Emily Evelyn Chase, youngest daughter of comedian Chevy Chase, has built a career in environmental conservation rather than following her father into entertainment. Born on September 29, 1988, Emily Chase represents a modern definition of success, choosing purpose over celebrity status. She currently serves as director of development at the National Audubon Society, working to protect birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Furthermore, the Chevy Chase daughter sold her Brooklyn apartment in 2022 for $989,000 to move closer to nature. This article explores Evelyn Chase’s journey through environmental activism, family influence, and her commitment to living authentically beyond fame.
Early Life and Growing Up as Chevy Chase’s Youngest Daughter
Emily Evelyn Chase Age and Birth Details
Chevy Chase and Jayni Chase welcomed Emily Chase into their family on September 29, 1988, making her the youngest of four children. The couple had married six years earlier on June 19, 1982, and already had two daughters when Emily was born. Her eldest sister, Cydney Cathalene, arrived first on January 4, 1983, followed by middle sister Caley on January 19, 1985.
Growing up as the baby of the family shaped Emily’s personality and relationships. She has often described herself as a “daddy’s girl,” maintaining a close bond with her father through simple activities like watching television together, sharing music, and enjoying each other’s company. These everyday moments provided emotional grounding and reinforced values of presence, kindness, and loyalty within the Chase household.
Childhood in a Comedy Dynasty
Life in the Chase household meant growing up surrounded by creativity, humor, and public recognition. As opposed to the typical Hollywood lifestyle, Emily’s parents placed emphasis on family time, emotional openness, and giving back to the world. Home life centered on connection rather than celebrity status, creating an environment where responsibility and humility took precedence over fame.
Music became a significant part of Emily’s early years. She started her first band at age 9 and later performed in a jazz trio in Connecticut. In fact, she also played the violin during her childhood, developing multiple musical interests. Emily shared her family’s passion for performing arts, singing alongside her sisters and exploring various musical expressions.
The Chase family’s love for animals also marked Emily’s upbringing. Outdoor adventures included skiing trips with her older sisters, though one memorable incident saw her getting lost when her siblings went too fast down the slopes. These experiences with nature and wildlife would later influence her professional trajectory.
Education at The Lawrenceville School and Columbia University
Emily attended The Lawrenceville School from 2003 to 2007, receiving a foundation in academics and environmental awareness. Following high school, she spent seven years at Columbia University, studying simultaneously at Barnard College. She graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University in 2014 with a degree in political science and English.
During her college years, Emily interned at the Natural Resources Defense Council, gaining firsthand experience in environmental advocacy. Likewise, her exposure to climate responsibility and community action had begun much earlier through her mother’s work. Wildlife conservation wasn’t what she imagined for herself initially, but her passion for environmental justice pushed her toward a career in environmental science. Rather than viewing environmentalism as a trend, she internalized it as a responsibility that would define her professional path.
The seven years at Columbia allowed Emily to explore various interests while solidifying her commitment to conservation work. Her academic background in political science provided tools for understanding policy frameworks, while her English studies sharpened communication skills necessary for advocacy roles.
The Influence of Family on Emily Chase’s Environmental Path
Learning from Mother Jayni Chase’s Activism
Jayni Chase’s environmental awakening came in the late 1980s when Don Henley gifted her and Chevy a copy of Bill McKibben’s “The End of Nature”. The book cracked something wide open in her, sparking a lifelong commitment to climate activism. By 1983, articles about energy consumption and waste in the United States compelled Jayni to educate herself and share what she learned with others.
She gravitated toward like-minded mothers in Pacific Palisades and began building what became the Center for Environmental Education in 1987. The organization served as a resource center for K-12 teachers, administrators, parents, and students, providing books, curricula, videos, music, and materials on environmental topics. Dr. Tom Lovejoy, who coined the term “biodiversity,” and Denis Hayes, the founder of Earth Day, joined the center’s board.
Jayni’s activism extended beyond the center. She joined boards including Californians Against Waste, working to pass the historic bottle bill. She also served on the L.A. NRDC advisory board before they opened an office in Los Angeles, the EMA board, and many others. After 30 years, she cycled off the Friends of the Earth U.S. board in November 2023 while serving as chair for the second time. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Billion Oyster Project and as chair of the board of Friends of the Earth US.
In 1995, Scholastic published Jayni’s book “Blueprint for a Green School,” which outlines sustainable and healthy practices for teachers, administrators, maintenance staff, students, and parents. Schools across the country ordered copies, and she considers it her proudest contribution to the movement. Jayni traveled to see environmental challenges firsthand, visiting the Amazon, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, and Antarctica.
Emily credits her mother as the defining influence in her life and career. “My mom is definitely the primary inspiration behind my career choices. Her passion for environmental education, advocacy, and climate activism was the chief motivator for me to seek out a career in my own niche of the environmental sector—wildlife conservation,” Emily summarized. Growing up exposed to conversations about climate responsibility, community action, and protecting natural spaces created a natural alignment between Emily’s values and career path. She internalized environmentalism as a responsibility rather than viewing it as a trend.
