The founding executive director of Geneva-based ReUse Systems, Inc. is stepping down after leading the nonprofit through its first year of operations.
Naomi Smith, who has served as executive director since September 2025, will leave the position while continuing to support the organization in an advisory role as the board of directors searches for her successor.
ReUse Systems, Inc. is dedicated to keeping usable items out of landfills by recovering and redistributing furniture, building materials, and other reusable goods.
During Smith’s tenure, the nonprofit partnered with Hobart and William Smith Colleges to salvage furniture and construction materials from Eaton Hall before the building’s demolition, diverting thousands of pounds of reusable materials from the waste stream.
The organization also hosted two community pop-up sales, allowing residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to purchase or acquire many of the salvaged items, along with donated goods, for continued use.
Another milestone came when the Geneva Toy Library became a flagship program of ReUse Systems. The initiative is designed to improve access to toys for families while reducing waste through reuse.
The nonprofit has also secured new funding to support future growth. The Wyckoff Family Foundation recently awarded ReUse Systems a $15,000 grant to help develop operational infrastructure for a permanent location that will house both ReUse Systems and the Geneva Toy Library. The Geneva Rotary Club also awarded the organization a $500 grant to support the toy library.
“RSI is grateful for Naomi’s steadfast commitment, leadership and dedication in getting RSI launched and building the foundation for us to move forward,” Board Chair Vinny Aliperti said. “I am pleased she will continue to share her expertise as an advisor during this transition.”
Smith said helping establish the organization has been one of the highlights of her career.
“Building RSI from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” she said. “I’m proud of what’s in place now, and grateful to the partners, funders and community members who believed in what we were building. I’m looking forward to supporting RSI in a different capacity.”
ReUse Systems has begun its search for a new executive director. Information about the position is available on the organization’s website.
