Biographies for LI Sierra Club Executive Committee 

 

 

​ANTHONY BECKER 

My name is Anthony Becker, I'm from Massapequa, and as an undergrad from Fordham I researched the troubles we face in taking care of our groundwater aquifer – our only source of drinking water, as well as the threats to our diverse surface waters and coastal ecosystems. I've worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Asian Longhorned Beetle Program where I’ve inspected trees throughout the quarantine area and conducted outreach to spread awareness about this invasive insect that threatens our trees and forests.

      I enjoy discussing native plants as well as environmental concerns so that more people can become aware of not just how beautiful Long Island is, but also how important its health is for us and everything else that calls it home. I currently work for the Department of Transportation where I help with environmental compliance, and I run the @LISierraClub Instagram - check it out!

 

KATHLEEN KOPPENHOEFER

Seeking to offer volunteer services to the Long Island Sierra Club in support of their vital mission of providing environmental protection and preservation of the earth’s flora and fauna, most particularly in the areas of (1) keeping our air and water clean by exerting and maintaining a strong and consistent lobbying effort with our elected officials to ensure they recognize and actively engage in combating the imminent dangers and consequences of climate change a d (2) raising public awareness of these challenges and the essential role each of us must play in this daily war if we are to survive and thrive in healthy communities. I recently retired after more than 50 years working in both the private and public sectors. I intend to take those years of experience, knowledge, and skills along with my extensive contacts within both government and private areas and use them for a greater benefit.

 

ANN AURELIO

Another two years have flown by and once again I am seeking your vote. Some of you may recognize my name from my previous terms or from my organizing and hosting the yearly Environmentalist of the Year luncheon. It has always been my pleasure to be part of honoring someone who has done so much good for the betterment of Long Island. Besides hosting this I work to organize our monthly executive committee meetings. I also lend a hand with our quarterly newsletter. I have lived in Suffolk County since 1980 and have witnessed some good environmental actions and now some very bad ones from the present head of the EPA. If re-elected I would like to continue to see, in whatever capacity, I can work with the board and other organizations to see what we can do to keep Long Island safe from poor environmental decisions.

 

STEVE ROLSTON 

My wife and I treasure Long Island. I have been a Sierra Club member since 1992, as I wanted to learn more about the protection of natural resources and preservation of green spaces. I have rallied in support of the Green New Deal and, with the help of ‘Stop Predatory Gambling’ and the Long Island ExCom, successfully helped block a plan to develop a casino in Uniondale. In my nearly two years on the ExCom, I have joined a caravan to Albany to support the NY HEAT Act; coordinated on our ‘Celebrate Nature’ event in 2024 and our wine tasting fundraiser in 2025, while supporting battery storage, wind power, and other renewable energy rallies across Long Island. I am passionate about responsible growth. Sometimes that means no growth. For example, leave Stillwell Woods Preserve as is. How to leave a lighter footprint often guides my next steps.

 

JANE FASULLO

I have lived on, and loved, Long Island all my life. I’ve experienced its beauty and its bounty. I’ve seen and experienced many changes, some good, some bad. As the group’s outings program leader and manager, I’ve shared outdoor experiences and knowledge with many others and have enjoyed every moment of it, even in the rain. I’m motivated by my position in the club, making it easier for me to effect changes that benefit us and the life that surrounds us while downplaying or blocking changes that would be harmful. I know I’ve made a bit of a difference and I hope to have the opportunity to continue.