Board
Meet the Board
Our Board of Directors oversees the direction
of our organization and aligns our mission
and vision with Rē’s ongoing efforts.
BOARD CHAIR
Peter Thomas
Peter is a geospatial software engineer with a background in international business development, communications, and events. He is passionate about building a better, more hopeful future by fostering sustainable systems of community, justice, and ecology. Peter is currently a Senior Big Data Engineer at Bigbear.ai, where he serves on the Employee Advisory Committee and the Women of Bigbear.ai employee resource group. He has previously supported USAID and World Bank hydromet projects, conducted water infrastructure field survey work, organized risk management programs for financial executives, led a website redesign, and lived in the UAE to facilitate knowledge sharing with South Korea. He and his partner spent 2015 backpacking around the world together with their blog gathernomoss.us. Peter holds a MS in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence from George Mason University, and a BA in Russian and Post-Soviet Studies and Psychology from the College of William & Mary. Peter lives with his partner and two dogs in Arlington, Virginia. He enjoys playing music, hiking, amateur astronomy, and discussing utopian speculative fiction.
SECRETARY
Priscilla Yu
Being in love with nature and culture her whole life, Priscilla Yu explored as many options as she could to travel the world and listen to people’s stories. With a degree in modern foreign language and east asian studies, Priscilla left her home to teach English abroad. She taught English as a second language in a small village in Taiwan and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria, focusing on education, women’s empowerment and equity, and promoting peace. In 2015, Priscilla quit her corporate job to revitalize her connection with people, culture, and nature. She and her partner traveled the globe seeking new adventures, immersing themselves in different cultures, and learning to live in the present. As a result of their travels, Priscilla sought a career change to something that moved her deeply: conservation. In her current role at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Priscilla coordinates and works with WWF country offices and a variety of partners in support of sustainable infrastructure. Priscilla works to inspire people to consider their relationship with nature and work on environmental issues that benefit both people and nature. Priscilla lives with her partner and 2 dogs in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Priscilla can be found practicing jiu jitsu, traveling, or out exploring and connecting with nature.
TREASURER
Viviana Jimenez Durbin, Esq.
Attorney Viviana Durbin is a native of Puerto Rico and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico (Mayaguez) in 2005. She obtained Juris Doctorate and Master’s of Studies degrees from Vermont Law School in 2005. Following graduation from law school, Attorney Durbin worked with the firm of Toro, Colon, Mullet, Rivera and Sifre in San Juan, Puerto Rico (2005-2006) and the New Hampshire Lakes Association (2006-2008), primarily focused in the areas of land use and environmental law.
Attorney Durbin is licensed to practice law in the State of New Hampshire State and Federal District Courts. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and presently focuses her practice in real estate, land use, and environmental law.
Since 2013, Viviana has been taking care of their home and three lovely daughters. She also works a supportive office role at Durbin Law, with the administrative team and as a volunteer at the Children’s schools.
In her free time, Viviana enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She is also an outdoor enthusiast.
Kayana Amos
Kayana is a registered professional nurse, community advocate and mother from Linden Guyana. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kayana became a travel nurse, fighting the virus, connecting people with needed resources, and keeping communities safe and alive. Kayana has a bachelor’s in social work, a bachelor’s in nursing, and a master’s in community development.
In 2014, Kayana started a community development group consisting of women entrepreneurs that were able to successfully start and expand their small business to generate incomes to sustain their families. During her spare time, Kayana loves traveling with her family, learning new cultures, and interacting with locals. She resides in Georgia.
Kelly L. Cerialo, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelly L. Cerialo is an Associate Professor in Business and Hospitality Management and Program Coordinator for the Communication and Hospitality Departments at Paul Smith’s College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations/Mass Media Communication from The College of New Jersey, a Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, and a PhD in Leadership and Change Program from Antioch University. She is the former Director for Paul Smith’s College Global Center for Rural Communities and current Co-chair of the UNESCO Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve. Kelly is a steering committee member for the U.S. UNESCO Biosphere Network and co-founder/focal point for the U.S. Biosphere Reserve Youth Network. She also co-founded the Adirondack and Appeninno Sustainable Parks and Communities Project – an international study abroad partnership between the UNESCO Tuscan Emilian Apennine Biosphere Reserve, the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve (NY/VT) and the Ledro Alps and Judicaria Biosphere Reserve (Italy) that focuses on promoting sustainable development and sustainable tourism in protected landscapes. Throughout her work, Kelly focuses on youth leadership development and empowering women through education and professional development opportunities.
Kelly received the David H. Chamberlain Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019 and Faculty Member of the Year at Paul Smith’s College in 2018. Kelly has presented at United Nations conferences and international academic conferences in the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Her research interests include the social impacts of tourism on host destinations, tourism in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves governance and management, recreation overuse, youth leadership mentoring in sustainable communities, and cross-cultural communication. In 2023, Kelly launched a podcast in collaboration with Jaclyn Yost, the CEO of Ecomadic called “You’re (not) Welcome Here” to highlight the importance of social, economic, and environmental sustainability in travel. Listen to the podcast here and connect with Kelly on LinkedIn to learn more about her current research and projects.
Michele A. Mansfield, Ph.D
Michele Mansfield is an accomplished organizational leader with over 30 years of experience, renowned for her decisive and strategic approach. Her expertise spans both business and non-profit sectors, yielding positive outcomes through innovative solutions. As the Board Chair of the World Affairs Council in Cincinnati & North Kentucky, Michele spearheaded strategic planning initiatives and operational adaptations in response to emerging needs, demonstrating her proactive leadership. Her grant writing and community engagement efforts have made significant impacts, including securing funding for various projects and hosting international visitors for cultural exchange programs. During her tenure at Procter & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Michele held leadership roles in Research & Development, overseeing global innovation centers and managing multi-million-dollar budgets. Michele holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a ScB in Materials Science & Engineering from Brown University. Her research projects have focused on materials development and innovation, showcasing her expertise in applied science and engineering. Beyond her professional pursuits, Michele enjoys a diverse range of interests including theater, live music, travel, literature, and fiber arts, enriching her life with creativity and exploration. Michele Mansfield’s multifaceted career and extensive contributions underscore her dedication to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Her holistic approach to leadership and lifelong learning continues to inspire those around her.