People
Wendy Schmidt, President
Wendy Schmidt is President of The Schmidt Family Foundation, whose mission is to support the transition from an old understanding of energy and natural resources to one that reflects new values for the 21st Century based on our growing knowledge of the interdependence of human and natural systems. Recognizing that interdependence extends to community well being as well, Wendy began ReMain Nantucket as a foundation project in 2008. Other Foundation initiatives included The 11th Hour Project and Climate Central.
Wendy is a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council, serving as co-chair of the Communications Committee. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism from The University of California at Berkeley, and graduated Magna cum laude from Smith College. She has worked previously in high-tech marketing communications and as an interior designer, specializing in residential interiors.
Melissa Philbrick, Executive Director
Melissa Philbrick moved to Nantucket in 1986 with her husband and two young children to practice law. In 1996, she opened her own law firm with a primarily real estate-based practice. She has worked with ReMain Nantucket since its formation, and in 2009 left the active practice of law to become its Executive Director.
Melissa has served on a variety of Nantucket non-profit boards. She graduated from Brown University and received her law degree from Columbia University School of Law.
Rachel Hobart, Project Manager
Rachel Hobart, a summer resident of the Island since 1968, moved to the Island in 1987 to practice law. She took a break from the law to raise her three children, and was a partner in the opening of Fahey and Fromagerie, a gourmet wine and food store. Rachel started with ReMain in May of 2008.
She has served on the board of several local non-profits, including Small Friends On Nantucket, The Children’s House, The Nantucket Atheneum, and currently and most extensively, The Nantucket New School, where she is a Vice President. Rachel graduated from Yale University and received her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.
Virna Gonzalez, Office & Events Manager
Since moving to Nantucket in 2002, Virna has redirected her skills towards operations management and advertising. Virna received her BFA from St. John's University in 1989 and served as a director in advertising and marketing in New York City.