Beyond my work for the Village, I am mother to two sons in the Ossining Schools, and wife to a union laborer and local business owner. My early professional career focused on social work—serving adolescents and families facing challenges with the court and foster care system. A desire to serve something greater than myself led me to this work. I shifted my focus to the for-profit world for a number of years in New York City. It was exciting to explore my independence in a fast-paced profit-driven environment, while living in the greatest city on earth.
Once I hit 30, my career motivations came full circle. I began substitute teaching where I ultimately was hired to teach middle school math. My husband and I moved to Ossining to start a family, and I was grateful for the opportunity to take a few years to focus on being a new mother. I entered politics through a pathway of environmentalism. As a homeowner, I’m aware of the direct impact that the tax rate has on my family. My dedication to both progressive environmental policies, and preserving affordability for Ossining residents, drives me to create savings through programs like installing LED streetlights, which saved enough money to help maintain a 0% tax rate increase two years in a row. My service as mayor is an extension of all of my career experience, the inspiring dedication to community service that my parents continue to model for me, and the values I hope to instill in my own sons.
This resume includes everything beginning with my summer jobs and internships as a college student over a quarter century ago.
Public & Community Service
Mayor, Village of Ossining 2015-present
Since taking office, I have transformed the way Village government communicates with residents. Earlier this year I completed my series of Weekly Walks where residents joined me on a journey to cover all 44 miles of village roadways. Initiatives like Open Office Hours have dramatically increased accessibility, allowing me to connect with residents in less formal settings. The Monday Mayor’s Message I send each week helps residents understand the context of agenda items and key initiatives being considered by the Village Board. As mayor of a village with a large Latino community, I have improved my Spanish language skills so that I am better able to connect with Ossining residents.
This foundation of improved community connections, and a more professional village team, positions us well for implementing the innovative planning and economic development needed to further Ossining’s values of preserving cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
Trustee, Village of Ossining 2013-2015
Recognizing that as mayor I could improve the village’s ability to connect with our community, the efficiency of village government operations, and our local economic revitalization, I challenged the four-time incumbent in my own party to become the first woman elected mayor of Ossining.
Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series, Co-founder & Moderator 2013-present
We are in our fifth year of bringing the community together to discuss things that matter. We are a volunteer committee that plans and promotes a monthly program focused on issues of environmentalism and social justice, and hosted in the beautiful theater at the Ossining Public Library. The screenings are free to the public. All program funding is through grants, small donations, and local sponsors.
Sustainable Westchester Steering Committee 2013-2014
I was fortunate to serve on this team of a dozen leaders from municipal government and renewable energy innovators. We crafted a nonprofit to aggregate the intellectual capital of our region and bring sustainability programs to its 40+ municipal members. Initiatives spearheaded by this organization like community choice aggregation and the Energize program, have become models for communities across NYS.
Village Environmental Advisory Counsel 2011-2013
As a member of the EAC, I advised the Planning Board and Board of Trustees on preservation and responsible development, particularly in accordance with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP).
Education, Training & Awards
Groundbreakers Award 2017
I was honored by the Pace Land Use Law Center with my colleague, Ossining Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg, for our partnership seeking innovative solutions for big challenges in our community.
Land Use Leadership Alliance Training on Affordable Housing 2017
Land Use Leadership Alliance Training on Energy & Sustainability 2012
I have enthusiastically taken advantage of programs from the Pace Land Use Law Center to strengthen my knowledge of housing, zoning, economic development, and innovative solutions pioneered by other communities. I participated on a panel discussion at their recent Affordable Housing Summit. I was invited to share my experience as a mayor actively seeking to improve affordable housing opportunities.
Ohio Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts Class of 1993
Major: Sociology Minor: Spanish
Teaching & Social Work Experience
Childbirth Mentor, Birthing From Within Westchester 2010-2013
Taught parents how to prepare for childbirth
Math Teacher, The Calhoun School 2003-2006
Developed & implemented curriculum for middle school students
Administrator & Childcare Worker, Touchstone Group Home 1992-1995
Managed childcare workers, developed staff training, and implemented resident behavior programs
Family Advocate, Delaware County Juvenile Court 1993-1994
Counseled families in their homes, and recommended actions to be taken by family court judge
Group Leader, CORC Job Training Summer Program 1993
Managed group of at-risk youth in community job training experiences
Spanish Teacher, Black Community Solutions Project 1992
Developed and taught introductory Spanish curriculum for inner-city youth
Tutor, Alvis House Inmate Society Reintroduction Program 1992
Provided literacy tutoring for mentally retarded sex offenders and ESL for a Spanish speaking inmate
Corporate, Marketing & Film Production Experience
President & Co-Founder, Lucy Films 1998-2002
Managed financial, insurance and legal issues & raised capital from private investors
Location Manager & Scout 1999-2001
Scouted locations & negotiated permits and fees with agencies and property-owners to stay within budget
Producer, the mudball war 1999-2000
Coordinated schedule, budget and logistics to successfully complete shooting on schedule
Account Manager, Worth 1998-1999
Sold print advertising generating $1.5 million annually
Sales & Marketing Coordinator, The American Benefactor 1997-1998
Created marketing material promoting opportunities for prospective advertisers
Filings Analyst, AIG 1995-1997
Drafted legal policy endorsements and rate revisions to be compliance with state insurance regulations
Victoria Gearity, Former Ossining Mayor 
Ever since your father sent me in September that inspiring write-up on you, I have intended to write my congratulations to you, Victoria. Out of stationery, I made my second trip to Manhattan since March to the shop on West 18th Street which carries the Crane brand I like–only to find it closed for good because of the pandemic. So, I resort to the internet to let you know again how proud I remain of you, who remain one of my icons. Congratulations on your latest public recognition as well as a life well lived.
Jim Quinn