Elise Edwards

Elise Edwards is Stone Barns Center’s Chief of Staff, responsible for ensuring integration across activities and programs.

Elise joins us after over a decade in Washington, D.C., most recently as the Director, Executive Programs at the United Nations Foundation. There, she managed the Board of Directors, directed special projects and initiatives, and helped lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She also oversaw strategic planning and execution of international experiential learning trips, connecting donors, lawmakers, and on the ground changemakers in order to strengthen public-private partnerships and mobilize resources in support of the United Nations. She has travelled to over 85 countries and counting.

Previously, she was a diplomat, serving overseas tours in Indonesia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iraq and in the Executive Secretariat in Washington, D.C., advancing travel and managing briefing materials for the Secretary of State.

Elise received her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and her Bachelor’s degree in French and International Studies from Hope College. She is from the Chicago area and one of seven children.

On the side: When not traveling, Elise loves all things wine, stage managing for local theatre, and keeping up with her very active family text chain.