Corn Hill Navigation Welcomes Patrick Russell-Walsh as New Executive Director
Rochester, New York, May 4, 2023 – The Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation (Corn Hill Navigation), a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the community and visitors to Rochester’s historic waterways through boat experiences and educational programs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rochester native Patrick Russell-Walsh as executive director.
Russell-Walsh is a real-estate attorney who brings extensive experience in creating nonprofit organizations and serving on nonprofit boards. He has worked aboard passenger vessels and also holds a 100-Ton U.S. Coast Guard Master of Vessels License. Russell-Walsh succeeds Bruce Van Hise, who retired on March 31.
“I was so pleased to find this opportunity that fits perfectly with my goal to align my passion for community with my professional work,” said Russell-Walsh. “We must educate and advocate for the importance of environmental conservation and ensure that everyone, especially historically marginalized communities, has access and opportunities to participate in the important work that Corn Hill Navigation is doing.”
Russell-Walsh, who recently moved back to Rochester from Connecticut, earned a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, a law degree from New York Law School, and a Master of Science degree in environmental science from Pace University.
He served on several community boards in the New York City and Chester, Connecticut areas, including the Chester Land Trust, the Chester Leadership Fund, and Southwestern Westchester BOCES Education Foundation, Inc.
“We are so pleased to welcome Patrick to Corn Hill Navigation at this very exciting time in our history,” said Patti Donoghue, Board Chair of Corn Hill Navigation. “His expertise and interest in the environment and education are aligned with our mission and will be especially important as we prepare to launch a new boat on the Genesee River and expand our educational programming for school children and adults. We look forward to continuing to highlight our area’s waterways, including building a popular educational and recreational amenity in downtown Rochester, and are confident in his ability to lead us forward.”
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Corn Hill Navigation
Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation, known as Corn Hill Navigation, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 and dedicated to connecting the community and visitors to Rochester’s historic waterways through authentic guided boat experiences and educational programs. Corn Hill Navigation operates the Sam Patch based in Pittsford on the Erie Canal, and is launching a new vessel in June at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester, New York. Its mission is to foster appreciation, improvement, and sustainability of the Erie Canal and Genesee River for current and future generations through education, environmental awareness, economic development, and enjoyment. In 2017, the organization introduced a hands-on E-STEAM science curriculum that utilizes the Erie Canal and Genesee River as a resource for environmental, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education.