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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
