Board and Policies

Jeanne Cecil, Executive Director

Board and Chairs 2025

Linda Askren – Board member. Linda retired as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh and began volunteering at RCH some years ago. Linda and her husband Bob are long-time environmentalists. Linda handles most administrative work, and helps with everything from outdoor work to the gift shop. Linda’s husband Bob also volunteers and produced many of the hand-made items in our shop.

Julie Battle, Board President – Julie had made herself available to assist with tours and visitors for some years before joining the board. She was mentored as a naturalist by the local legend, Miss Beulah Frey. Julie also works a full-time job and supports other organizations, hosts foreign exchange students and participates in community work.

Judy Bodick Ujcic, Board member and Secretary – Judy, along with her late husband, Joe, both rolled-up their sleeves and assisted in a major way when arriving at the Homestead over ten years ago.  Eventually joining the board, Judy is proud of the fact that Rachel Carson came from our little neighborhood. Judy has held various offices and remains dedicated to honoring Rachel’s legacy through our activities and events.

Jeanne Cecil, Acting Treasurer and Executive Director – Starting as a docent in 2013, Jeanne was appointed as executive director and transitioned RCH through physical and operational improvements. The authenticity of the Homestead site is the basis of a vision to make RCH the source for valid information about Rachel Carson. Respecting those who came before us, and excited to pass the baton to new members, Jeanne strives for RCHA to achieve the status befitting its namesake.

Nicole Rodrigues, Esq. – Board member. Nicole brings a range of experience from previous work as an attorney for the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and employed at Phipps Conservancy while attending college. A long-time Rachel Carson fan, Nicole remains dedicated to RCHA while raising a young family.

Frank Muto -Recently came to RCH as a docent and has accepted the role of Education Director. Frank’s connection to RCH and founder, the late Mrs. Evelyn Hirtle George, began with his first teaching position as a long-term substitute when the late Mrs. Evelyn Hirtle George, took a seb. Frank believes in hands-on, minds-on learning experiences and Rachel’s fostering of the innate curiosity and sense of wonder. was invited to be our Education Director! Frank retired from public school systems and remains engaged as a volunteer in several nonprofit

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This section to be updated and expanded in consideration that the RCHA values include dedication to transparency and accountability.

RCHA Bylaws

RCHA_Bylaws

The RCHA operates with the following policies: