Renée Smith Mooneyhan, Director

Renée Smith Mooneyhan is a seasoned nonprofit management and coaching executive with extensive expertise in governance, human resources, strategic planning, executive transitions, and community partnerships. Renée brings nearly three decades of experience in leading nonprofit organizations towards their missions with excellence.

Currently serving as a State Extension Specialist at Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CCE) Administration in Ithaca, NY, Renée plays a pivotal role in overseeing and ensuring compliance for 13 Cooperative Extension offices across New York State. Her responsibilities include co-chairing Executive Director searches, providing resources and training on governance best practices, and coaching Executive Directors and Board Presidents on various aspects including governance, strategic planning, and risk management. Renée is also instrumental in fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the system, managing budgets, and facilitating workshops.

Prior to her role at CCE, Renée served as a Regional Human Resources Lead at Cornell Cooperative Extension in the Finger Lakes, where she provided guidance on employment law compliance, performance management, and recruitment processes. Renée also has experience as a Chief Operating Officer/Branch Manager at the American Red Cross in Central New York, where she led fundraising initiatives, volunteer recruitment, and daily operations.

Renée holds a B.A. in Health & Society (Public Health) from the University of Rochester and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).