The Wayland Post sent out a questionnaire to all the candidates running for election on Tuesday, April 28 to provide voters more information. The following are the responses from those who replied.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS (write-in candidate)
Yiji Brennan Background: I have lived in Wayland for more than 25 years, with both my children attending public schools from Claypit Hill to Wayland High. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and have over 30 years of finance experience working in the financial services industry.
Motivation for running: Serving on the Board of Assessors presents an ideal opportunity for me to give back to our community. The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure fair property assessments for Wayland residents. My experiences from senior finance roles in Fortune 500 companies qualifies me to evaluate financial matters objectively. It is important to note that the role does not involve setting tax rates which aligns with my desire to remain outside of political matters.
Favorite free day: I used to play contract bridge and have won two national championships. Now I devote my competitive energies towards golf in the summer and curling in the winter. Both hobbies are done in Wayland: Wayland Country Club and Broomstones Curling Club. My favorite day is typically spent in Wayland.
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES (2 seats)
Aida Gennis Background: We moved to Wayland in 1992 as Loker School reopened. Our children benefitted from the energy at Loker, and the school system. I am a practicing attorney, primarily in probate law. I have also volunteered in the legal system for 30 years.
Prior or current service: I serve as a library trustee and chair the board. I also am a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I have represented the library before Town Meeting, town boards, our state agency, and the Massachusetts legislature.
Motivation for running: I am deeply committed to improving the availability and access of library services for all residents. I strive to develop policies and resources for residents to explore, learn, and engage to satisfy their curiosity and knowledge.
Key issues: Top issues are maintenance, repairs, ADA compliance and improved resources.
I advocated for and ATM 2022 provided funds for: deferred maintenance to safeguard the building; ADA compliance for access into and within the building; climate control; all are on track. Physical and remote resources and services for residents is a continuing important effort.
Distinguishing factors: As a Trustee representing the library, I bring a balanced, historic, and trusted perspective of the library and the community’s needs as I advocate to improve the library’s position and resources.
Relevant accomplishments: Our deliberative board balances the library’s needs with the town’s. Successes include: retaining Trustee authority under the town manager system; securing funds for maintenance, ADA upgrades; hiring library directors; developing a Special Act for the Millennium Fund.
Best advice: Be a respectful and active listener, balance wants with needs, be available and present.
Additional Information: I enjoy public service, finding it deeply rewarding and meaningful. I hope to continue as a library trustee and I ask for your vote.
Favorite free day: Spending time in Wayland with my family at parks and walking trails, enjoying books and discussions with friends.
Enjoying/relating to the community: I enjoy traveling, visiting museums and historic sites. I enjoy visiting other libraries, seeing how they present themselves and address their community’s needs, and chatting with staff.
Leah Hart
Background: I moved to Wayland in 1993 with my husband, Jon, who grew up here. Our four children attended Wayland schools, and I have been an active volunteer. I work in residential real estate in Wayland and the surrounding towns.
Prior or current service: I currently serve on the Board of Library Trustees and have done so since 2017. I’ve been an active volunteer in Wayland, serving in various roles in the schools, the Wayland Children’s and Parents Association, the Wayland Public Schools Foundation, and the Wayland Garden Club.
Motivation for running: My children benefited from the library’s programs, especially the guidance from the Children’s Room librarians. They were masters at recommending the right book for each child, based on interest and reading level. I’d love to continue to give back to the Wayland library.
Key issues: The key issues are to preserve the high-quality resources and services at the Library, be forward looking and in touch with the community to meet the evolving needs of residents, within the library’s budget.
Distinguishing factors: I have a degree in business and over 25 years working in real estate, marketing and financial services.
Enjoying/relating to the community: I enjoy spending time outdoors in Wayland’s acres of beautiful conservation land, visits to Russells and the small shops and restaurants in town.
