Chris Kempner has over 35 years of rich experience providing innovative Economic Development Strategies for government, nonprofit, and private clients. Hailing from Long Island with summers spent in Southold on Long Island Sound fishing and sailing, Chris has a deep connection to Suffolk County’s farming and maritime heritage. Chris is an attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from the University of Hawaii with a concentration in Environmental Studies, complemented by a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Policy Analysis. Admitted to the bars of the states of both New York and Hawaii, Chris also holds a New York State Real Estate Brokerage License as Whale Rock Realty.

Chris founded her consulting company Peconic Solutions, a NYS certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE), in 2014 and currently specializes in securing government funding in the tens of millions annually for a variety of clients with an extensive global network in a wide range of areas from artificial intelligence/quantum science, advanced tech including agro-tech and bio-tech, aerospace, aviation, transportation, energy, infrastructure, and housing, to small business, community development, environmental preservation, and historic restoration at the micro level giving her a sought-after skill set. In her role as CEO, she provides Economic Development services, including project development, management, administration, and optimization strategies for a diverse clientele, spanning government, civic, non-profit, and private sectors.

Chris is also an Advisory Board Member for EVectriFi Technologies. Beyond her professional pursuits, Chris indulges in various hobbies, including corporate training for Neuro Change Solutions, gardening, beach walks with her daughters, and farm to table cooking. Chris is a life-long avid volunteer and currently dedicates her time to the boards of the Quogue Historical Society and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce.

Chris has been a CCE-Suffolk board member since January 2024 having volunteered in 2023 as a Program Advisory Committee representative for the Farm and 4-H program. She and is excited to be helping advance all aspects of CCE-Suffolk’s mission.