Media Inquiries

Prior to joining the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, Alicia was with The Fresh Air Fund for14 years, serving as director of camping and year-round programs for 10 years. In this role, she oversaw six camp programs serving over 3,500 children annually and all year-round student/camper engagement programs. Alicia was involved with ACA, NY and NJ for many years before joining as Executive Director. She has served on the ACA, NY & NJ Board of Directors as a member and treasurer for nine years and volunteered as a standards visitor for 14 years. Alicia also served as an officer and president of the New York State Camp Directors Association, tirelessly advocating for issues that affected New York camps. Over the years, Alicia has been recognized by our organization as a leader and advocate in camping with the Thelma Hurwitz Leadership Award and the Tri-State CAMP Conference Award.

Renee Flax is the Director of Camper Placement for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. She has been assisting area families to find the right camp experience for their children since 1998. Renee has extensive knowledge of camp programs and philosophies. Each summer, Renee travels to dozens of ACA accredited camps. She knows the camp directors and senior staff personally and has a keen understanding of each camp’s philosophy, program and facilities. She is recognized as an authority on camping and has been featured in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The New York Post, Newsday, The Journal News, Parent Guide, and New York Family. Renee graduated from Syracuse University (1971) with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Renee attended summer camp for 15 years as a camper, counselor, and group leader. She is the mother of two daughters who were also long-time campers and grandmother to four grandchildren.

With more than two decades of dedication to the Fiver Children’s Foundation, Christie has played a key role in shaping its growth and impact. She leads strategic partnerships, oversees daily operations, and secures the resources needed to advance Fiver’s mission of youth development through long-term engagement. Christie also serves as President of the Board for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey, where she brings her deep knowledge of camping, equity, and nonprofit leadership to support the broader field.