Rhode Island Sierra Club volunteers lend their voices to the environment to help combat climate change, advance the green economy, improve our transportation system, and encourage families to get outdoors.
The Rhode Island Chapter is governed by a seven member executive committee, selected by its members in annual elections. The executive committee is supported by the work of various subcommittees like its conservation, political, fundraising, and outings committees. You are invited to join in their good works.
Rhode Island Executive Committee Members:
Kyle McCurdy - Chapter Chair
Kyle is a clinical supervisor with the North American Family Institute. He oversees several youth residential programs, working to ensure they receive quality individual, family, and group therapy as well as opportunities for outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, canoeing, sailing (even skiing on one occasion). He holds a masters in counseling from Salve Regina University and a bachelor in psychology from Rhode Island College. Kyle joined Sierra Club about 8 years ago to support the cause of environmentalism. It wasn’t long after he began facilitating outings for locals as the RI Chapter Outings Chair. Kyle took special interest in connecting local youth organizations with Sierra Club’s mission of environmental Justice by facilitating trips like kayaking on the Narrow River, apple picking, and visiting Mystic Aquarium. Kyle has been on the executive committee for several years, helping determine how best to use resources in helping youth connect with nature and feel empowered to advocate for equal access to healthy air, water, and soil.
Kate Aubin - Secretary
Kate is the Director of Youth Services at Providence Public Library and has worked with youth of all ages, in and out of the classroom, over the past 15 years. She is a URI Master Gardener and mentors new trainees in the program. For the past six years she has served on the board of the RI Chapter of the YWCA and on the Youth Opportunity Working Group of the OneCranston Health Equity Zone initiative. Kate has a B.A. in Journalism from URI, a B.A. in Education from RIC, and a Master’s degree in Social Innovation and Sustainability from Goddard College. She is passionate about local food systems, environmental justice, civic engagement, and youth development. She has served as Secretary of the RI Sierra Club Executive Committee for the past 8 years.
Kate feels it is more important than ever to build community and systems of support and care. As the Trump administration continues its attack on immigrant communities, working class families, LGBTQIA+ communities, nonprofits, education, social services, and environmental protections, it is becoming very clear that the only way to successfully fight back is by fostering collaboration between various movements and sectors. Kate is excited to continue RI Sierra Club’s work of strengthening our relationships with frontline communities of color, who are doing the most impactful Environmental Justice work. It is important to her to build more just and equitable programs, policies, and environments, so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Joseph (Joe) Bocchiaro III, PhD - Vice Chair
The importance of the conservation of natural resources and the symbiosis of nature with humanity has been a driver of my whole life. From the first Earth Day, through my journey to Eagle Scout, and the lifelong formation of my spirituality, I have always sought ways to make a difference and leave things better than I found them. My teaching, career, Scouting, and my various church activities continue to give me this fulfillment.
My involvement with Sierra Club began with activism against a corporate polluter, (Rockwool), near my home in West Virginia. I received activism training to use against our cause, which included community engagement, protests, and testimonies. This escalated from town halls to audiences with NIOSH and the EPA in Washington, DC. Sierra Club gave me the tools and courage I needed throughout those terrible times.
I bring a lifetime of international corporate and educational experience to the Committee, including membership on 5 NGO boards. My career has been in the technology aspects of architecture, including Audiovisual, IT, Security, Acoustics, Lighting, and Intelligent Buildings. I also have extensive experience in standards development in these topics. One example is my serving as a delegate to ISO from the USA for the international standard of “Sustainable Events Management.” Another involved working with the Department of Energy on technology EnergyStar efficiency. Please refer to my LinkedIn presence for lists and links to this work and the numerous papers I have written on these topics.
As a new Committee member, I will have a steep learning curve, and am eager to learn quickly to become impactful. As a recent retiree, I have time and energy to commit. I look forward to your vote and for this opportunity to serve!
Samantha Mollo - Outings Chair
The Sierra Club represents the kind of environmental leadership I deeply respect: bold, grassroots-driven, and committed to justice. I want to be part of that energy—to contribute, to learn, and to help grow the movement.
With a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management, I’ve built a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of environmental challenges and the systemic solutions required to address them. Whether it’s advocating for clean energy, defending public lands, or ensuring environmental justice for frontline communities, I am ready to give my time, my voice, and my heart. I’ve founded a community cleanup initiative, Get Trashy, which I plan to relaunch, and I stay active in my local community by volunteering at schools and coaching youth soccer and tee-ball.
I am ready to turn my passion into purpose and my education into impact. I am ready to listen, collaborate, and take action. Nature gives us so much—I want to give something back, and I believe the Sierra Club is the perfect place to do it.
David Veliz - Treasurer
David Veliz has been a social and environmental justice activist for almost 25 years and has worked on several local and national campaigns that addressed climate justice and social inequalities in marginalized communities. For the last 9 years he has been Environmental Justice Chair of the RI Chapter of the Sierra Club where he has worked on expanding and supporting EJ initiatives in the State, as well as cementing Sierra Clubs work in policy, organizing and community advocacy.
He looks forward to continuing the good work of Sierra Club in Rhode island to protect the environment and the people in it.
George Schuessler