Our Staff
Robyn Silvestri
Executive Director
Robyn’s whole life is about public service, philanthropy and leadership. Having lived and worked in Europe for over a decade, Robyn speaks multiple languages and holds a degree in International Relations from Webster University (Vienna). She has over three decades of experience in sales, marketing and communication at both international companies and startups.
Whether as the Chairperson of the Babylon Village Volunteer Corps, helping connect residents in need with volunteers, or as a past President of her local PTA, Robyn is an enthusiastic community leader, collaborator and networker. She refers to it as connecting the dots.
Robyn attributes her success to following her heart, hard work, and the support of her loving husband and four children. As a family, they greatly enjoy the recreational activities afforded to residents of Long Island including boating, paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking, biking and beach volleyball.
Lauren Gaffary
Development Manager
Lauren‘s deep connection to the Great South Bay began in childhood, where she spent countless hours sailing, boating, and exploring its waters. Her earliest memories are of clamming at the flats beneath the Robert Moses Bridge and running across the sandbar at Sore Thumb. Throughout her life, Lauren has been a passionate advocate for the health and preservation of the South Shore’s waters, and she is excited to now dedicate her career to Save the Great South Bay.
With a lifelong love of sailing, Lauren led the Saltaire Yacht Club’s sailing program for many years before competing at the collegiate level at Fairfield University. She holds multiple degrees from Fairfield University and has a diverse professional background that includes serving as the Development and Operations Coordinator at Smile Farms, a Development Associate at Strong’s Marine, and an Art Teacher at The Bridges Academy.
When she’s not working to protect the Bay, Lauren can be found enjoying it – whether sailing, paddleboarding, or creating art on the shores. A lover of the water and nature, she often takes inspiration from the beach and her surroundings, upcycling found objects into sculptures and paintings, as well as capturing the beauty of the surf through photography. Whether at the Bay Shore Yacht Club, Fire Island, or a boat, Lauren’s heart is always on the water, striving to ensure future generations can enjoy it as much as she has.