Meet the New Leaders at ECO

It is a period of great change for our grassroots community organization. We are building our most important project to date, the Etna Center for Community, and bringing back a critical educational asset to Etna. In the coming years, we will be expanding our staff and growing our program offerings to residents. Our little borough is growing by leaps and bounds, with new businesses, industry, and neighbors moving in.

One thing that will never change, however, is that our board will always be comprised of passionate, talented, and dedicated individuals who give their time to and resources to help improve the quality of life for everyone in Etna Borough. Even as some of our founding members have moved on, new community members are stepping in to serve and help achieve ECO's mission of sustainability, resilience, and social equity.

In January, three of ECOs founding members stepped down from their roles on the board. Mary Ellen Ramage, Etna Borough manager and ECO vice-chair, and Robert Tunon, Etna Mayor and founding ECO Chairman will still serve in ex officio roles advising ECO as our municipal partners. ECO treasurer, Alexis Boytim, left Pittsburgh for DC to pursue a new career with the Environmental Protection Agency. We miss you Alexis!

Stepping into the role of ECO Chairperson is Bridget Barret. A common thread that runs through all of Bridget Barrett’s work is connecting people to the right resources and support. She has done that in her work in Pittsburgh area politics over the last decade and now brings that energy and passion to Etna Borough. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff for State Representative Emily Kinkead, but has worked for several elected officials. 

Bridget bought her home in Etna in October of 2019 after falling in love with the community while working for then State Representative Sara Innamorato.  In an attempt to give back to her community and grow the amazing programs and projects in Etna, Bridget joined the Etna Community Organization Board of Directors in January of 2023.

Our new Vice-Chair is Melanie Rankin Groves. With over two decades of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, Melanie brings a deep passion for community connection and creativity to her role as Co-Chair of the Etna Community Organization. She currently leads the Programming Committee, helping shape experiences that bring vibrancy, joy, and meaningful connection to Etna residents.

Professionally, she serves as the Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Carnegie Museum of Art and previously managed exhibitions at The Frick Pittsburgh, where she focused on visitor-centered, inclusive art experiences. With a background in art education for museums and cultural institutions, Melanie is committed to creating programs that serve families, foster equity, and build a more connected and inspired Etna. 

We are fortunate to have to talents of Ryan Gott, PhD serving in the role of Treasurer. Dr. Gott has lived in Etna since 2019 and has served on the ECO Board since 2023. Serving on the Board is a way for Dr. Gott to extend his care for our community and systems to the town he loves. Dr. Gott’s other personal focus is environmental stewardship, specializing in native plants and their ecological functions. Dr. Gott currently serves as Senior Director of Horticulture and Agriculture Technology at Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh. 

ECO founding board member Veni Mittal is maintaining her role as ECO Secretary. Veni works as a Senior Analyst at JLL. Her connection to Etna community runs deep, with roots stretching back to 2018 when she first became involved. Over time, her affection for this community has grown profoundly, becoming an integral part of who she is. As a member of ECO, she is constantly reminded of the potential each individual has to create change, and how our collective efforts can lead to substantial improvements. Veni says, "together, we have the power to shape a more prosperous and sustainable future, ensuring that generations to come will inherit a thriving community. This shared vision of progress and sustainability drives our actions and reinforces the importance of our united efforts."