Wayland Energy Committee scrambles after sustainability director's sudden exit

WAYLAND -- April 28, 2026, Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee learned its sustainability director had quit the day before, throwing key projects into limbo. Chair Ellen Tone told members April 28 that Julie Gagen's last day was April 27 and that Town Manager Mike is planning a search, with a replacement unlikely before late June. Tone warned the gap jeopardizes an August application for a $1.15 million Climate Leader grant now resting on Sustainability Coordinator Olivia Lizardo. Vice Chair Tom Sciacca called the departure "definitely a loss" for the committee. The panel also heard from HomeWorks Energy's Rachel Gunasekaran, who projected 225 home energy assessments, 26 weatherization installs and 30 HVAC installations in Wayland this year, and voted 5-0 to approve March 17 minutes after correcting an error placing Dudley Pond in Framingham.