Relationship with Father Chevy Chase
Self-proclaimed as a “daddy’s girl,” Emily maintains an exceptionally close bond with her father. Their relationship centers on everyday moments like cuddled-up sessions with family pets and jam sessions at home. In February 2022, Emily shared how moving back in with her parents allowed them to spend quality time watching “The Bachelor” together.
To celebrate Chevy’s 80th birthday in October 2023, Emily posted a tribute reflecting on his life: “Today the big Dab is 80, and what a life he’s led. From driving NYC taxis to hosting the Oscars multiple times, he’s done more and lived harder than anyone I know. At his core he is deeply loving, sensitive, and a hilarious pain in the ass. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy birthday to the bestest, mushiest, sweetest and most annoying Dab there is. My BFF!!”.
Emily also showed support for her father at public occasions, including a Q&A and screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Albany’s Palace Theater in 2021. Their bond includes sharing music, which ties into the family’s broader creative environment.
Bond with Sisters Cydney and Caley Leigh Chase
Emily’s older sisters pursued creative paths distinct from her environmental focus. Cydney works as a singer-songwriter and yoga teacher. Caley studied Theater Arts at Brandeis University and earned an MFA in Theater Directing from the University of Texas at Austin, later becoming the House Pianist at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
The three sisters share their family’s passion for music, often singing together. This supportive dynamic fostered mutual respect and individuality, allowing each to pursue personal passions without competition. Caley described lessons learned from their parents: “While I think my dad taught us all something about comedy and having a sense of humor, the real lessons we have from our parents are to be a good person, be who you are, and fight for what you believe in”.
Similarly, Cydney shared how their parents shaped their values: “My parents are persistent in their joy, love, fight for humor as perspective, and for goodness—towards one another, the earth, and animals. Their unconditional love bolsters my spirit, emboldens me, and informs my creative endeavors”. This supportive family foundation continues to shape Emily’s sense of identity and belonging.
Building a Career in Environmental Conservation
Early Internships and First Steps
Following her graduation from Barnard College, Emily Chase moved to Colorado to begin practical conservation work. The transition from academic study to hands-on environmental engagement marked a deliberate choice to ground her knowledge in real-world experience.
Working at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
One of Emily’s formative roles was as a naturalist and events coordinator at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. She worked directly with nature, education programs, and community outreach initiatives. This experience provided real-world grounding and helped her understand environmental advocacy beyond theory.
At the center, Emily developed skills in event planning, public engagement, and educational programming. These capabilities later became essential in her nonprofit leadership roles. The Colorado position allowed her to connect people with natural spaces while building organizational expertise necessary for larger-scale conservation efforts.
Current Role at National Audubon Society
In 2019, Emily Chase joined the National Audubon Society, marking a major step in her professional journey. She initially served as a Senior Development Manager and Special Assistant to the Chief Development Officer. These roles required strategic thinking, donor engagement, and organizational leadership.
Through consistent performance and dedication, Emily advanced within the organization. As of 2025, she serves as Director of Board Engagement. This senior role involves working closely with board members, executives, and stakeholders. Her responsibilities include strengthening governance structures, aligning leadership with mission goals, and supporting large-scale conservation initiatives.
At Audubon, Emily found an intersection between her political science studies and her passion for environmental science. The organization does extensive outreach and collaboration with local and state government while empowering individuals to learn more about conserving wildlife. This alignment fulfilled her vision of combining policy understanding with conservation action.
Board Work and Volunteer Commitments
Emily’s impact extends beyond her formal role at the National Audubon Society. She is an active member of the Pleiades Network, a respected group of women leaders in sustainability and environmental fields. Through this network, she collaborates with peers on shared challenges, solutions, and long-term environmental strategies.
Her involvement reflects a broader commitment to collective progress rather than individual achievement. Emily believes that lasting success in environmental work comes from collaboration, shared knowledge, and long-term thinking. This philosophy shapes both her professional and personal lifestyle.
Emily Evelyn Chase’s Personal Life and Relationships
Moving Back with Parents During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant life changes for Emily Chase. In March 2020, she left her Park Slope apartment to move in with her parents in Westchester County. “Moving back in with my parents in my 30s was quite an experiment,” she told the press in 2022.
The arrangement proved enriching rather than restrictive. With her father turning 78 at the time, spending quality time together became a priority. Simple activities like watching “The Bachelor” together created meaningful connection. The household bustled with life, housing three cats, four dogs, chickens, and a couple of old horses.
Selling the Park Slope Apartment
Emily and her father co-owned a Brooklyn condo that they sold for just under $1 million in 2022. Working remotely for the National Audubon Society enabled her to maintain her career while living outside the city.
