FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 6, 2026
Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Director, [email protected], 518.891.6200
ANCA Announces New Executive Director
Emily Nobel Maxwell brings 25 years of nonprofit strategy and leadership experience to team
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Board of Directors has named Emily Nobel Maxwell as the regional economic development nonprofit’s next executive director. A resident of Jay, N.Y., Nobel Maxwell brings 25 years of experience building partnerships, leading nonprofit initiatives and translating community priorities into lasting results. She will begin on October 15, 2026.
“ANCA is committed to ‘A North Country for All,’ and Emily understands that strong communities grow through trusted relationships, committed local leadership and investments in new opportunities,” said ANCA Board President Kelly Chezum. “She brings experience connecting people and resources around shared goals, along with a deep commitment to the North Country. We look forward to her leadership as ANCA builds on the expertise of its staff, strengthens partnerships, and expands support for the businesses and communities we serve.”
Nobel Maxwell currently leads Nobel Cause Consulting, which helps organizations and leaders advance social and environmental justice. She recently served as senior advisor at City Parks Foundation, raising funds and providing strategic guidance and subject matter expertise to advance New York City’s first citywide Urban Forest Plan. Previously, she spent more than a decade leading The Nature Conservancy’s inaugural New York Cities program.
From founding a grassroots advocacy organization to launching successful programs at national and global environmental organizations, Nobel Maxwell has brought people together to turn shared priorities into lasting change. Her leadership has helped protect community gardens, advance equitable incentives for green roofs, shape urban forest policy and strengthen the organizations she has served. She brings that experience to ANCA’s work connecting community needs with partnerships, investment and economic opportunity.
Nobel Maxwell holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from The New School and a master’s degree in Natural Resource Policy and Behavior, with a specialization in Environmental Justice, from the University of Michigan.
“I am drawn to ANCA by the brilliance and passion of ANCA’s staff, partners and the people who call the North Country home, and the incredible opportunity to bolster the region in the face of an ever evolving landscape,” said Nobel Maxwell. “ANCA connects the strength of our communities with practical opportunities for businesses and residents. I look forward to learning from ANCA’s team and partners, while bringing my experience in building cross-sector partnerships and leading community-centered initiatives to this work, and to helping grow the resources that make it possible.”
Nobel Maxwell will lead implementation of ANCA’s 2026–2028 strategic plan, Building Shared Prosperity, supporting its work with small businesses, local food systems, climate and clean energy, and welcoming and belonging. Working alongside ANCA’s experienced program leaders, she will focus on strengthening the organization, expanding investment in communities, building philanthropic and public support, and demonstrating the impact of ANCA’s work across northern New York.
“It is a true privilege to welcome Emily to ANCA,” said Interim Executive Director Zach Hobbs. “She has the experience, skills, vision and energy to lead ANCA to an even fuller realization of our North Country for All vision. I’m confident she will strengthen our culture, fund development and program leadership and empower our team to grow safety, affordability and prosperity for our region’s businesses, organizations, communities and residents. The entire ANCA team is thrilled to begin working alongside Emily this fall.”
Nobel Maxwell succeeds Elizabeth Cooper, who led ANCA for five years. Cooper moved on in July 2026 to serve as executive director of Feeding New York State, an Albany-based nonprofit working to end hunger in New York.
ANCA is a regional nonprofit and economic hub building shared prosperity across northern New York. Focused on small businesses, climate & energy, local food systems, and welcoming & belonging, ANCA works to ensure the long-term viability of the North Country, empowering individual wellbeing, economic strength, and regional stewardship. ANCA works with individuals, groups, and communities across 14 counties to navigate resources, cultivate networks, generate economic and community solutions, build shared capacity, and shape region-boosting narratives.
Attached: one (1) photo
Photo: Emily Nobel Maxwell
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