Rita oversees all aspects of creating, managing, and programming Scenic Hudson’s network of parks to connect people with the Hudson Valley. Since joining the organization in 1996, she has been at the forefront of opening 18 parks and improving many others, engaging communities throughout each process. 

Rita’s early work included initiating youth environmental education in Scenic Hudson parks in partnership with a school district and AmeriCorps. She played a key role in launching park volunteer opportunities and events, and developed the first series of park guides. Previously, she worked for a planning commission in New Hampshire and in private practices in Vermont and New York. 

Rita studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and lives in Kerhonkson at the foothills of the Shawangunk Ridge.