The Waterfront Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to leading the way for thriving and resilient waterfronts, shorelines, and coastlines, announced that Julie Raskin will join the organization as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 24, 2025. Raskin brings extensive leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, and a proven record of delivering transformative change in urban communities.

“Julie Raskin’s vision, energy, and track record of results make her exactly the leader we need to guide the Waterfront Alliance into its next chapter,” said Kathy Robb, Chair of the Waterfront Alliance Board of Trustees. “We are delighted that she is joining us. Her leadership will advance the Alliance’s mission, strengthen our programs, and deepen our impact in communities across our region and beyond.”

Raskin most recently served as Executive Director of the Sanitation Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the NYC Department of Sanitation. Under her leadership, the Foundation expanded from a two-person start-up into a vital citywide organization that connects residents to the work of the Department of Sanitation, engages volunteers across all five boroughs, provides essential public education and support for frontline Sanitation Workers. Programs launched during her tenure include the free ‘Trash Academy’ waste management education initiative, preK-12 waste education in NYC Public Schools, and citywide volunteer clean-up programs that strengthen community engagement around sustainability.

Prior to her work at the Sanitation Foundation, Raskin held leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. At American Express, she led marketing and business development partnerships with major banks and retailers, including USAA, Citi, and Macy’s. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Management and Budget at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, where she advanced sustainability and green jobs initiatives, including a $17 million public Wi-Fi installation across 52 parks, a Green Event certification program, and workforce-training efforts that supported thousands of New Yorkers.

“Waterways and coastlines are the lifeblood of our region, yet they face immediate and escalating threats from climate change,” said Julie Raskin, incoming President & CEO of the Waterfront Alliance. “I’m honored to lead an organization that has long inspired communities, policymakers, and partners to protect and revitalize our waterfronts. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, board, and partners to advance innovative solutions that build resilient, equitable, economically vibrant, and accessible waterfronts for all New Yorkers.”

Raskin’s appointment follows a rigorous national search, guided by extensive stakeholder input and the unanimous support of the Waterfront Alliance Board of Trustees. Her leadership will guide the organization’s ongoing initiatives, including coastal resilience projects, waterfront restoration, public access programs, and advocacy efforts addressing the immediate challenges posed by climate change.