The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is a New York statewide student-directed, non-partisan, not for profit political organization. It has existed since 1973. Its current executive director is Blair Horner and its founding director was Donald K. Ross. NYPIRG is directed by a student-run and student-elected Board of Directors. Any issue that NYPIRG works on, or stance it takes, must be approved by its student board of directors. Smitha Varghese, student of Queens College, is the current chairperson of NYPIRG's Board of Directors. NYPIRG is one of the largest of the Public Interest Research Groups, which were inspired by Ralph Nader in the 1970s, and operate at the state level. After leaving Columbia University, former President of the United States Barack Obama worked at NYPIRG at its City College Chapter. NYPIRG works on a variety of socioeconomic issues such as college affordability, consumer protection, sustainable energy, government accountability, hunger & homelessness, public transportation in New York City, and voter rights. Infrastructure NYPIRG has an office in lower Manhattan, New York City, and a legislative office located in Albany. NYPIRG also operates in dozens of campus and regional offices statewide. Campus program The focus of NYPIRG's program is the campus chapters. Campus chapters exist at schools in the State University of New York (SUNY) City University of New York (CUNY), and two private colleges (Pratt Institute and Syracuse University). The chapters are funded by activity fees which are voted on by students, and/or determined by student governments. Chapter locations Binghamton University Borough of Manhattan Community College Bronx Community College Brooklyn College Buffalo State College City College of New York SUNY Cortland Hunter College Nassau Community College SUNY New Paltz New York City College of Technology Pratt Institute SUNY Purchase Queens College Queensborough Community College College of Staten Island Syracuse University - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry References External links Public Interest Research Groups Government watchdog groups in the United States Political advocacy groups in the United States Organizations established in 1973 Non-profit organizations based in New York City New York Public Interest Research Group 1973 establishments in New York (state)