Remembering Adam Roberts
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bethesda Green’s Executive Director Adam M. Roberts, who died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 19th. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Shain, his daughters Bella and Mia, and their seven pets.
Adam joined the Bethesda Green team in January 2019 after nearly three decades of animal protection/international wildlife conservation and nonprofit strategic planning and development work. An innovative leader in the global charity sector, Adam contributed his enthusiastic vision to Bethesda Green. During his tenure, he expanded Bethesda Green’s community outreach and civic engagement, joining the Montgomery County Climate Action Planning Coalition which contributed important feedback to local climate legislation, notably the Building Energy and Performance Standards Bill and the Climate Assessment Bill.
Under Adam’s leadership, Bethesda Green earned federal recognition from the Department of Energy as one of 18 winners of the Inclusive Innovation Prize, the funds of which will be put towards creating a Wheaton Sustainable Innovation Zone to advance climate energy technologies.
Adam was a lifelong supporter of animal rights, serving on the board of many organizations, including the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary, the Elephant Project, and as an advisor for the Whale Sanctuary Project. His generosity and compassion had an impact on many, even beyond the reach of Bethesda Green.
We will remember Adam for his humor and candor. We will miss Adam’s spirit, energy and commitment to Bethesda Green’s mission of building a truly sustainable, socially responsible community.
The family’s announcement for the date of service is forthcoming. A Memorial Fund has been set up in Adam’s name to alleviate the burden of the variety of immediate expenses and to seed Adam’s legacy. Three weeks ago, Adam and Stephanie purchased a large property in their beloved Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, where they planned to live and build a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. You can make a contribution using the link below.
During this time, Kim Goddu-Alexander will act as Bethesda Green’s Interim Director. You can contact her at kim@bethesdagreen.org.
