Leadership and Governance

Executive Director

Sharon Hussey is the Executive Director of Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island, where she leads efforts to preserve and strengthen one of Newport’s most significant historic landscapes. Her work encompasses cemetery operations, historic preservation, fundraising, strategic planning, community engagement, and the long-term stewardship of the cemetery’s buildings, monuments, and landscape.

Hussey has played a central role in the restoration and revitalization of the historic Belmont Chapel, helping guide a decade-long effort that raised approximately $2.5 million from foundations and private donors. More recently, her leadership has expanded to the broader preservation and improvement of Island Cemetery’s historic landscape and the development of collaborative planning among Newport’s neighboring historic burial grounds.

Her professional background includes executive leadership in Rhode Island nonprofit organizations as well as earlier work in education and technology. She previously served in leadership roles at the University of Rhode Island and as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Network for Educational Technology.

Director of Cemetery Development

Tanya Kelley is a landscape designer and environmental advocate with more than 30 years of experience in landscape architecture, historic preservation, and community planning. She is the founder and principal of PLACEstudio, LLC in Newport, Rhode Island, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the City College of New York and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Kelley has served on the Newport Planning Board and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and has contributed to numerous civic, preservation, and landscape initiatives throughout Rhode Island. At Island Cemetery, she has played an important role in landscape planning and is currently helping guide development of the Newport Cemetery District Master Plan, bringing together landscape preservation, environmental stewardship, historic resources, and public access.

Project Manager

Robert Vitello is a longtime Newport resident, educator, community organizer, and advocate for historic preservation and public engagement. Before retiring from Bristol Community College, he worked in workforce development and training, experience he continues to draw upon through consulting and community service. He has lived in Newport since 1990, where he and his wife raised their two children.

Vitello has been closely involved with Island Cemetery and the Belmont Chapel for many years and currently serves as Project Manager at Island Cemetery and as a trustee of the Friends of Belmont Chapel and Island Cemetery. He has played an important role in developing the Cemetery’s public programming, including tours, lectures, concerts, volunteer activities, and special events. He has been particularly active in establishing the restored Belmont Chapel as a vibrant venue for music and cultural programming.

Combining his professional background with a strong commitment to Newport, Vitello works to connect the community with Island Cemetery’s history, architecture, landscape, and people while supporting the organization’s broader preservation and stewardship mission.

Administrative Assistant

Betsey Oestreich moved to Aquidneck Island in 2005 after reconnecting with and marrying a childhood friend. She brought with her more than twenty years of experience in marketing and sales.

Betsey joined the Newport School District, where she supported the Director of Human Resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to retire—but retirement didn’t last long.

Looking for a meaningful way to spend her time and stay connected to the community, Betsey began volunteering at Island Cemetery. What started as a volunteer opportunity soon grew into a key staff position. As Administrative Assistant, Betsey plays an important role in the cemetery’s day-to-day operations and its service to lot owners, families, and visitors. She supports the Cemetery’s office operations and helps maintain and update its burial records database, contributing to the important work of preserving Island Cemetery’s history and making its records accessible for generations to come. 

Grounds Manager

Frank Amaral serves as Grounds Manager at Island Cemetery, bringing a lifelong connection to Newport and more than 50 years of familiarity with the cemetery. His extensive knowledge of its landscape, horticulture, history, and monuments gives him a unique perspective on the care of this important historic site. Frank oversees the day-to-day stewardship of the grounds, including landscape restoration, tree and shrub care, and the preservation of the cemetery’s historic character. His deep knowledge of Island Cemetery and commitment to its ongoing restoration make him an invaluable member of the cemetery team.

Research Consultant

Zachary Russell is a historic preservation professional whose work with Island Cemetery has focused on research, cemetery records, mapping, interpretation, and monument conservation. A 2023 graduate of Salve Regina University with a B.A. in Cultural and Historic Preservation, Zach played an important role in the restoration of Belmont Chapel, including historical research that helped guide the award-winning project. He has also developed and led cemetery tours and participated in hands-on gravestone conservation and restoration efforts. Now serving as Preservation Coordinator at Preserve Rhode Island, Zach continues to bring his preservation expertise to Island Cemetery and its historic resources.