Residence Life at SUNY Canton, where he launched initiatives like the North Star Adirondack Adventure Program and oversaw international student advisement.
Thompson has taught courses such as Race and Ethnicity in the United States and African American History as an adjunct instructor. He is a SUNY Chancellor Award recipient for Professional Service and a Leadership Development Institute Scholar with the National Council on Black American Affairs.
Outside of his professional life, he served as the fifth ward alderman for the City of Cortland, a member of the Cortland Chamber of Commerce DEI Committee, and a coach and trustee for the Crown City Little League in Cortland. He is a candidate in Capella University's Doctor of Education program. Thompson holds a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in history from SUNY Potsdam, and an Associate of Science from SUNY Canton.