In his time on the Board of Trustees, Netburn was a strong advocate for environmental preservation, tree planting and native landscaping and a broader vision of Briarcliff Manor as a “Village in a Forest.”
He supported efforts to expand recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, helped advance placemaking concepts within the 1050 Pleasantville Road redevelopment, and served as a liaison to the Briarcliff Manor Public Library Board to strengthen the connections between the library, the village and the community, including during the search process that led to the hiring of the current library director. He also participated in the working group helping shape the village’s Comprehensive Plan update.
Netburn previously served the community of Pleasantville for many years, including as a planning commissioner (and vice chairman), village trustee (and deputy mayor), a member of the Conservation Advisory Board, chair of the Bedford Road Historic Overlay District Study Group and founding president of the Pleasantville Community Synagogue. He carried those experiences into his work in Briarcliff Manor with humility, curiosity, and a consistent focus on listening first, understanding the story before weighing in, according to village officials.
Netburn served as chairman and CEO of Communications Data Services, a subsidiary of Hearst Corporation, bringing decades of experience in strategic planning, operations and service delivery.
One of the defining qualities of Netburn’s service was that he stepped forward when the community needed him, village officials stated, and he brought calm and generosity to the roles he filled. Briarcliff officials and staff expressed shock at Netburn’s death, and offered condolences to his wife Susan, their children, and grandchildren.
