Our Team

American Hiking Society Team

Jasper Van Der Meij

American Hiking Society
Board of Directors

Libby Wile

Executive Committee

Saveria Tilden

Board Chair

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: AdventurUs Women

City: Bend, OR

AdventurUs Women was born from Saveria's love of the outdoors and sharing this love with others. AdventurUs Women creates life-changing outdoor experiences that prioritize learning outdoor skills and community, while encouraging fun, laughter, and friendship. They welcome women of all ages, race, size, background, and experience levels and participants of all gender identities and expressions who feel that a women’s space is right for them. AdventurUs Women invites you to join them at one of their women’s outdoor adventure weekends.

Saveria has held management and executive-level positions in the film industry and for marketing and creative agencies. Her role as a leader and collaborator developed while working in these roles and with clients including Warner Bros, HBO, Universal, New Line Cinema, The North Face, GEICO, Odwalla, CLIF, Pioneer Electronics, Olloclip, and various state park agencies. This work served as a launchpad for Saveria’s consulting business where she specializes in partnership development and strategy collaborating with companies and organizations committed to connecting people to the outdoors, including REI, Transforming Youth Outdoors (TYO), IslandWood, Nature Play Western Australia, The American Hiking Society, and Misadventures Magazine.

In addition to her management background and consulting work, Saveria has taught in various capacities for over 20 years, both in the classroom and in the field. Her work with REI’s Outdoor School as an instructor in climbing, navigation, SUP, cycling, hiking, and backpacking, gave Saveria the opportunity to combine her love of teaching and the outdoors. Saveria is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, & AMGA SPI Climbing Guide.

Saveria holds a BA in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and a MA in Education from Pepperdine University.

Favorite Hikes

Matt Griffis

Vice Chair

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: The Wyss Foundation

City: Durango, Colorado

Matt works in land conservation, managing the Wyss Foundation’s land acquisitions program and its conservation grantmaking in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Through this work, he has helped conserve more than 9 million acres of land on 6 continents. Matt holds a B.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.S. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Michigan.

A California native, Matt grew up hiking in the Sierra Nevada and through the redwood forests of the Coast Ranges. He is an Eagle Scout and has been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for the past 30 years. After serving as the Western Region Chief of the Order of the Arrow, Matt became involved in trail building and stewardship at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he spent 3 summers as a trail crew foreman and trail crew coordinator. He remains involved in the Order of the Arrow's conservation and sustainability efforts.

Matt lives in Durango, Colorado, where in addition to hiking, he enjoys backpacking, packrafting, trail running, cycling, and skiing. He's on a mission to visit every National Park Service unit and the highest point in every state.

Favorite Hikes

Jeremiah Su

Secretary

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: Burn Design Lab

Location: Vashon, WA

Jeremy grew up in the Boston area and earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. There, he originally joined American Hiking Society on an Alternative Break. In 2021, he became a NextGen Trail-leader to advocate equal access and stewardship projects across the US. Now you can find him leading Volunteer Vacations in the PNW.

Professionally, Jeremy is an engineer at Burn Design Lab whose mission is to improve lives and the environment through clean cookstoves in developing countries. He leads the development of an improved shea roaster in Ghana, where the team is making the hand-crafted shea butter industry more sustainable and healthier for the local processors.

Jeremy can be found hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, cycling, and snowboarding while photographing the landscapes around him.

Favorite Hikes

Fred Leffler

Treasurer

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: McKinsey & Company

City: Boston, MA

In his professional life, Fred is an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co. Previously, he headed up the data and analytics team at RockCreek, an investment firm in Washington, D.C., been a management consultant at McKinsey & Co., finance manager at a hedge fund backed wind energy company, and worked at GE Energy in the Financial Management Program (FMP). Fred holds degrees from Duke University and The Ohio State University.

When not at work, Fred is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, camping, and mountain biking. He was a long-time volunteer at YES! (Youth Enrichment Services), a non-profit in Boston, where he taught urban children with limited outdoors experience and access to hike, ski, and mountain bike. He joined the board of AHS in 2020 and is part of the finance and marketing committees.

