Leaders Across Central New York and New York State Reflect on President Joanie Mahoney’s Legacy

10/07/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Oct. 7, 2026 – Following yesterday’s announcement that SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) President Joanne "Joanie" Mahoney plans to retire in 2027, leaders from across Central New York and New York state are sharing their appreciation for her leadership and contributions to ESF, higher education, environmental stewardship, and the region.

Since becoming ESF's fifth president in 2020, Mahoney has led the College through a period of growth and transformation, strengthening partnerships, advancing ESF's mission, and elevating the institution's visibility and impact across New York state and beyond.

In response to yesterday’s announcement, colleagues and partners from government, higher education, and environmental organizations offered the following reflections on Mahoney's legacy and service.

Reflections from Leaders Across Central New York and New York State

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY ESF is an extraordinary campus with a bright future, and that is because President Joanie Mahoney has rolled up her sleeves and done the hard work of matching an ambitious vision with a path to long-term fiscal stability. As President, Joanie has taken bold and necessary steps to ensure that SUNY ESF will be able to educate students for generations to come. I commend President Mahoney on her leadership of SUNY ESF and wish her all the best on her well-earned retirement.”

New York State Senator Rachel May said, “In these challenging times for higher education, President Mahoney has been a thoughtful leader and a passionate advocate for the unique mission of SUNY ESF. I have been proud to work with her to advance that mission and to find creative ways the State of New York can be a partner for ESF, whether assisting with building projects, showcasing the extraordinary achievements of ESF faculty, staff, and students, or developing partnerships like the Timbuctoo Summer Institute and the Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions. I am grateful for her dedication to this wonderful institution and wish her all the very best.”

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Having been opponents and allies for many years, I have grown to respect and admire Joanie Mahoney’s abilities and leadership. She has done a wonderful job at SUNY ESF, even through difficult times. Her retirement, while well deserved, will be a loss to the College. I wish her the best and thank her for her contributions to SUNY ESF.”

ESF Board of Trustees Chairman John Bartow said, “Joanie Mahoney is a special leader and ESF is fortunate to have had her serve as its fifth President. I am impressed every day by Joanie's commitment to ensuring ESF's long-term financial sustainability, and I have enjoyed working with her over the past eight years through challenges like the global pandemic, the demographic shifts that are affecting all of higher education, and the investments in faculty growth and campus projects like the complete renovation of Marshall Hall during her tenure. The Board stands ready to assist Joanie in her transition and is equally focused on recruiting a strong class for the fall of 2027 and handing over the reins to Joanie's successor with a balanced operating budget in 2027.”

“Joanie has given her whole career to the people of this region, and we are all better for it,” said Syracuse University Chancellor and ESF Trustee J. Michael Haynie. “I have been fortunate to work alongside her for years, first when she led Onondaga County, then as she led ESF and now as we each lead our respective universities. Serving Central New York has always been a priority for both of us, and no one has embodied that commitment more fully than Joanie. She is a trusted partner and a dear friend. On behalf of Syracuse University, I thank Joanie for everything she has done for Syracuse and for the communities across New York that she has served so well. I am certain she will continue to make meaningful contributions to our community long into the future.”

Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II praised Mahoney's transformative leadership, citing her role in the development of the Empower FCU Amphitheater, restoration of Onondaga Lake, and advancement of major initiatives at SUNY ESF. He also highlighted her impact on enrollment growth, fundraising success, fiscal stability, and regional partnerships, while recognizing her lasting contributions to Central New York and her service as a respected mentor and colleague.  Read the full statement: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gqdv5LqZt/.

Peter O. Nwosu, president of SUNY Oswego, said: “President Joanie Mahoney has been an extraordinary leader at SUNY ESF and a tremendous champion for Central New York. Her commitment to public service, partnership, and the people of our region has been evident throughout her remarkable career. I have deeply valued the opportunity to work alongside Joanie as a colleague and friend, and I greatly admire the leadership she has brought to ESF and the SUNY system. On behalf of the SUNY Oswego community, I congratulate her on an exceptional career and wish her every happiness in this next chapter.”

“Joanie’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between ESF and Upstate Medical University. Through her vision and collaborative spirit, she has helped create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, clinicians, and researchers while advancing innovation, education, and community impact across Central New York. I am deeply grateful for Joanie’s friendship, partnership, and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others through higher education and research.” said Mantosh Dewan, MD, President of Upstate Medical University and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair.

“When I came to Syracuse four years ago, Joanie was one of the first SUNY presidents to reach out, welcome me, and offer her support. We have developed a wonderful working relationship over the years, and she will be greatly missed. She has been an outstanding public servant — not only as President of SUNY ESF, but previously as Onondaga County Executive where she was a strong supporter of OCC. I am grateful for her friendship and partnership, and I wish her all the best in her retirement,” said Onondaga Community College President Dr. Warren M. Hilton.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “President Joanie Mahoney’s leadership at SUNY ESF provided essential pathways to careers in environmental fields and strengthened research and academic partnership projects across DEC’s portfolio. Her years of steady, solid leadership left a lasting mark on so many and undoubtedly crafted a skilled generation of dedicated public servants.” 

While yesterday’s announcement marks the beginning of a leadership transition, it also reflects confidence in the strong foundation Mahoney has helped build. Supported by enduring partnerships across New York State and beyond, ESF is poised to continue advancing its mission of environmental education, research, and public service well into the future.