Our People

Board of Directors

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead

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Michael R. Edelstein, Ph.D.

President Emeritus, Co-Founder

Co-founded Orange Environment in 1982 and served as President until 2019. Under his direction, OE became a major force for protecting the region from environmental hazards while promoting sustainable communities. Environmental Psychologist (Ph.D., Social Psychology, SUNY Buffalo, 1975).

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Maureen Gaffney

President

An Orange County resident since 1987, Maureen graduated from Ramapo College with a degree in Environmental Studies before joining OE. She built her career at Consolidated Edison Co. of NY, with broad responsibilities in Environment, Health & Safety.

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Toby Schack

Vice-President

A 42-year resident of Orange County, Toby has been actively involved in civic life since she moved here. A founding member of the Southern Orange County branch of the League of Women Voters, she is also a certified science teacher who taught Chemistry and Biology for 29 years, 25 of them at Peekskill High School.

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Terra Meierdierck, M.A.T.

Treasurer

Outreach Program Manager for the Center for Building Knowledge at NJIT. Helped develop the national Certificate of Proficiency in Benchmarking as part of the U.S. DOE's Consortium for Building Energy Innovation (CBEI).

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Maximo Blake

Board Member

Has founded and managed nonprofits across NY, NJ, FL, and NM for thirty-five years, focused on sustainable living environments and steering high-risk youth toward legitimate entrepreneurial self-sufficiency.

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Dr. Joseph Grizzanti

Board Member

Co-owner and founder of Warwick Valley Winery (1994). A prominent physician in pulmonology and immunology, 'Doc' is a consulting rosarian, deeply passionate about apples, trees, farm-to-table food, horticulture, and the environment — and a key partner in the Hudson Valley Pollinator Project.

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Stephanie Joseph

Board Member

A physician who joined the OE board to support our mission of environmental health and integrity. In her Cornwall, NY neighborhood she helped contest the establishment of a proposed mega warehouse, citing environmental health impacts.

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Peter Lai

Board Member

Board member since 2000. A permaculture expert and President of TQM Associates, Peter has traveled to Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Japan, China, Hawaii, and Haiti to study Permaculture practices.

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Esteban Munoz

Board Member

A seasoned banker specializing in business relationships at M&T Bank, Esteban contributes his expertise to OE's sustainable initiatives benefiting the community.

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Ted (Edward) Warren

Board Member

Cornwall, NY resident with deep nonprofit experience including Cornwall Conservation Council and CACs. He has helped develop local environmental laws and create the Pollinator Pathway Project in the Cornwall region.