The Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation Board of Directors has appointed Jennifer Farrar as the organization's new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2025. 

Farrar brings over seven years of experience leading a local nonprofit organization. 

Farrar succeeds Barbara Chaffee, who served the organization for seven years until her recent retirement. 

“I'm thrilled for the opportunity to take the helm at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, continuing to foster environmental education for students and to support science and research initiatives at Presque Isle and throughout the Great Lakes,” said Farrar. “I'm excited to work with the many partners who are committed to ensuring a healthy park and lake ecosystem; providing education programs about the protection of water resources; and always striving to provide an incredible visitor experience for Pennsylvania's most visited State Park. Together with the Board of Directors and our partners, we will be charting a strategic path forward to invest even more resources into our mission.”

Farrar served as the Executive Director at Asbury Woods in Erie for the past 7+ years. 

Under her leadership, Asbury Woods received recognition as the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year by the Nonprofit Partnership.