BOARD OF HEALTH (one seat)
Kathryn Stiff Background: My family moved to Wayland in 2020 from Seattle. I work in a hospital in Boston as a nurse practitioner. I have a background as a dietitian, a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner.
Prior or current service: I’ve served on the Board of Health since 2025 and volunteered as a nurse with the health department previously.
Motivation for running: I’d like to continue serving the community on the board of health
Distinguishing factors: I would like to continue on in this position serving the community. As a nurse, I bring a complimentary perspective to the board.
Relevant accomplishments: As a nurse working in healthcare and serving on the board over the past year, I have relevant experience to bring to the Board of Health.
Best advice: Being present, staying curious and asking resources/experts can be helpful in managing challenging situations.
Favorite free day: Taking a walk or working in the garden! I love experiencing the outdoors.
Enjoying/relating to the community: I like to walk on the rail trail, explore conservation land, play tennis or pickleball around town and you’ll also find me on the soccer sidelines most weekends in the spring and fall.
MODERATOR (one seat)
Miranda Jones Background: I’ve been living in Wayland since 1991 but am originally from Belmont. My husband and I raised three children in the Wayland Public Schools. I hold a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a law degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Prior or current service: I was first elected moderator in 2023. Prior to that I served on the Wayland’s Personnel Board for nine years. Prior to that I served on the Town Meeting Procedures Subcommittee under my predecessors. I have served as the Chair of the PTO at Claypit Hill School and was the second the President of the Wayland Children and Parents’ Association.
Motivation for running: I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the past three years as Wayland’s Moderator. The Wayland voters want to utilize remote participation so part of my job as Moderator is to help accomplish that goal. More globally, I would like to make town meeting run more efficiently.
Key issues: First, to fulfill the directive of the Wayland voters and get the state legislature to allow us to utilize remote participation, thereby allowing access to town meeting to otherwise disenfranchised voters. Second, it always considers ways to improve the town meeting process so it runs in the most fair and efficient manner possible.
Distinguishing factors: I now have three years of experience as Town Moderator. I also served on the Town Meeting Procedure Subcommittee under my predecessors. I am a 35-year resident of Wayland with no intention of leaving anytime soon.
Relevant accomplishments: I am the first woman elected Moderator in Wayland’s history. I successfully utilized the Consent Calendar in last year’s town meeting and I will continue to improve that process. I think I have built a reputation as being a fair and accessible moderator.
Best advice: As the moderator, your job is simply to run a meeting. Try to do so in the most fair and efficient manner.
Additional Information: I am open to hearing all suggestions on how to improve the town meeting experience for the Wayland voters.
Favorite free day: Holding my granddaughter who was born on March 9. Having my family around me at home in Wayland or at the beach. Walking (years ago it was running) throughout Wayland.
Enjoying/relating to the community: Walking our dog in Hamlen Woods. Bumping into Wayland residents at our various restaurants and shops.
Campaign Information: Call me on my cell at 339-221-3064 or email me at mjones@wayland.ma.us.
PLANNING BOARD (one seat)
William Sterling Background: Gretchen and I moved to Wayland in 1979 so our three kids could benefit from Wayland’s school system. We were not disappointed. We moved into a solar house that I designed, one of Wayland’s first solar houses. A year later I started Sterling Associates, Inc. Architects and maintained the business until retirement in 2023. See sterlingarchitects.com for more information.
Prior or current service: Zoning Board of Appeals, 1980s to 1990s. Chair of Design Review Board, 2012–present.
Council on Aging during that same time. Permanent Municipal Building Committee during the design, bidding, and construction of the new CoA/Community Center through 2025.
Motivation for running: I’m committed to preserving our town’s New England Village character while encouraging thoughtful growth. I believe in transparent governance, responsible budgeting, and sustainable design. My motivation is to ensure Wayland’s future character and solvency.
