Hillary H. Greenberg-Lemos
Director of Health & Environment, Town of Eastham, MA
Hillary H. Greenberg-Lemos brings more than two decades of Cape Cod experience and a deep commitment to community well-being to her role as Director of Health & Environment for the Town of Eastham. A Cape resident for roughly 25 years, Hillary has built her career in public health across several local communities, including Wellfleet, Harwich, and Barnstable County. For the past three-plus years in Eastham, she has continued to expand her impact, combining science, service, and strong relationships to support healthier communities.
Hillary’s path to public health began in nursing school, where she realized her passion lay in prevention and population-level impact. “I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives through science and public service,” she says. That perspective continues to guide her work today.
She describes Eastham as a “hidden gem” of Cape Cod, rich in natural beauty, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and some of the region’s most stunning ponds. Her connection to place is clear, and it fuels her dedication to the people who call the Cape home.
In her role, Hillary especially values projects that go beyond regulation and connect more directly with community needs. Initiatives like the community fridge, the CredibleMinds mental health platform, regional collaborations, farmers markets, and a soon-to-launch community garden reflect her holistic approach to public health. At the same time, she acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges is helping people fully understand what public health work entails and ensuring that important resources and information reach those who need them.
Building trust is central to Hillary’s work. She emphasizes integrity, compassion, and honesty in every interaction, along with a commitment to meeting people where they are. “I truly value my relationships and work really hard to maintain them,” she says. Her openness to diverse perspectives, and her belief that everyone brings something meaningful to the table, has helped her forge strong partnerships across the Cape.
Hillary’s involvement in food access and food systems work grew from both professional and personal influences. A health assessment she conducted in Wellfleet highlighted food insecurity as a pressing issue, while conversations with colleagues and friends working on community fridge initiatives helped spark action. Through this work, she’s come to see the deep connections
between food access, social determinants of health, and economic stability.
For Hillary, the importance of public health involvement in food systems is clear: “Food security equals better health outcomes.” Reliable access to nutritious food supports everything from chronic disease prevention to mental health, child development, and overall quality of life.
She believes strengthening the local food system comes down to relationships. Collaboration among stores, restaurants, producers, municipalities, and pantries is key, and on Cape Cod, she sees a powerful spirit of generosity and shared purpose. “The more people that can come
together and rally around a cause, the better,” she notes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her food access work has been the opportunity to connect with new members of the community. After transitioning from Wellfleet to Eastham, these initiatives helped her build new relationships and deepen her sense of belonging. “I am a people
person,” she says, “and I love the personal interaction.”
Looking ahead, Hillary envisions a more coordinated and accessible food network across the Cape. Her dream? A system that includes mobile food delivery—bringing nutritious prepared meals, fresh local produce, and snacks to communities in need, free of charge and without stigma. Just as important, she hopes every access point is welcoming, with “someone available to greet you with a smile.”
Outside of work, Hillary embraces the outdoors year-round—especially in winter. She enjoys hiking, indoor biking, swimming, and being fully immersed in the elements. It’s a fitting reflection of someone who thrives on connection—to nature, to community, and to meaningful work that makes a difference.
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