Bedford, NY— Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, announced it has welcomed new additions to its leadership team. Mike Sheerin, of Pelham, joined the Board of Directors, and Thatcher Drew, of Bronxville, and Neil Sullivan, of Yonkers, joined the organization’s Advisory Board. Each new member has longstanding ties to WLT and bring valued experience with backgrounds in the legal, communications, education, and public affairs fields.

As part of their roles, Sheerin, Drew, and Sullivan will work alongside WLT’s staff, Advisory Board, and Board of Directors to support land protection and stewardship, increased access to the outdoors for all, and stronger local food systems.

“We’re pleased to welcome this talented group to the Westchester Land Trust team” said Bruce Churchill, chairman of WLT’s Board of Directors. “As our organization grows and evolves, fresh ideas and new perspectives help us advance our work in a way that connects more people to nature.”

Mike Sheerin brings robust legal expertise to WLT’s leadership team. He currently serves as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP where he specializes in U.S. and foreign antitrust and competition laws.

“As a nearly lifelong Westchester resident, I have always appreciated and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the county,” Mike Sheerin said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the WLT’s important mission and do everything I can to ensure the preservation of areas that future generations, including my own kids, can continue to enjoy.”

Thatcher Drew first became involved with Westchester Land Trust as a volunteer, diligently joining the organization’s stewardship team out on the land to cut invasive vines and assist with forest health initiatives. He has a diverse professional background that includes stints as a think tank leader, award-winning filmmaker, and digital communications innovator. Thatcher is an avid hiker, long-distance kayaker, and sailor. He was given the Best Volunteer Award by Westchester County Parks for his work founding the group Vinecutters.

“During Covid I hiked most of the preserves in Westchester County,” said Thatcher Drew, who joined Westchester Land Trust’s Advisory Board. “Those managed by Westchester Land Trust stood out. The WLT volunteer program is terrific. The conservation and easement teams frequently expand the managed acreage, and the results are often spectacular. It’s a joy to learn, help, engage and have an impact with this wonderful organization.”

Neil Sullivan connected with Westchester Land Trust when he and his wife decided to protect the land around their home in Yonkers through a conservation easement. Their urban oasis features vibrant gardens that are admired by passersby. Sullivan is a professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College—CUNY. He has written several books on the history of baseball and serves on local planning and zoning boards.

“The gardens are a gift my wife and I gave ourselves, and the conservation easement extends that gift for generations yet to be born, said Neil Sullivan, who joined Westchester Land Trust’s Advisory Board. “I hope to work on finding other spots in Yonkers and other municipalities where nature thrives in cities and towns. Much to learn both ways from an engagement between urban and rustic.”

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), Joe Edgar (treasurer), David Ansel, Clifford H. Aronson, Christopher Boege, Dina Dublon, Tony Freund, Lee Manning-Vogelstein, Chantel McGee, Gary Perusse, Offutt A. Porter, Jennifer Schwartz, 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, Jocelyn Ffriend, Jerome Goldstein, Susan Henry, David Michael, Sesh Murthy, Susan Oakley, Mike Rubbo, Karen Simons, Neil Sullivan, Mike Surdej, 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.