Leadership Team

Executive Director Dona Neely has played a key role in transitioning the former Fort Devens (MA) military base into an internationally recognized eco-industrial park since 2004 by helping to create of one of the country’s first voluntary corporate stewardship recognition programs and later founding the nonprofit Devens Eco-Efficiency Center to help firms in the region gain economic and ecological efficiencies. She launched The Great Exchange to divert reusable waste streams from manufacturing facilities and has grown this program to include more than 600 types of operational supplies, educational and creative materials, and furniture items that benefit schools, municipalities, nonprofits, and small businesses across the state. She also led the establishment of the regional household hazardous waste collection center in Devens that now serves as a model because of its collection and cost effectiveness. Dona thrives on building collaborations that strengthen sustainability and community.

Program Manager Amanda Lansing has over 10 years of experience in the fields of environmental compliance and facilitating the integration of waste reduction programs at the state and local levels. As a recycling supervisor for the MassDEP’s Recycle Smart program she helped municipalities reduce curbside recycling contamination. Joining the center in 2020, she has managed the Center’s online presence and overseen the inventory management activities at The Great Exchange with a commitment to resource preservation. She thrives where organization meets community, overseeing the management and execution of inventory collection opportunities, group volunteer projects, and helping to create and present on what TGE and the DEEC have to offer. Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business Practices.

Program Specialist Maya Drabik is responsible for the marketing strategies for The Great Exchange program. She oversees social media content, creates promotional documents, and manages the program’s website. Her creative input into the marketing tools and communication channels has helped grow the program’s social following and engagement over the past two years. As a lifelong scuba diver, the protection of our ecosystems is something she is very passionate about and the Center’s focus on waste management and preserving resources resonates strongly with her. Maya holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies.

Program Assistant Christine Knowlton joined the Center as a volunteer and joined the staff not long after as she resonated with the organization’s mission. She spent much of her career in the banking industry, giving her a good eye for detail and organization. These skills support her ability to continuously streamline processes related to managing The Great Exchange’s inventory and strengthen the collection of metrics that demonstrate the social and environmental benefits of the program.