Friends of Kilmer Mansion name executive director

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Friends of Kilmer Mansion board of directors recently named Binghamton native Alisha Swietzer as executive director of the organization.

The nonprofit Friends of Kilmer Mansion is dedicated to sharing the Binghamton mansion with the community through public and private events and raises funds to restore and preserve the building.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Alisha as our very first executive director,” Lisa Blackwell, board president, said in a news release. “Alisha brings a love for this special place and creative ideas that will launch a new era for this beloved community treasure.”

In her new role, Swietzer is responsible for the development and implementation of the Friends of Kilmer Mansion’s strategic plan as well as overseeing management of the organization including program development, community engagement and outreach, rental operations, and marketing/communications/public relations activities.

“Preserving the mansion allows our past to merge with the present,” Swietzer said. “It gives our community a space to celebrate the most special moments. It gives the movers and shakers of Binghamton the opportunity to gather and make a lasting impact in our community. And that, that is magical.”

Swietzer’s events career began as a wedding coordinator in the Poconos before returning to the Binghamton area in 2014. Her experience includes serving as director of events and marketing at American Food and Vending and director of marketing and sales at CBRW, LLC, according to her LinkedIn profile. She was a 2021 recipient of a HYPE award from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

Swietzer is a member of the Junior League of Binghamton and serves on its board as president-elect. A graduate of Chenango Valley High School, Swietzer holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Located on Riverside Drive in Binghamton, Jonas M. Kilmer built the mansion in 1898. The castle-like mansion is in the midst of ongoing renovation work. Work was already completed on the   east chimney and south terrace. Future work will include the two central chimneys, north terrace, and east and west porches.