About

The BkSWAB aims to carry out the function of the citizens' board as outlined in the NYC Administrative Code, serving as a trusted community resource to the Brooklyn Borough President and City Council members on issues related to waste in our borough.

Thanks for your interest in becoming a BkSWAB member! Membership is FREE and open to all. 

How to apply for membership:

1. Attend at least 3 of our last 6 monthly board meetings. You can apply the night of your third meeting.

2. Complete the online application. 

3. The BkSWAB Executive Committee will review and forward your application to the Brooklyn Borough President. 

As a member of the BkSWAB, you are required to:

• Attend at least 6 monthly board meetings in the calendar year

• Join at least 1 committee (see below), and attend its meetings

Similar to Community Boards, BkSWAB members are appointed by the Brooklyn Borough President. 

Current members (Executive Committee May 2025-May 2027):

Mary Ellen Sullivan, Chair

Rhonda Keyser, Vice Chair

Lee Stark, Secretary

Beth Slepian, Sergeant at Arms

Anne Bassen, Board Member

Kendall Christiansen, Board Member

Vasil Diyamandoglu, Board Member 

Betty Feibusch, Board Member

Suzan Frazier, Board Member

Pablo Garcia, Board Member

Jason Ginsberg, Board Member

Mark Hellerman, Board Member

Afia Henriques, Board Member

Debbie Herdan, Board Member

Elizabeth Kuzila, Board Member

Bella Muccari, Board Member

Ulrike Nicshan, Board Member 

Dylan Oakley, Board Member

Stephanie O'Brien, Board Member

Mike Phillips, Board Member

Sandye Renz, Board Member

Michael Rieser, Board Member

Savannah Robledo, Board Member

Elizabeth Royzman, Board Member

Shari Rueckl, Board Member

Robert Saffer, Board Member

Devin Stuzin, Board Member

Vandra Thorburn, Board Member

Executive Committee: The Executive Committee (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Sergeant-at-Arms) sets the direction, organizes, and coordinates the activities of the SWAB.

Organics Committee: The Organics Committee supports community and curbside composting in NYC with our goal of maximizing participation and diversion of organic waste 

Legislative Committee (Joint committee with QSWAB & MSWAB): The Legislative Committee investigates local and state legislative and administrative issues within the BkSWAB’s purview and formulates testimony and other advisory communications to support the Board’s role as an advisor to New York City’s elected and appointed leaders. 

Outreach & Events Committee: The Outreach & Events Committee will work to broaden the reach and inclusivity of the BkSWAB by forming and maintaining relationships with community groups and relevant stakeholders throughout the Borough. The committee will have the dual aims of raising awareness of waste, and increasing the BkSWAB's understanding of local issues. 

NYCHA Committee (Liaison to MSWAB led committee): The NYCHA Recycling Committee seeks to improve existing NYCHA recycling and expand residential access to recycling across the borough of Manhattan. The Committee pursues this goal by forging sustainable collaborations with existing NYCHA objectives, community organizations, and concerned residents.