Sustainable Finger Lakes has hired Jessika Bond as its new deputy director, adding a leadership role focused on operations and organizational growth.
The Ithaca-based organization said Bond will oversee day-to-day operations while founder and President Gay Nicholson focuses on coalition building and broader regional campaigns.
Bond holds a master's degree in public administration from Western Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in history and anthropology from UNC Asheville. She also has certificates in sustainable zoning and land use and rural economic development.
Sustainable Finger Lakes said Bond brings experience in organizational development, program creation, fundraising strategy, grant making, philanthropy, coalition building and community engagement in rural and urban settings.
Before joining Sustainable Finger Lakes, Bond worked with organizations in Western North Carolina to secure funding, build coalitions, strengthen regional capacity and support initiatives focused on circular economic opportunity, resilience and community well-being.
Earlier in her career, she worked with the Bronx and Manhattan Land Trust on grassroots community gardens and urban land stewardship initiatives, including efforts connected to incarcerated youth, summer meals, SNAP programming, neighborhood CSAs and fundraising.
"I am beyond thrilled to join the Sustainable Finger Lakes team as Deputy Director," Bond said in the announcement. "I am eager to listen to and learn from communities across the region and to work alongside staff, partners, and residents to expand both the reach of our mission and the depth of our impact throughout the Finger Lakes."
Peter McDonald, a board member and chair of the search committee, said Bond's background and commitment to the environment and social justice will support the organization's work.
Sustainable Finger Lakes describes itself as a community-based organization focused on the region's long-term well-being through social equity, economic vitality, ecological stewardship and shared responsibility.
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