She used the sale proceeds to purchase her own house near her parents in Westchester. “I work in wildlife conservation, so being around trees and having nature at my door is great,” she explained. Accordingly, the move aligned her living situation with her professional values.
Life with Partner Alex Baglieri
Alex Baglieri first appeared on Emily’s Instagram in September 2021. That same month, he posted a photo from their trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, calling her his “Maine squeeze”.
In January 2023, Emily wrote a 30th birthday tribute to him: “Happy 30th to my really, really ridiculously good looking best friend in the whole world”.
Motherhood and Raising Ivy Jay
On August 1, 2024, Emily welcomed her daughter Ivy Jay Baglieri with partner Alex. The birth made Chevy Chase a grandfather at age 80. Emily was 35 years old when she became a mother.
Living Authentically Beyond Celebrity Status
Choosing Purpose Over Fame
Emily has intentionally built a life away from Hollywood, choosing purpose-driven work rooted in environmental conservation, nonprofit leadership, and community impact. Rather than relying on inherited fame, she created her own identity through dedication, advocacy, and service. This conscious rejection of celebrity culture reflects deeper values instilled during childhood, when the Chase household prioritized love, responsibility, and community impact over fame.
Her journey blends professional achievement, strong family values, and a grounded lifestyle shaped by sustainability, motherhood, and meaningful relationships. The decision to focus on wildlife conservation instead of entertainment represents more than career choice. In effect, it demonstrates commitment to measurable impact over public recognition.
Daily Life in Westchester County
Remote work for the National Audubon Society eliminated the need for Emily to commute to the West Village office. This flexibility allows her to maintain senior leadership responsibilities while living surrounded by nature. Her house near her parents provides the trees and natural setting essential to someone working in wildlife conservation.
The household reflects her commitment to animals, with three cats, four dogs, chickens, and old horses sharing the property. These aren’t mere pets but living embodiments of the environmental values she champions professionally. Daily routines include outdoor experiences and connection with the natural world.
Values That Define Her Lifestyle
Throughout 2025, Emily has shared reflections on balancing career responsibilities with parenting, often referring to her family as her “full-time staff”. Motherhood has proven both grounding and empowering, reshaping priorities while deepening appreciation for family and nature.
She raises Ivy intentionally in a nature-focused environment, emphasizing outdoor experiences, emotional connection, and mindful living as part of everyday lifestyle. Family gatherings, shared milestones, and everyday interactions remain central, reflecting deeply rooted respect for her family tree and the values it represents.
Conclusion
Emily Evelyn Chase proves that success doesn’t require following a famous parent’s footsteps. Her journey from comedy dynasty daughter to Director of Board Engagement at the National Audubon Society demonstrates the power of authentic choice. By the same token, her move to Westchester, motherhood, and commitment to wildlife conservation show that meaningful impact matters more than celebrity status.
She built a career centered on environmental advocacy, family values, and purposeful living. As shown above through her work and personal choices, Emily created an identity rooted in service rather than fame. Her story offers inspiration for anyone seeking to define success on their own terms while honoring family roots and personal passions.
FAQs
Q1. What is Emily Evelyn Chase known for professionally?Â
Emily Evelyn Chase is known for her work in environmental conservation. She currently serves as Director of Board Engagement at the National Audubon Society, where she focuses on protecting birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. She has built her career around wildlife conservation and nonprofit leadership rather than pursuing entertainment like her famous father.
Q2. Who are Emily Chase’s parents and siblings?Â
Emily Chase is the youngest daughter of comedian Chevy Chase and environmental activist Jayni Chase. She was born on September 29, 1988, and has two older sisters: Cydney Cathalene Chase (born January 4, 1983), who is a singer-songwriter and yoga teacher, and Caley Leigh Chase (born January 19, 1985), who works as a theater director and is the House Pianist at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
Q3. What influenced Emily Chase to pursue environmental conservation?Â
Emily’s mother, Jayni Chase, was the primary inspiration behind her career in environmental conservation. Jayni founded the Center for Environmental Education in 1987 and has been a lifelong climate activist. Growing up exposed to conversations about climate responsibility and community action, Emily internalized environmentalism as a core responsibility, which naturally led her to pursue wildlife conservation professionally.
Q4. Where did Emily Chase receive her education?Â
Emily attended The Lawrenceville School from 2003 to 2007 for her secondary education. She then spent seven years at Columbia University, studying at Barnard College, where she graduated in 2014 with a degree in political science and English. During her college years, she also interned at the Natural Resources Defense Council to gain experience in environmental advocacy.
Q5. Does Emily Chase have children?Â
Yes, Emily Chase welcomed her daughter Ivy Jay Baglieri on August 1, 2024, with her partner Alex Baglieri. Emily was 35 years old when she became a mother, and the birth made Chevy Chase a grandfather at age 80. She is raising Ivy in a nature-focused environment in Westchester County, emphasizing outdoor experiences and mindful living.