Bedford 2030 announced this week that Mariah Okrongly, their Program Director, will take on the role of Executive Director as of November 1st. Okrongly will replace Midge Iorio, who has led the organization for the past 13 years and has decided to step down from the Executive Director position.
“This community has been so lucky to have Midge capably steering the helm of this organization for 13 years, and we will miss her leadership. We are equally thrilled that Mariah will be stepping into this role. Mariah has a deep dedication to our mission and a tremendous passion for the climate action work we do. Having grown within the organization, Mariah understands what we do and where we need to focus as we work towards our goals. We know that Mariah will help us make an even bigger impact, and we’re looking forward to this next chapter of Bedford 2030 with her leading the way,” commented Board President Karen Sabath.
Midge Iorio and Mariah Okrongly
During her tenure at Bedford 2030, Okrongly has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including Bedford 2030’s Personal Energy Coach. This program has supported over 300 community members in navigating the complex process of home and building energy upgrades, reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and reducing greenhouse gas pollution. She has been instrumental in developing The Building Health and Performance Initiative, a partnership program with the Town to make our local rental units safer and healthier—and EV2030, Bedford 2030’s tool to provide essential, personalized information to help people transition away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. She has also led efforts to strengthen data and metrics and reach new audiences.
Mariah Okrongly, New Executive Director
“It will be an honor to lead Bedford 2030 in the Executive Director role as we push toward a greener, more sustainable future. I am committed to advancing our mission with the same dedication I’ve brought to the organization over the past three years as Program Director. I am eager to work with Bedford 2030’s amazing team to prioritize our efforts to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation. Midge’s strong leadership style has allowed me to grow and learn in my role, and she will be a deeply missed mentor,” said Mariah Okrongly, new Executive Director of Bedford 2030.
Iorio joined Bedford 2020 as Program Director in 2012 and was promoted to Executive Director four years later. During her tenure, the organization has built a strong brand, created a wide array of impactful programs, surpassed its initial goals, and relaunched as Bedford 2030 with a new 10-year climate action plan and aggressive new goals.
Iorio commented, “I am incredibly proud of what this organization and community have accomplished together. However, as we see every day, our work is more vital and urgent than ever. I cannot imagine anyone better suited than Mariah to lead Bedford 2030’s Climate Action Now movement. She’s laser-focused on impact and has the experience, creativity, and unwavering determination to drive positive change. On top of that, she’s an inspiring and lovely person to work with.”
Midge Iorio, Executive Director
The organization shared that while Iorio is stepping down from her current role, she will stay on through early spring to support Mariah and help ensure a strong transition.
