In this series, MyRye.com will introduce readers to the boards and commissions of the City of Rye and the residents who run them. All volunteers, these residents give their time and expertise to keep our city running. The series is intended to bring visibility to what each board and commission does, its priorities and what might prompt a resident or another person or company to interact with the group.
We have made our best efforts to reach out to each board and commission chairperson directly or via City officials. If you are a board or commission chair and have not been contacted, or if you are a reader with feedback on this series, please get in touch with MyRye.com.
Meet the Rye Sustainability Committee and its Chair James Ward.
Your Name: James Ward
Name of the Board or Commission you chair: Rye Sustainability Committee
Your role: Chair
MyRye.com: What is the charter for your Committee?
Ward:
- Implementing the sustainable plan for city
- Spearhead sustainability initiatives in the community
- Advocate sustainability for all
Looking at 2024, what will be your top initiatives?
Ward:
- Climate Smart Communities Silver Status
- Healthy Yards and Restorative Native Trees and Plants
- Electric Vehicle Charging
Who is the City Council liaison to your committee?
Ward: Councilmember William Henderson
Tell us about the residents or others you interact with at your committee.
Ward: We aim to heavily engage with the community. We also interact with the municipality as well. Whoever will listen, we want to work with.
When was your committee chartered by the City of Rye?
Ward: The Rye Sustainability Plan was adopted by the City Council in September of 2013. That was the hard work of a handful of volunteers starting back in 2010 I have been told. Many of those people are still active in sustainability initiatives today.
Looking back across 2023, what were your committee’s top achievements?
Ward:
- Climate Smart Communities Resolution and work for Bronze Status
- The Clean Energy Fair
- Invasive Vine Removal and Green Screen
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in the role?
Ward: About 2 years as the Chair, and maybe 3 or 4 years overall.
What is your day job?
Ward: In my day job I am in finance at a large hedge fund. My specific job is heading the valuation team.
How much time does your role require in a typical month?
Ward: 5 to 15 hrs per month
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Ward: Funny?
Pick one:
Ward:
| Select from: | Your Pick: |
| Coke or Pepsi? | Pepsi |
| Regular or diet? | Diet |
| Action movie or rom com? | Action movie |
| Cook, order in or eat out? | Cook |
| Dog, cat or no pet? | Dog |
| Balsamic vinaigrette or ranch? | Ranch |
| Ruffles Original, Lay’s Barbeque or Funyuns? | Original |
| Still, sparkling or tap? | Sparkling |
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Ward: There have been so many along the way it’s hard to pick out one thing. Maybe it doesn’t matter as long as you pay it forward to someone. Huge proponent of random acts of kindness.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Ward: As my kids get older, we are talking about places to visit. One place that comes up a lot is Africa. So much to do there but I would love to go on safari.
What is your favorite streaming / TV series?
Ward: The Wire season 1 was incredible.
What is your favorite movie?
Ward: This is too hard. The Sting (Robert Redford and Paul Newman) is excellent if you haven’t seen it.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Ward: We moved from Tokyo to Rye in 2011. Our first residence was on Soundview but we have lived in Rye Gardens for the last 12 years.
Thank you James!
Members of the Rye Sustainability Committee:
Name and date of term expiration:
James Ward, Chair N/A
Suzanne Clary N/A
Chris Cohan N/A
Hilary Garland N/A
DJ (Deron) Haley N/A
Gretchen Kaye-Crowley N/A
Linda Mackay N/A
Jeff Prosserman N/A
Donna Providenti N/A
Amanda Sackey N/A
