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.

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.