Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit based in Bedford Hills, NY, announced the addition of five dynamic individuals to its leadership team. Jocelyn Ffriend, of New Rochelle and Marlboro, and Laura Desmarais, of Mt. Kisco, have joined the Board of Directors. Allison Tamburelli (Yorktown Heights), John Papa (South Salem), and Kylan Johnson (Sleepy Hollow) have joined WLT’s Advisory Board.

Each new member brings a passion for conservation and a wealth of experience across sectors including business, finance, law, and community organizing. As part of their roles, they will support WLT’s mission to protect land and water, promote environmental equity, and build a more resilient future for the region.

“We are proud to welcome this incredible group of leaders to the WLT family,” said Bruce Churchill, chairman of WLT’s Board of Directors. “Their energy, expertise, and commitment to our mission will help strengthen our programs and deepen our impact across Westchester and eastern Putnam counties.”

Laura Desmarais, of Mt. Kisco, joined the Board of Directors with an effective start date of December 2025. A former industrial psychologist with IBM, Laura has been devoting herself for the past 11 years to The Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, where she has held several leadership roles including president of the Board. Most recently, she has led advocacy, grants, and data analytics for the Pantry. Laura is a strong conservation advocate and was instrumental in the de-development and permanent protection of Round Rock Preserve in New Castle, an 11.71-acre community greenspace protected by a WLT conservation easement. She was honored at WLT’s 2025 Annual Benefit.

“Protecting Round Rock Preserve showed me what’s possible when communities come together to heal land for good,” reflected Desmarais. “I’m honored to bring that spirit to the WLT Board and support a vision of conservation that’s rooted in equity, access, and long-term sustainability.”

Jocelyn Ffriend, of New Rochelle and Marlboro, has moved from WLT’s Advisory Board to the Board of Directors. A member of the Advisory Board since 2021 and an active contributor to the Land Protection Committee, Jocelyn brings deep experience in community organizing, holistic healing, and sustainable agriculture through her work with New Rochelle Against Racism and Liberated Lands. She is a financial advisor and serves on the board of A Womban’s Way Warrior Midwife Training Program

“I believe the work WLT does is prescient and will have a tremendous impact on the vital resources our communities in Westchester, and beyond, need to thrive,” Ffriend said. “I believe deeply in the power of land to heal, not just ecosystems, but people and communities too. I’m excited to help grow WLT’s impact and expand the movement for land, water, air, and essential resources for the benefit of all beings.”

Kylan Johnson, of Sleepy Hollow, joined the Advisory Board bringing both legal expertise and a deep personal connection to WLT’s work. An estate planning attorney and owner of Hudson Valley Estate Planning, Kylan is a dedicated donor, volunteer, and frequent hiker of WLT preserves. He looks forward to helping expand WLT’s planned giving program. Kylan is a trustee of Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a member of the Tarrytown Rotary Club, and a graduate of Quinnipiac University and Florida State University.

“As someone who hikes WLT’s preserves and helps clients plan for the future, I see every day how essential land is to our collective wellbeing,” Kylan said. “I’m excited to support WLT’s planned giving efforts so this work can thrive for generations to come.”

John Papa, of South Salem, joined the Advisory Board. A longtime neighbor of WLT’s Mill River Preserve, John brings deep experience in finance, technology, and community development. His 21-acre farm property has become a place of healing, food equity, and connection. He’s a former school board member and environmental committee leader, a trustee of the Historic Keeler Tavern, and a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ridgefield. He is a graduate of Fairfield College Prep and Xavier University.

“Land has the power to build bridges between people,” Papa shared. “My hope is to help WLT deepen its connections with communities and continue using land as a place for healing, growth, and justice. I’m honored to support a mission that so closely aligns with my own values.”

Allison Tamburelli, of Yorktown Heights, joined the Advisory Board, bringing with her a global business lens and a local connection to WLT’s Hunter Brook Preserve. Allison has a background in international operations and project management, most recently leading business process improvements across 16 countries for Tiffany & Co. She is a Babson College graduate and active volunteer with the Girl Scouts and is passionate about building scalable solutions for long-term growth.

“Living next to Hunter Brook Preserve reminds me every day of how important protected land is, not just for wildlife, but for all of us,” Tamburelli remarked. “I’m looking forward to using my experience in operations and systems to help WLT grow its reach and impact across the region.”

The new additions to WLT’s leadership team will join other members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to serve as the governing bodies of the organization, overseeing policies, fiscal and strategic planning, and supporting WLT’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy future for all.

Board of Directors

Bruce Churchill (chairman), Nanette Bourne (vice chair), Dina Dublon (treasurer), Joe Edgar (secretary), David Ansel, Clifford H. Aronson, Christopher Boege, Laura Desmarais, Tony Freund, Jocelyn Ffriend, Lee Manning-Vogelstein, Chantel McGee, Gary Perusse, Offutt A. Porter, Mike Sheerin, Norma Silva, Dave Tobias, Carine Verschueren, Diana Williams, and Matt Young

Advisory Board

George D. Bianco (co-chair), Tatiana Kaletsch (co-chair), Ellen Best, Ava Cohn, Brendon DeSimone, Thatcher Drew, Annie Farrell, Jerome Goldstein, Susan Henry, Kylan Johnson, David Michael, Sesh Murthy, Susan Oakley, John Papa, Mike Rubbo, Karen Simons, Neil Sullivan, Mike Surdej, Allison Tamburelli, and Michael Yellin

We acknowledge that our region is within the traditional territories of the Lenape people and that their culture and traditions live on today.