Key issues: I will address new design guidelines for balanced development that respects neighborhood character. It is important for Planning Board members to listen to neighborhood concerns about new buildings in town. Throughout my design career, environmental preservation was a driving force. I have always championed green initiatives, the best example being the new Wayland Community Center.
Relevant accomplishments: During my 43 years as president of Sterling Associates, I designed and managed over a million square feet of public and private projects. I understand building construction and site development challenges and complexities. I understand real estate developers’ needs as well as those of the neighborhoods where development occurs.
Best advice: Planning Board tasks often consist of conflict resolution. My training and certification in Mediation was the key to my firm’s success. Skills in mediation are essential to obtaining mutual agreements.
Additional Information: As an owner of a design firm, I have always been a fan of collaborative planning and design. On all public projects, community input has always shaped my decisions. Public hearings should be inclusive to properly represent Wayland residents.
Favorite free day: Besides frequent exercise at Longfellow gym and pool, I love drawing and painting.
Enjoying/relating to the community: My favorite group activities are reading and discussing books with our book group, and a weekly yoga class.
Campaign Information: Please call or text me with any questions 617 797-7242.
RECREATION COMMISSION (one seat)
Mark Norton Background: I have lived in Wayland with my wife and children for the last 14 years. I can usually be found coaching a youth sport or hiking in one of Wayland’s incredible conservation areas.
Prior or current service: I have served Wayland on the Recreation Commission for the last three years, most recently serving as the Recreation’s Representative on the Route 20 Visioning Committee
Motivation for running: Having coached over 30 teams/seasons of youth sports in town, including at the high school level, I aim to ensure all Wayland residents have access to safe, appropriate, high quality recreational facilities.
Key issues: I hope to expand access to recreational facilities for all Wayland residents.
Distinguishing factors: Being well acquainted with Wayland’s outdoor facilities including conservation hiking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds, and well-informed about the needs of various groups in town, I am uniquely poised to focus resources where they impact most.
Relevant accomplishments: Reviving the Wayland High School Junior Varsity Softball team in 2025.
RECREATION COMMISSION (one seat, to fill a vacancy)
Mike Grant Background: My wife Lauren and I have three children ages 11, 9, and 7. We’ve been in Wayland for 10 years. Our kids are currently in Wayland Middle School and Claypit Hill School. I am an attorney in private practice.
Prior or current service: I am currently a commissioner for the Recreation Commission. I have coached my kids in soccer, flag football, and baseball. I serve on the board for Wayland Little League and am currently the commissioner of the Minors division. I also run the father-son monthly breakfast.
Motivation for running: Aside from school, recreation is our primary focus in Wayland. Whether it’s youth sports, enjoying the great outdoor spaces in Wayland, or participating in the fantastic programs offered through the Recreation Department, recreation is a huge part of our family life. Serving on the Recreation Commission affords me the opportunity to help continue and improve the recreation options for all Wayland residents.
Key issues: (1) Athletic fields for youth sports. Collaborate with existing groups (e.g., Route 20 Landfill Envisioning Committee) to advance sustainable development of an additional playing field with accompanying recreation area. (2) Trailhead maintenance. Work with Scouts of America and interested stakeholders to identify and complete trailhead maintenance projects.
Distinguishing factors: My primary job as an attorney is to identify and solve problems for clients. This requires creative thinking, rigorous analysis, and collaboration, which are essential skills for serving in public office.
Best Advice: Attitude is everything. Consistently bringing a positive attitude to every situation makes great things possible.
SELECT BOARD (two seats)
William Whitney Background: My wife, Jean, and I have lived in Wayland for 30+ years. We have three adult children, each of whom were educated in the Wayland public schools. I recently retired from a career in planning and development, having worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Prior or current service: I’ve nearly completed my third (non-consecutive) term on the Select Board and previously served on the Middle School Building Committee, the Planning Board, the 212 Cochituate Road Advisory Committee and the School Committee Facilities Master Plan Advisory Group.
