OUR TEAM
Museum Board
Sarah Mills Sands, Chair
A native Greenporter, Sarah Mills Sands, has assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees. Sarah brings 35 years of non-profit management experience to the position including 14 years as an Executive Director. Sarah was one of three original Founders of East End Seaport Foundation in 1989 and was instrumental in raising the funds for the rebuilding of Bug Light in 1990. Coming full circle to lead the organization in 2024 is something she has imagined for many years. Sarah’s local roots include ancestors in the whaling, oyster and sailmaking businesses. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and completed Graduate Studies in Public Policy George Washington University. She resides in Orient with her husband David.
David Abatelli, Vice Chair
Returning Vice Chair Dave Abatelli has served the North Fork for over 35 years in a myriad of roles. Dave is most well-known for his work with the Village of Greenport with twelve years in the Community Development Office and 17 years as the Village Administrator. He also worked for CAST, the North Fork Housing Alliance and served on the Greenport BID Board for many years. A retired Naval Reservist and graduate of Long Island University, Southampton, Dave and his wife Lydia operate Lydia’s Antiques and Stained Glass in Greenport.
Bob Swanton, Treasurer
Bob Swanton will continue in his role as Treasurer and as a member of the Cruise Committee. Bob is a former Compensation Analyst with Exxon Corp. and was Director of Human Resources at Merrill Lynch Relocation Management. He was also an adjunct professor of Organizational Development at the Milano Graduate School of Management and has lectured internationally on executive leadership. Bob is an experienced offshore sailor and a retired Lieutenant Commander (USNR). He holds an MA in Chinese History from NYU and an MBA in Management from the Columbia Graduate School of Business. Bob splits his time between NYC and Greenport where he is on the board of the Oyster Point Condominium Association.
Claire Lyons, Secretary
Claire Lyons will return to serve as Secretary. Claire came to the Museum with a long history of maritime related expertise. She was the US editor of UK based Seatrade Week and Seatrade Review for many years, relied on by the ship-owning and ship chartering community. She also worked as a paralegal and researcher in a marine engineering firm writing expert witness reports on various legal dilemmas and conducting research in shipping and shipbuilding. Many years before turning professional, Claire had a brief history in Montauk working as a commercial fisher. Claire resides in Greenport.
Beth Haskell, Board Member
Beth Haskell has a MA in American History from NYU as well as a Certificate in Museum Studies. She also has a Certificate in Computer Management from Columbia University. Her early career as a maritime historian included working at South Street Seaport Museum, Sailors Snug Harbor and with the art collection of the Seamens Bank for Savings. Second career included heading technology for the Trust for Public Land, Gay Men's Health Crisis, and 22 years at Central Park Conservancy.
Ellen Jaffe, Board Member
Ellen Jaffe heads our communications committee. Ellen’s four decades-long career as photographer, art director and graphic designer has ranged from newspaper photojournalism to magazine editorial and corporate production. She is co-founder of Davis + Jaffe, LLC, developing and producing multi-location events, product introductions, annual reports and shareholder meetings. Projects have included Times Square jumbotron design and production for Delta Airlines and AT & T as well as corporate conference design for MetLife and American Express. In 2012 Ellen received her second MTA Arts for Transit Commission. This series of photographs would become the ‘Trainscapes’ installation at Grand Central Terminal. An avid cyclist, Ellen is past president and proud Life Member of New York Cycle Club.
Joan Ripley, Board Member
Joan Ripley was an Assistant Superintendent of the Farmingdale and Plainedge School Districts for 19 years prior to retirement, Joan brings many years of experience as a teacher and administrator in elementary and secondary education. Joan also serves as the President of the Friends of Floyd Memorial Library. Joan holds a Doctorate in Education from St. John’s University which will be put to good use as the Chair of the Museum’s Education Committee. Joan also leads the Land & Sea Gala Committee. She resides in Greenport with her husband Chris.
Museum Staff
Tracey Orlando, Executive Director
With her extensive experience in volunteer management and fundraising, Tracey Orlando brings strategic leadership to her role as Executive Director of the East End Seaport Museum. Tracey’s dedication to preserving our rich maritime heritage and her commitment to fostering strong community ties drives her approach to management and programming. Her track record of successful fundraising campaigns and partnerships has enhanced the impact of our mission. Through her leadership the Museum continues to thrive as a beacon of history and community enrichment. Tracey was named Civic Person of the year 2006 by The Suffolk Times and has received numerous leadership awards from the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.
Paige Acebo, Assistant to Executive Director
Paige Acebo grew up on the North Fork immersed in maritime culture. She received a BA from NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study and spent many years in New York City as a painter immersed in the art world all the while gaining professional experience as an Executive Assistant and Studio Manager. Last spring she decided it was time to reunite with her hometown. Paige now splits her time between the North Fork and NYC, where she shares an art studio at Westbeth Artists Housing. She wears many hats at the Museum and is thrilled to be part of a team that allows her to engage with the local community and embrace the culture she grew up in.