Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Cat Sayles

Cat Sayles is COO at Sustainable Westchester, bringing a dynamic mix of operational know-how, strategic leadership, and a relentless commitment to mission-driven work. A reformed startup veteran, Cat pivoted to the nonprofit world in 2023, eager to apply her business acumen to sustainability and make an impact on her community.

Cat thrives on solving complex challenges and building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered. She believes an organization is only as strong as its people and is deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, equity, and collaboration. She prioritizes the employee experience, leveraging automation, and streamlined processes to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission.

In her daily life, Cat is committed to sustainability, embracing practical habits that reduce her carbon footprint and inspire her neighbors to do the same. After moving to Westchester during the pandemic, she looked for ways to support local climate action. This led her to found the Southern Westchester Chapter of Mothers Out Front, a grassroots organization focused on environmental justice, where she remains an active volunteer.