Motivation for running: I’m seeking reelection to the Select Board as I hope to continue working with the Town Manager, my Select Board colleagues and other boards and committees to address Wayland’s financial challenges, to support our excellent schools and otherwise to maintain our level of services. I’ve chosen to serve in Town government as this is such a special community.
Key issues: Among the important issues we face is continuing to deliver high quality education and other essential services despite limitations on revenue growth, whether from Prop 2 ½ or a limited commercial base. We also must thoughtfully manage long-term debt the Town would incur to address public infrastructure needs and certain aging municipal buildings.
Distinguishing factors: With a real estate background, I hope to continue to contribute to the development of housing for people with disabilities at 212 Cochituate Road and to support the work of the Planning Board as it contemplates zoning changes to encourage development along Route 20.
Best advice: Perhaps the best advice I’ve heard was variously articulated by Shakespeare as “To thine own self be true” and by Spike Lee as “Do the right thing,” Accordingly, I try to weigh each decision and to vote on the Select Board based on what I believe is in the Town’s best interest.
Favorite free day: My favorite free day is trying to keep up with our 20-month-old grandson. We both really appreciate morning toddler story hours at the Wayland Free Library.
Enjoying/relating to the community: As we live very near the Hamlen Woods Conservation area, we very much enjoy hiking those trails. I also periodically work to clear them as a volunteer for Sudbury Valley Trustees. I also serve on a committee with Waypoint Adventure, a non-profit devoted to providing outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
Christopher Reynolds
Background:
Prior or current service: Have co-produced and emceed numerous music events and festivals, including the 2025 Wayland Festival, which police estimate drew 6,000 attendees and became one of largest gatherings in Wayland’s history. Have worked under budget and time pressure with extraordinary volunteer teams and with expert managers in nearly every Town department.
One of core group of 4 people who led campaign for the Town Center. This effort resulted in the one of the largest Town Meetings in Wayland history (> 2,000 citizens) and promoted mixed-use Town Center instead of an office building complex.
Coached 10 seasons of youth lacrosse, including field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and referee training.
Motivation for running: I am determined to help the Town compose and enact a meaningful financial strategy based on clear priorities and thoughtful growth.
Key issues: (1) Providing sound, long-term financial support for our schools. (2) Ensuring abutters have genuine access to municipal processes that affect neighborhoods. (3) Expanding our tax base thoughtfully.
Distinguishing factors: I’ve lived in Town for 33 years and have observed both good and wayward political patterns. Our Town has remarkable strengths but also faces onerous challenges. I’d like to help continue the trend toward plainspoken information and congenial debate.
Relevant accomplishments: The recent work I am most proud of is joining the Board of Trustees of Arts Wayland. This organization does a lot with a little and often works selflessly behind the scene. The older work that continues to help me understand the Town is attending and graduating from the Wayland Citizens Fire Academy and the Wayland Citizens Police Academy.
Best advice: “Common sense is seldom glamorous, but it can save a lot of money.”
Additional Information: Too often, government procedures seem byzantine, murky, and off-putting. We urge more people to get involved, but rigamarole confounds us all and promising people retreat from chaos. I want to support the current operating tone that favors confronting good and bad news in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner. This will address issues better and encourage more people to run and volunteer.
Favorite free day: Paddle boarding on Lake Cochituate. Attend Wayland Lacrosse. Go to lecture at Library or concert at Arts Wayland.
Enjoying/relating to the community: Singing at the Villa!
Campaign Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-h-reynolds-8146993/
SCHOOL COMMITTEE (two seats)
Prashant Shukla Background: Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, I’ve lived all over the U.S. and Canada. I have a PhD in business economics and am a strategy professional in the field of economics of AI. To counteract the over automation of our lives, I teach yoga on weekends.
Prior or current service: I served on the Planning Board for a while (I had to take a break because of health issues). I am looking forward to being a part of the School Committee.
