Koya | Diversified Search Group partnered with The John R. Oishei Foundation on the search for a President. The Oishei Foundation is the most comprehensive private foundation in Western New York, focusing on a broad range of interrelated issues in five focus areas of education, healthcare, neighborhood stabilization, self-sufficiency, arts, culture, and heritage.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Christina P. Orsi to the role.

Orsi took the leadership helm at The John R. Oishei Foundation in January 2022 and is the first woman to hold the title in the organization’s history. In this role, she is responsible for guiding the long-term strategic direction of the Foundation, supporting and empowering staff to respond quickly and effectively to the community’s needs, and driving mission to improve the quality of life for all Western New Yorkers.

Orsi brings a deep portfolio of economic development work, with more than 20 years of experience in leading organizations and initiatives that have improved the region. She has been a catalyst for driving innovation and entrepreneurial advances in Western New York and instrumental in attracting new business connections, forging sustainable partnerships, and stewarding billions of revitalization funds to the area. Her focus has been on community growth and transforming the region by capitalizing on its rich assets.

Most recently, she served as the Associate Vice President in the Office of Economic Development at the University at Buffalo (UB), where she led university-wide economic development efforts and built connections with the private sector to advance entrepreneurship and innovation. Prior to that, Orsi provided strategic direction for the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and played an integral role in New York State’s Buffalo Billion economic development plan. She has had deep involvement in the community, working with diverse stakeholders including the nonprofit sector, business, government, education, and community organizations.

Orsi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She earned a Master of Science in Public Affairs and Urban Planning from UB.

We invite you to read the announcement here: Christina P. Orsi Named New President of The John R. Oishei Foundation