There are four vacancies on our Executive Committee (“ExCom”). The winning candidates will serve two years, 2025-2026.

Candidate Statement of Edward Berry

Public elections are essential to our survival as a democracy and as a functioning society. This is why I volunteered to be the Political Chair for the Lower Hudson Group. We must change the way we treat our planet. With other volunteers, I interview candidates and compare voting records and environmental stands on key issues. Then we select the best candidates based on their environmental records, often assisting endorsed candidates in their races. Also, I work with like minded allies, such as labor unions, community groups. We’ve approached and recruited young people. It is hard but rewarding work, but we have brought about key changes in the NY state government. This November there is a decisive struggle for the future of our country, one we need to win. Together we can. Remember our shared values and vote! Please vote to keep me on our group ExCom.

Candidate Statement of Gail Dutan

I’ve been a member of Sierra Club since 1998 when I started doing the layout for our newsletter, Terra Firma, and have since printed and mailed it from my family’s business. I helped put together the recipe booklet for the 2020 Harvest Dance fundraiser. My real passion is food and its effect on our health. I became a Sierra Club Outings Leader a few years and have led hikes combined with a farmers market visit. I’ve also tabled for the past three years at Ossining’s Green Festival and enjoyed talking with people about various issues our club works hard on and how they can get involved. I ask for your vote to continue on our ExCom.

Candidate Statement of Peggy Kurtz

Climate change and the crisis of extinctions are the two great tasks of our generation.  A lifelong environmental advocate, I’ve led Sierra Club in Rockland County since 2006.  I was also one of the leaders of the Rockland Water Coalition’s successful fight to stop Suez’s energy intensive desalination proposal, and I’m a member of the Rockland County Water Task Force and an active participant in Nyack 2030’s exciting climate work.  I also led the successful campaign for a renewable energy program for tens of thousands of Rockland residents.  More recently, I’ve led the effort to provide information to Rocklanders about toxic PFAS chemicals in our drinking water – and I work with others statewide to ban PFAS in consumer products.  In the fall, we will also be campaigning in the most critical election of our time.  I believe in the strength of Sierra Club’s network of activists working for change and would love to continue to serve on the Executive Committee.

Candidate Statement of Liam Robb O’Hagan

I was born and raised in New Zealand before moving to the US 24 years ago. I’m a life-long environmentalist with degrees in sociology and zoology, and I’ve worked as a trekking guide, journalist, website producer and most recently a lead parent. I like doing good, rather than selling more stuff. When I was in Chicago, I helped with the campaign to close the city’s coal-fired power plants, and I’m on the Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment. I do some of our group’s communications. I ask for your vote to stay on our ExCom. 

Candidate Statement of Paul Presendieu

Environmental education and climate civics are the key pillars for our ability to preserve our natural resources and encourage stewardship from residents of all backgrounds. As the Chairman of the City of New Rochelle’s Ecology & Natural Resources Advisory Committee I have served as an educator and advisor for my Mayor, City Council, and city hall staff. Also, as the Board Secretary for the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions, I have served in the vanguard of communication with citizen environmental advisory bodies throughout the State of New York to create a shared statewide marketplace of ideas amongst cities, towns, and villages. The work of the Sierra Club will be critical in the years to come, and with your support, I will be able to assist our educational efforts while helping identify climate candidates for elected office.