Emily Cross Vayr

Emily Cross Vayr has a diverse work experience that spans various roles and industries. Currently, they are the VP and Director of Busey Impact and Strategy at Busey, where they are responsible for developing and implementing an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) banking strategy. In their role, they coordinate ESG initiatives, manages internal stakeholders, and oversees data capture and reporting.

Prior to their current position, Emily worked as the Director of Development at the Champaign County CASA, where they led and managed fundraising efforts to ensure the program's sustainability. Emily developed and executed annual fundraising strategies and met revenue benchmarks set by the Resource Development Committee.

Before that, they served as the Development Director at the YMCA of the University of Illinois, where they worked with volunteers, staff, and community partners to execute the Annual Fund campaign and coordinate fundraising events. Their efforts resulted in significant increases in fundraising revenue.

Emily also has experience as an Energy Program Coordinator at the Ecology Action Center, where they coordinated energy efficiency programs for businesses and residents. Emily provided recommendations, conducted assessments, and spoke with various stakeholders to raise awareness and support for efficiency initiatives.

Prior to their roles in the non-profit sector, Emily worked as a Community Relations Graduate Public Service Intern at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Emily drafted and disseminated documents and maps to inform the public about potential environmental concerns.

Additionally, Emily has held internships at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois House of Representatives, where they assisted in legislative liaison activities and managed databases.

Overall, Emily's work experience showcases their expertise in strategy development, fundraising, community engagement, and environmental advocacy.

Emily Cross Vayr earned a Bachelor's Degree in Earth, Society and Environment from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which they attended from 2009 to 2012. Emily then pursued higher education at the University of Illinois Springfield, where they obtained a Master's Degree in Sustainable Development and Policy from 2013 to 2014.