Environmental Advocates NY (EANY) is thrilled to announce that after a careful search process, they have appointed Vanessa Fajans-Turner as their new Executive Director. The search, led by New York-based executive search firm, Phillips Oppenheim, aimed to identify a leader who could oversee all facets of the organization, including program development and execution, fundraising, and community engagement.
Vanessa Fajans-Turner, the outgoing Executive Director of BankFWD, a campaign urging banks to phase out financing for oil and gas companies, brings to EANY a wealth of experience in environmental advocacy. In her new role, Fajans-Turner aims to apply her strong leadership skills and cutting-edge understanding of environmental issues to lead EANY in its mission to secure a healthy climate, clean water, and thriving communities for all New Yorkers.
“I am thrilled and honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Environmental Advocates NY, the organization behind many of our state and nation’s most significant environmental victories over the last 50 years. I am eager to travel around our great state, meeting and learning from the passionate advocates that make this work possible. I was compelled to join EANY because its work is critical for protecting the clean water and clean air that every community should enjoy without a second thought, and because it is uniquely poised to harness the power of New York State policy to change the climate game for the whole country,” Fajans-Turner said.
The legacy built by my predecessors is a testament to the immense technical knowledge, policy acumen, and widespread support that EANY—alongside its partners and frontline communities across the state—can marshal for New York. In my tenure with this esteemed organization. I am committed to elevating these contributions at every opportunity and converting ideas into actions for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient New York.”
“We are very excited to welcome Vanessa as our new Executive Director,” said John Buttrick, Chair of EANY’s Board of Directors. “Vanessa has spent almost two decades working in the climate change space and will bring strong skills in policy, politics, finance, communications and leadership. Vanessa hails from Ithaca, NY and we are certain that under Vanessa’s direction, EANY will continue to protect and preserve the environment throughout New York State and beyond.”
In the wake of this announcement, Carol Ash, who served as Interim Director, will be transitioning back into an advisory role. “I’m confident that Vanessa is the leader EANY needs at this moment,” said Ash. “Her decision to focus on state policy aligns perfectly with the current needs in the fight against climate change. I’m eager to continue supporting the organization in my advisory role as Vanessa takes the reins.”
About Vanessa Fajans-Turner
Vanessa Fajans-Turner is a passionate environmentalist with a demonstrated history of working toward sustainable, systemic change. As Executive Director of BankFWD, she successfully put climate change at the top of the banking sector’s agenda, mobilizing billions of client dollars to to leverage unprecedented climate commitments from Wall Street. Her drive to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and future generations aligns seamlessly with the mission of EANY. She grew up in Central New York and has lived in the State for most of her life.
About Environmental Advocates NY
Established in 1969, Environmental Advocates NY (EANY) champions environmental policies that promote health, enhance the quality of New York’s natural resources, and save lives. EANY addresses a myriad of environmental issues facing New York State and beyond, with an emphasis on Climate and Energy, Clean Water, and Healthy Communities.
