Emily brings over two decades of experience spanning environmental science, civil and water resources engineering, organizational leadership, and nonprofit management. She brings a rare combination of technical credibility, collaborative partnership, and strategic leadership experience. Her career has focused on advancing nature-based solutions, green stormwater infrastructure, and climate resilience in the Bay Area. She has led multidisciplinary teams across the public, nonprofit, and consulting sectors, guided regional collaboratives, authored peer-reviewed publications and practice guidance, and worked closely with boards, funders, and agency partners to translate science into action. In her earlier career, Emily was the Director of Nature-Based Engineering Solutions at Conservation International, and then a Senior Environmental Engineer at the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District.
Emily joined SFEI in 2024 as Director of Strategic Initiatives, where she led work spanning science, engineering, partnerships, development, and communications. Since joining the organization, she has improved its visibility and potential for impact; increasing year-end giving, improving donor retention, building operational reserves, and producing its first Annual Impact Report, among other accomplishments. In her short amount of time as Interim Executive Director, she has also earned the trust and support of staff, board members, and partners.
“In addition to her deep respect for our scientific integrity, Emily brings exceptional strengths in cross-sector collaboration, strategic communications, and fundraising—qualities that will expand our impact and secure long-term support for our programs,” said Ann Hayden, SFEI Board Chair. “Over the past several months, Emily has provided exceptional, steady leadership as our Interim Executive Director. Above all, Emily shares our uncompromising commitment to safeguarding SFEI’s identity as an independent, non-advocacy scientific institute.”
SFEI partnered with Potrero Group to conduct the nationwide executive search. Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant at Potrero Group, commented on the successful outcome: “The search attracted an impressive group of candidates, and Emily Corwin stood out as the right leader for SFEI’s next chapter. We’re thrilled with this placement and the vision and collaborative approach she brings to the role.”
“I care deeply about the Bay, its ecosystems, and its communities, and about the people who have built SFEI’s reputation for rigorous, trusted science,” said Emily. “I’m honored the Board is asking me to lead this organization into its next chapter. My focus is building on what’s already strong here and making sure SFEI has the resources and resilience to keep doing its essential work for decades to come.”