Fred lives near Boston, MA with his wife, Amy, and two kids (who are currently finding their hiking legs).

Favorite Hikes

Colvin Hedgepeth

At-Large

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Colorado Outward Bound School

City: Denver, CO

Colvin grew up in central Virginia, where she spent most of her free time outside riding horses and playing sports. That led her to the University of South Carolina, where she competed on the NCAA Equestrian Team and studied Public Relations. Out of college, Colvin expanded her communications skill set in non-profit and agency roles in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Around this time, she ventured out on her first backcountry camping trip with her sister and cousin on the Appalachian Trail, which spurred an annual adventure, international treks, and her love for hiking.

Colvin followed this fascination with the outdoors out West to Colorado Springs to work with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as an events coordinator, in which she supported Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In the Rockies, Colvin's passion for the outdoors really took shape, and ignited a deep commitment to connecting people with the outdoors and unlocking the experiences in nature that were so transformative for her personally.

Over the past five years, Colvin has focused her career on social impact and fundraising in the outdoor industry. In 2018, she completed the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania. She then served as the Development and Communications Director for Blue Sky Fund, an non-profit that provides outdoor education to diverse youth in Richmond, VA. In 2020, she was selected as a participant in the Outdoor Industry Association’s Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, in which she expanded her knowledge in key topics facing the outdoor industry, including equitable outdoor access and diverse representation. Currently, Colvin serves as the Development Director with Colorado Outward Bound School in Denver, CO.

Favorite Hikes

Ronald Morris

At-Large

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: Asteya Inc.

City: Pfafftown, NC

Currently, Ron serves as the Chief Legal Officer for Asteya Holding Company, overseeing all legal and compliance-related matters for a group of international subsidiaries. He graduated from the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. Outside the corporate legal world, Ron can be found on the numerous local mountain trails near his North Carolina home. Finding his enjoyment on the trail, he is drawn to the southern Appalachian Trails and beautiful state parks in the region.

Off the trail, he enjoys strength training, volunteering to help local non-profits, and mentoring young legal professionals. Ron has a dream to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Favorite Hikes

Andrea Flora

At-Large

(she/her)

Biography

City: Cincinnati

Professionally, Andrea is a CPA with extensive experience in financial analysis, auditing, and taxation. She spent over a decade working in “Big 4” accounting firms and has served as treasurer and finance committee chair for several nonprofits. Andrea is an angel investor with Queen City Angels, where she collaborates with other experienced investors committed to accelerating the growth of promising early-stage businesses. She has a particular interest in impact-driven businesses, healthcare, sustainability, and environmental impact investing. In addition, Andrea advises nonprofits on strategic planning, community engagement, project management, and fundraising. She received her B.S. in Business with a major in Accountancy from Miami University.

Andrea is passionate about inclusion in the outdoors and is always looking for ways to remove barriers or create new opportunities for others to enjoy it. She serves as a sherpa for Luke5Adventures, helping people with disabilities hike and experience the outdoors in ways not otherwise possible by carrying an adaptive chair on trails, over obstacles, and through streams. She fully appreciates the positive impact of the outdoors on both physical and mental health and is at her happiest with mud on her hands or on her boots.

In her free time, Andrea enjoys exploring national parks and international adventure travel with her husband and three children, who have grown up with nearly every family vacation centered around hiking or outdoor adventure. She has completed major hikes on four continents and hopes to add a fifth in 2023 or 2024. Her favorite hiking companion (besides her family) is her dog, Penny, who shares her love of the trail.

Favorite Hikes

Directors

Heather Distad

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Access Fund

City: Dillon, CO

While on their family farm, hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking, Heather’s love for the outdoors started at an early age while growing up in Iowa. From Iowa to Alaska, Brazil, and the Mountain West, she developed a deep love for nature, recreation, and conservation.

