Advisory Committee Biographies
Marian Brown
Special Assistant to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ithaca College
Before accepting her current position, Marian worked in the Ithaca College Purchasing Department for 14 years. Marian now provides primary College staff support for the pursuit of a range of campus-wide sustainability activities, including developing academic-operational project opportunities, promoting sustainability education events, and on-going documentation of the progress of the sustainability initiative.
Brian Carmen
Supply Manager, City of Ithaca
Brian’s background includes an associate’s degree in business administration and over twenty years of service purchasing supplies for the City of Ithaca Streets and Facilities department. Through his position in purchasing, Brian has experience researching and implementing the use of green cleaning supplies and bio-fuels in order to provide a safer environment for both employees and residents of the City of Ithaca.
Barb Eckstrom
Solid Waste Manager, Tompkins County Solid Waste
After earning her undergraduate degree in Environmental Technology and Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University, Barb worked for the City of Ithaca in the planning and construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. She began working for Tompkins County in 1985 first as an Environmental Planner and then became the first Solid Waste Manager. Throughout the past 16 years, Barb has guided the county’s effort to reduce waste by increase recycling, reuse, and composting programs. In addition to promoting these programs, she feels it is critical to close the loop by buying products that are environmentally preferable.
Stephanie Greenwood
Project Leader, Finger Lakes Buy Green
Stephanie has had over twenty years experience in non-profit management and project coordination in England, in addition to four years of experience in international development in Africa. Now a resident of EcoVillage at Ithaca, Stephanie contributed her skills as Project Leader and Marketing Consultant to the development of this site. Her interest in green purchasing stems from a lifelong commitment to conservation and the environment.
Kat McCarthy
Assistant Recycling Specialist, Tompkins County Solid Waste
Since earning an Environmental Studies degree from Ithaca College in 2005, Kat has worked within the community to inform individuals about environmental issues and inspire positive action. Through her efforts at Tompkins County Solid Waste, she researches products and develops text for the Finger Lakes Buy Green website, in addition to working with businesses to increase waste reduction efforts, recycling rates, and green purchasing practices.
Glenn Morey
Manager of Strategic Sourcing, Office for Purchasing Services, Cornell University
Glenn has been working for the Office for Purchasing Services at Cornell University for more that 27 years. He is currently responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing program initiatives, including the supplier diversity program, sustainable procurement and the university social responsibility efforts across campus. Glenn also chairs the Green Purchasing Task Force, which serves the Cornell community by educating, advising and engaging students, faculty and staff in the application of ecological principles to achieve Green Purchasing solutions.
Robert Mudge
Director of Purchasing, Ithaca College
After earning his BSBA degree from the University of Denver, and then serving four years in the US Navy, Robert started his career in the procurement field at the Sea Island Company, located along the coast of Georgia. During the 1970s, he returned to New York State to work first at Cornell University, then at Ithaca College as a buyer in 1988. Since 1999, he has served as the Director of Purchasing. According to Robert, “the Purchasing Department at Ithaca College supports the philosophy of sustainability and ‘green’ purchasing, and we pursue every opportunity to address those ideals that meet the standards adopted by the College. This practice is a part of the educational process and business procedures at Ithaca College.”
Gay Nicholson, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, Sustainable Tompkins
Gay initiated the local collaboration on green purchasing as part of Sustainable Tompkins’ work to create partnerships in support of sustainable living. She also serves as president of the Green Resource Hub of the Finger Lakes, a local organization providing consumer education and workforce training on green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green purchasing.
Barb O’Brien
Cleaning Supervisor and Safety Officer, Tompkins County Facilities Department
Barb has worked for the county for 17 years and has experience managing Material Safety Data Sheets, administering Right-To-Know and Blood Borne Pathogen training, supervising workers, oversees the Pest Management Program, and the cleaning of county facilities. She is currently on the Tompkins County Sustainability Team. Barb’s current goal is cleaning for health.
Sandra C. Yorke, PE, MPH
Health & Safety Coordinator, TST BOCES
Sandra is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in NYS, has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with major in Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety from The University of Tennessee, a Master of Engineering degree with major in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University, and has worked in health and safety field for approximately 17 years. Sandra’s work in the school district includes a focus on green purchasing for the schools. Chemicals in some cleaning products can significantly affect students and as a result, Sandra works with custodial staff to select less toxic, or “green,” cleaning chemicals for the schools, helping create a healthier “work environment” for everyone.