Motivation for running: I’m motivated by a desire to bring thoughtful and balanced leadership to the community. I believe in integrating well-being, economic rationale, and long-term thinking in education.
Key issues: I value thoughtful use of technology and innovation — especially use of AI — to improve education, while preserving a sense of connection for all communities in the town.
Distinguishing factors: I bring a unique combination of wellness expertise, diversity vantage point, and strategic thinking on the impact of tech on our society.
Relevant accomplishments: As an academic, researcher, and AI strategist, I live and breathe the impact of AI on our society — not the least on education and cognitive abilities.
Best advice: Your thoughts shape you. Your habits build you. Your choices define you.
Additional Information: I value thoughtful exchange of ideas on education and wellness. Please do reach out with your unique perspectives.
Favorite free day: No such thing as a “free day.” When I do get a break, I enjoy spending time with family watching the community through education and wellness and our shared aim of growth.
Jessica Greher Traue Background: I’ve lived in Wayland for 10 years with my husband, son, and pets. I have a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education. Having worked at Massachusetts colleges for decades, I’m currently a consultant on college student health and wellbeing.
Prior or current service: My Wayland volunteer service includes: six-year co-chair of the elementary PTO Backpack Auction; and WMS PTO Caregiver Enrichment chair, collaborating with the principal to facilitate development and social-emotional learning discussions for families.
Motivation for running: I’ve dedicated my professional career to helping students thrive and succeed. I also have experience managing department-wide and organization-wide budgets. Wayland deserves a School Committee member who brings professional expertise, genuine commitment to student success, and a sense of budgetary discipline.
Key issues: Fiscal stewardship: Wayland school facilities need maintenance, improvement and, eventually, replacement. We must carefully consider how and when to budget for these needs.
Student success: I’ll advocate for policy aligned with curricular and developmental priorities.
Community trust: I’ll sustain trust through thoughtful and transparent decision making.
Distinguishing factors: My background in student health and wellbeing is uncommon on a School Committee. I bring 25 years of evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a prevention-focused lens to decisions about student success, budget, and policy.
Relevant accomplishments: I’ve been honored with the New England College Health Association’s President’s Award, their highest recognition for service to college health. I currently serve as their Treasurer. I’ve also served on the American College Health Association’s Board of Directors.
Best advice: Difficulty doesn’t get the last word. I’ve worked through every difficult experience I’ve faced. That’s the mindset I bring to hard decisions.
Additional Information: I’m a New York transplant who misses the bagels and pizza. But Wayland has been my home for many years now, and I’m deeply invested in its future for many years to come.
Favorite free day: A hike on Wayland’s conservation trails, a great cup of coffee, some laughter, and hopefully a stunning sunset to close it out.
Enjoying/relating to the community: I enjoy connecting with neighbors around shared goals and common interests: from working to bring a dog park to Wayland, to volunteering with the PTO, to cheering for Wayland’s town and school sports teams.
TRUST FUND COMMISSION (one seat)
Robert Fox Background: I moved to Wayland with my wife in 2016 and we welcomed our daughters in 2018 and 2021. I work in finance in Boston.
Prior or current service: I’ve served on the Trust Fund Commission since 2024.
Motivation for running: I’d like to continue honoring the former donors to the various funds, helping ensure the money is dispersed as directed and the impact is in perpetuity.
Key issues: The primary issue is awareness of the funds and their uses, so I’d like to continue to educate residents.
Distinguishing factors: I’d love to continue serving the town!
Relevant accomplishments: With a background in consulting for financial services companies, currently working for an asset manager, I have relevant experience in compliance and investment services to serve on the Commission.
Best Advice: Showing up consistently, with a good attitude, and a plan to help solve most of life’s challenges.
Favorite free day: I’d spend it however my kids would like — most likely at a playground.
Enjoying/relating to the community: My family loves to swim at the Community Pool or Wayland Swim and Tennis and go for runs on the Rail Trail.
