Joanne “Joanie” Mahoney ’87, L’90, President of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), will deliver the Commencement address at Syracuse University College of Law’s Class of 2026 Commencement on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Mahoney was appointed SUNY ESF President in November 2020. She previously served as Onondaga County Executive for 11 years, during which she earned national recognition for her environmentally friendly stewardship. Before her elective office, she worked as an attorney both in private practice with the Harris Beach law firm and for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Mahoney received her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1990 and her Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University Whitman School of Management in 1987. She currently serves on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors.
As Onondaga County Executive (2008-2018), the first woman elected to this position, Mahoney created the nationally acclaimed Save the Rain green infrastructure program, transforming stormwater management. Her leadership helped restore Onondaga Lake from one of America’s most polluted lakes to swimming-quality water. She helped the county maintain the highest bond ratings among all New York State counties while championing the Say Yes to Education partnership. Governing Magazine named her Public Official of the Year in 2011.
As SUNY ESF’s fifth president and first woman to lead the institution in its 110-year history (2020-present), Mahoney has elevated SUNY ESF nationally in Princeton Review’s “Most Environmentally Conscious” ranking. She serves as Co-Chair of SUNY’s system-wide Sustainability Advisory Council. Her concurrent service as Chair of the New York State Thruway Authority (2015-2025) included overseeing completion of the $4 billion Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects at the time.
Mahoney has sustained and strengthened the historic Syracuse University-SUNY ESF partnership, ensuring joint diplomas, shared opportunities for students, and collaborative academic programs. A Syracuse native from a family of nine children, she has championed regional development including helping to secure the $500 million CNY Rising award from the state.
“I am honored to give the commencement address to my alma mater’s 2026 graduating class,” said Mahoney. “I look forward to providing this next generation of leaders with insights into what awaits them as they start their careers.”
“I am pleased to welcome Mahoney back to the College of Law and am excited to stand with her as we welcome our most recent graduates into the powerful alumni network of Syracuse Law,” said College of Law Dean Terence Lau L’98.