About Cornel Fisher
Cornel Fisher is the son of Jamaican immigrants, raised by a single mother after his father's tragic passing when Cornel was just eight years old. His mother juggled two jobs while caring for Cornel and his younger brother in Edgemont. Growing up, Cornel learned early the values of resilience, community, and respect. Cornel worked various jobs to support his family – from delivering pizzas and bussing tables to working as a weekend real estate admin, basketball trainer, and even shoveling snow during the winter.
Living in Greenburgh provided Cornel with a community that was warm and welcoming to youth. He attended Seely Place and graduated from Edgemont High School, understanding the racial divide but maintaining friendships across different school districts. Cornel is also a lifelong member of the Greenville Community Church.
Cornel's journey into public service began at age 16 with an internship at the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations, where he gained invaluable experience in diplomacy and policy work. He later worked with youth in Jamaica on educational and cultural initiatives, helping to boost socio-economic development and tourism.
Early Years
Driven by a passion for international relations and diplomacy, Cornel moved to the Czech Republic to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. As an African American in Eastern Europe, Cornel sought to broaden and diversify his perspectives, build confidence, and acquire the skills needed to implement meaningful change. During his four years of study, he engaged with prime ministers, ministers of defense, and local politicians across various European countries, advocating for youth empowerment, women's rights, and educational exchange. These experiences enhanced his skills, interpersonal acumen, and forward-thinking mindset, all of which he is eager to leverage for the benefit of all of Greenburgh residents.
Cornel has dedicated himself to community service and advocacy, focusing on youth empowerment and aiding marginalized communities. Believing in the transformative power of education, he has tirelessly promoted literacy and leadership skills among young people. His engagement with senior government officials in the U.S., diplomats at the United Nations, and world leaders abroad has equipped him with a unique skill set and deep insight into global issues.
Leadership Experience
Cornel's international experiences, including direct engagement with youth in five different countries and private meetings with Heads of State, have enriched his global perspective. As Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman at the PVBLIC Foundation, Cornel successfully garnered political support for establishing development data hubs for all 38 Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He increased media engagement for three Heads of State at the UN SDG Media Zone and emphasized the critical role of data in sustainable development through everyday negotiations with appointed leaders. He also led engagement initiatives, partnering with African and American mayors to sign a joint transcontinental commitment pact, among other things. Cornel also worked tirelessly on strengthening partnerships with multi-generational and multi-regional family offices, enabling them to pool their financial resources and invest in social impact.
After his tenure as Chief of Staff, Cornel started his own company, promoting community-based climate resilience in the fisheries sector with the Government of Jamaica. His work brokered recreational kayaks and life vests to bolster tourism and provided fishing equipment to support agriculture initiatives, as well as a recent hydro project. Cornel has worked on complex deals with various government entities, demonstrating a keen understanding of the bureaucracy that can often hinder great potential. These diverse experiences have reinforced his commitment to sustainable development and inclusive leadership, all of which he plans to utilize once elected as Greenburgh Town Supervisor.
Why I'm Running?
I believe that the American dream is still very much alive. Diversity and inclusion are the bedrock of our nation, and we are at a pivotal moment to bring Greenburgh together. I am confident in my ability to unite our community, regardless of demographics, and focus on our common goals. I am fighting to pave the way for the next generation of leaders, my neighbors, the working families of Greenburgh, and the community that raised me, with to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. We need a leader who listens and learns from all residents, someone who can relate to both the young and the old. It's time for a fresh face, free from the constraints of institutional politics who prioritizes and streamlines your best interest.
Supervisor Feiner has been in office for 33 years—spanning decades that have seen immense social, economic, and technological change, yet Greenburgh has remained stagnant. We live in a democracy, and we, the people, deserve a choice. Under Paul Feiner's administration, we’ve witnessed a troubling trajectory: escalating taxes, persistent corruption scandals, empty commercial spaces, neglected investments in Greenburgh's full potential, and a widening divide. Our youth are being left behind, our roads and pedestrian safety are deteriorating, lack of new development, and effective leadership remains elusive. We don’t need a leader who will give out their number and act as a dispatcher; we need a leader with real and meaningful solutions. But most importantly act with a sense of urgency and not have projects be left about for years on end. Supervisor Feiner's strained relationship with the Town Board and various county and state leaders has impeded our community's progress. As your candidate, I am committed to revitalizing these critical relationships, fostering collaboration, and working together with the Town Board to pave the way for a brighter future for Greenburgh. I believe in term limits and will impose them on myself once elected. I recognize that we have a diverse district and that we will not agree on everything, but that divide should not prevent us from working together. By working together, we can build more housing, protect our environment, upgrade our aging infrastructure, equip our town with more smart-friendly technology, invest more in youth, and increase economic development and business growth.
I understand that progress often requires a courageous leader who is willing to confront daunting challenges and overcome adversity. Together, we can build a more prosperous Greenburgh. That’s why I’m running for Greenburgh Town Supervisor. Let’s make history and elect a new Town Supervisor. Vote for Cornel Fisher!