Dr. Joe Durney is a lifelong educator, leader, and advocate for student success. He is the co-founder of STEER for Student Athletes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through education, athletics, and mentorship. With over 40 years of experience in education, Joe has served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and district leader, most recently retiring as a school district leader for the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District in New York.
Joe holds a B.S. and M.S. in Education, a Post-Master’s Professional Diploma in School District Administration, and advanced leadership certifications from Cornell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from New York University. Currently, he teaches future school leaders as an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership Program at Manhattanville College.
Throughout his career, Joe has worked with students of all ages—elementary, middle school, high school, and college—helping them develop the skills and mindset needed to achieve their goals. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, having served as Conference President of New York State Section One Interscholastic High School Athletics and a member of multiple state and regional education and athletic executive committees.
Joe’s contributions to education and community service have been recognized with numerous awards, including the NYSAPHERD State Service Award, the ODFMC Community Health Service Award, and honors from the Port Chester/Rye Brook NAACP and Tamarack Tower Foundation. Most recently, he was awarded the Community Youth Bureau Service Award for his dedication to supporting and mentoring young people. He has also played an active role in professional development for educators, serving on the SWBOCES Section One Professional Development Committee and teaching New York State coaching certification courses for high school educators.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joe is a dedicated husband and father of four, living with his wife, Mary, in Port Chester, NY. His journey as a leader is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and service—lessons he looks forward to sharing with the next generation of young leaders.
Joe holds a B.S. and M.S. in Education, a Post-Master’s Professional Diploma in School District Administration, and advanced leadership certifications from Cornell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from New York University. Currently, he teaches future school leaders as an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership Program at Manhattanville College.
Throughout his career, Joe has worked with students of all ages—elementary, middle school, high school, and college—helping them develop the skills and mindset needed to achieve their goals. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, having served as Conference President of New York State Section One Interscholastic High School Athletics and a member of multiple state and regional education and athletic executive committees.
Joe’s contributions to education and community service have been recognized with numerous awards, including the NYSAPHERD State Service Award, the ODFMC Community Health Service Award, and honors from the Port Chester/Rye Brook NAACP and Tamarack Tower Foundation. Most recently, he was awarded the Community Youth Bureau Service Award for his dedication to supporting and mentoring young people. He has also played an active role in professional development for educators, serving on the SWBOCES Section One Professional Development Committee and teaching New York State coaching certification courses for high school educators.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joe is a dedicated husband and father of four, living with his wife, Mary, in Port Chester, NY. His journey as a leader is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and service—lessons he looks forward to sharing with the next generation of young leaders.
