Staff

A photograph of Executive Director Remy Schwartz

Remy Schwartz, Executive Director

Remy leads strategic development, fundraising, and operations to advance the Conservancy's mission to connect people to the Palisades' parks and history. works closely with the Board, the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission, and a large network of community, nonprofit, and government partners that steward this incredible park system.

Prior to joining the Conservancy, he was the Deputy Director and Interim Director of Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, a nonprofit working to build greenways and green infrastructure in Brooklyn and throughout New York City, and previously worked with the park conservancies the Battery Park and Prospect Park. He completed an Urban Parks Management Certificate from the Central Park Conservancy Institute of Urban Parks in 2020, he was a 2019 Environmental Leadership Program National Fellow, he’s a certified NYC Citizen Tree Pruner, and a graduate of Hampshire College.

He's an avid cyclist, runner, and outdoors enthusiast who loves to explore the Palisades. He currently lives in Northern Manhattan with his wife and daughter where they enjoy the views of the park's cliffs soaring over the Hudson.

Sabeena Prescod, NY Program Manager

Sabeena is focused on parks and historic sites in the New York Palisades Region. Her role includes reviewing the current state of projects and engagement, securing more resources for funding, and strengthening the conservancy's messaging and partnerships. Her work will expand the capacity of the Palisades Parks Conservancy and facilitate stronger connections between local constituents, organizations, and PIPC to ensure the parks and their staff receive the support they deserve.

Conservation and land access have been recurring themes throughout her career. She previously worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society, helped form a Bronx community group to protect park land, and recently apprenticed on the organic farm of a land trust. In 2020 Sabeena completed a Master's thesis on ancestral land rights and land access in South Africa.

In her free time, Sabeena can be found reading her book club's latest selection or going for a trek in the nearest natural area. She is notorious among friends for being a slow hiker-- she is too busy identifying plants and animals along the way!

This position is funded by a Park and Trail Partnership Grant, a NY State program working to enhance public access and recreational opportunities that is administered by Parks & Trails New York and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.