CO-FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Donna has served as Vice Chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee since 2020, where she has led key initiatives under NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program. She successfully ran community campaigns that secured grant funding used to purchase electric landscaping equipment and install EV charging stations for the municipal fleet. Donna was also instrumental in establishing the Rye Sustainability Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to enable donations and expand resources and programming for the community.

With a background in sports marketing, Donna first became involved in local sustainability through her leadership of the environmental committee at Milton School. She is the proud parent of two children in the Rye City School District and enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, practicing yoga, and picking up plastic on hikes with her dog, Skye.

CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

Hilary is the Chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee and was appointed Climate Smart Communities Coordinator in 2023. In this role, she works closely with the City of Rye to implement initiatives that save energy, reduce waste, conserve green spaces, and improve air quality through electrification. A passionate advocate for local clean energy solutions, Hilary also serves as Vice Chair of Rye100, a chapter of CURE100 (Communities United to Reduce Emissions).

After stepping away from a career in marketing to focus on raising her children, Hilary has dedicated the past 20 years to volunteering in various leadership roles in Rye and Port Chester, including with SPRYE and Open Door Family Medical Centers.

Hilary and her husband have lived in Rye for 25 years. She enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks and walking her two spaniels around Mill Pond.

CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

James has been a Rye resident since 2011 and is a dedicated community leader with a deep commitment to sustainability. After serving as an active member of the Rye Sustainability Committee, he became Chair in 2021. Under his leadership, the committee strengthened partnerships with local and regional organizations, secured funding for municipal sustainability projects, and increased public awareness around protecting Rye’s natural resources.

In 2023, James was appointed to the City of Rye’s Climate Smart Task Force, and in 2024, he was elected to the Rye City Council. A passionate ice hockey fan, James has volunteered as a coach with the local club organization since 2012.

DIRECTOR/CHAIR HEALTHY YARDS

Tracy has served on the Rye Conservation Commission Advisory Council for 13 years and has been Chair since 2019. She is also an active board member of Rye100, a chapter of CURE100 (Communities United to Reduce Emissions). Tracy has played a key role in advancing environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives throughout Westchester County, with a focus on clean water and resilient ecosystems.

Tracy holds a BFA from Syracuse University. Before shifting her focus to environmental work, she had a successful creative career in publishing and marketing, working with top-tier publications such as Elle, Family Life, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Business Week, Consumer Reports, and Spy Magazine.

Tracy and her husband have lived in Rye for 25 years. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, pickleball, backcountry skiing, and walking her dog, Penny.

TREASURER

Sawako has been a resident of Rye since 2011. A Certified Public Accountant, she brings over 25 years of experience in finance. From June 2019 to December 2023, she served as a Board Member, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee Member of the Norwalk Youth Orchestra. In this role, she was actively involved in fundraising efforts, including planning social and promotional events and organizing annual campaigns.

Now an empty-nester with her husband, James Ward, as of September 2024, Sawako is excited to dedicate more time to community service. She is particularly passionate about sustainability and is interested in creating long-term ecological solutions through the removal of invasive plants and the restoration of native species and trees.