Bedford 2030 Welcomes New Executive Director

BEDFORD, N.Y. - Bedford 2030 has a new executive director.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to lead a communitywide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

Mariah Okrongly, Bedford 2030’s former program director, officially replaced longtime executive director Midge Iorio on Nov. 1.

Although Iorio’s stepping away from the role, she will stay on through the early spring “to support Mariah and help ensure a strong transition,” the organization said.

“This community has been so lucky to have Midge capably steering the helm of this organization for 13 years, and we will miss her leadership,” said Board President Karen Sabath. “We are equally thrilled that Mariah will be stepping into this role.”

Sabath praised Okrongly for her “deep dedication” and “tremendous passion” for the group’s climate action work.

“Having grown within the organization, Mariah understands what we do and where we need to focus as we work towards our goals. We know that Mariah will help us make an even bigger impact, and we’re looking forward to this next chapter of Bedford 2030 with her leading the way,” she added.

Okrongly spearheaded several initiatives, including the group’s Personal Energy Coach program, which has helped more than 300 community members navigate the complex process of upgrading home and building energy systems that reduce costs, increase comfort, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

She was instrumental in the development of the Building Health and Performance initiative that aims to make local rental units safer and healthier and of EV2030, a tool that provides folks with “essential, personalized information” so they can transition away from gas-powered vehicles.

Okrongly also led efforts to strengthen data and metrics, which will help the group reach new audiences.

She said it will be “an honor” to lead Bedford 2030 as it fights for “a greener, more sustainable future.”

“I am committed to advancing our mission with the same dedication I’ve brought to the organization over the past three years as program director,” Okrongly said. “Midge’s strong leadership style has allowed me to grow and learn in my role and she will be a deeply missed mentor.

Iorio joined Bedford 2020 as its program director in 2012 and was promoted to executive director four years later.
During her tenure, the organization was able to build a strong brand, create a wide array of impactful programs, surpass its initial goals, and relaunch as Bedford 2030 with a new 10-year climate action plan and aggressive new goals.

“I am incredibly proud of what this organization and community have accomplished together. However, as we see every day, our work is more vital and urgent than ever,” Iorio said, adding that she couldn’t imagine anyone better suited than Mariah to lead Bedford 2030’s Climate Action Now movement.”

Okrongly is “laser-focused on impact and has the experience, creativity, and unwavering determination to drive positive change. On top of that, she’s an inspiring and lovely person to work with,” Iorio said.

For more information about Bedford 2030, visit www.bedford2030.org, email info@bedford2030.org, or call (914) 620-2411.