Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties Appoints New Executive Director

ACRA, NY June 1, 2022– The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Columbia and Greene Counties Board of Directors has named Lisa Gallina as the new Executive Director of CCE of Columbia & Greene Counties effective June 6, 2022.

Gallina has a robust background that makes her uniquely suited to lead CCE of Columbia & Greene Counties. As an educator and community program director, she has worked with CCE associations from across the state. Her experience managing multiple sites for colleges, the Department of Defense, and nonprofit organizations across NYS will help bring strong leadership and partnership experience to the association. “We are thrilled to have Lisa join us,” says Billy Greer, Association Board President. “She was unanimously selected from a nationwide search and we look forward to working closely with her to help CCE make a difference in Columbia and Greene Counties.”

When Gallina assumes the role on June 6, she will manage day-to-day operations in offices in Hudson and Acra. Her program oversight will include maintaining and expanding CCE’s areas of programming including Agriculture & Natural Resources, Climate Change & the Environment, Family & Consumer Sciences, Community Horticulture, 4-H & Youth Development, as well as the management of the state-funded Taste NY store at the Capital Region Welcome Center in New Baltimore.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into the Executive Director role with CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties! I have been involved with CCEs across the state for several decades working with food insecurity, Green Teen, RAPP, and the Master Gardener Volunteer programs,” says Gallina. “I look forward to working with everyone and learning how I can best support our team and the communities we serve.”

Gallina succeeds Executive Director Evon Antonio, who assumed the role in February 2018 after the retirement of Chuck Brooks. Antonio will remain on staff for the near future to provide support and advice as Gallina transitions into her new role. 

Last updated June 2, 2022