Heather is a career fundraiser and program manager with over 10 years in the parks and recreation and non-profit spaces. She currently serves Access Fund as their events, outreach, and donor relations manager, advancing fundraising and engagement efforts throughout the US. Earlier in her career, Heather oversaw recreation programming for school-age students, as well as built leadership and volunteer programs for at-risk youth.

In addition, Heather assists non-profits in their development and outreach efforts as founder and lead consultant for Onsight Philanthropy. In her spare time, you’ll find Heather running, climbing, or skiing in the alpine, or sailing the seas of the Pacific Northwest on her boat, “New Sensation”. She always has her camera on hand to capture the adventure.

Heather holds a BA in Social Work, Nonprofit Management from Wartburg College and an MS in Recreation, Sports, and Tourism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Heather lives in Dillon, Colorado with her adventure partner, Eric, and two fur-kids, Madi and Miles.

Favorite Hikes

Mason Gravley

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: Athletic Brewing

Location: Palmetto, FL

Mason grew up somewhere between the swamps, orange groves, and cattle ranches of central Florida. After discovering a phenomenon called elevation through extensive backpacking and bikepacking trips in college and beyond, he settled down in the mountains of California and Colorado for nearly a decade before starting a family and returning back to Florida with a new point of view. The places we don’t always think of as hiking and wilderness destinations are precisely the places he likes to explore. The more off the beaten path, the better! It doesn’t matter if that’s central Kansas or Central Park, if it’s wild, it’s beautiful and if it has a trail to be hiked, let’s go!

Mason works as Lead Adventurer for Athletic Brewing, hosts the Adventure Sports Podcast, and is the sixth member of an amazing family of one endlessly fantastic partner, two small but mighty humans, and two large but gentle dogs.

Favorite Hikes

Michelle Jackson-Saulters

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Michelle Jackson-Saulters serves as the Co-founder/Chief Operations Officer of the Outdoor Journal Tour. Since the inception of The Outdoor Journal Tour in 2015, Michelle has traveled all over the country, alongside co-founder and wife Kenya empowering women through mindfulness and the great outdoors. Together, she and Kenya have reached over 3,000 women. Professionally, Michelle is a bilingual Sales & Service Manager for the largest airline catering company in the world. With over a decade of industry experience, she has excelled as the youngest member on her team working with some of the largest and most profitable airlines in the world. Michelle is a self-proclaimed feminist and nerd that wishes to share her light with the world. When she is not traveling, you will find her working on a home improvement project, planning her next adventure, or hanging out with Kenya and friends both on and off the trails.

Michelle is an Army brat that grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany, where her family still lives. She has a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Georgia Southern University and also studied Culinary Arts at Clayton State University. She currently resides in Atlanta with her wife.

Favorite Hikes

Lauren Jacobs

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Federal Government / M*BODHI, LLC

City: Washington, DC

During the traditional workday, Lauren serves as a senior Government ethics attorney. She has also been teaching yoga and fitness classes for years, currently teaching online with YogiApproved and through her own side-hustle and passion project, www.modernvinyasa.com.

Lauren grew up in the Catskills of New York and developed a deep love of outdoor life, starting with daily walks through the woods to get to and from school. Her love for the trails followed her to Washington, DC, where she can often be found taking a break through city life by running the Rock Creek trails on her lunch breaks.

Lauren lives in the heart of DC with her husband and two kids, who all love hiking just as much as she does. Lauren and her husband fell in love with Sedona, Arizona on a road trip out west and were married there years later, on the Chapel Trail. Now, Lauren and her family return every year to hike their favorite Sedona trails and discover new ones.

Lauren joined the AHS Board in 2022 and is excited to give back to and help others discover the trails that she has enjoyed for so many years!

Favorite Hikes

Richard B. Leverett, JD

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Richard is a lawyer, lobbyist, and consultant based in Salt Lake City. Specializing in corporate community impact and investment, Richard helps founders, social entrepreneurs, and corporations execute projects and initiatives of all sizes across the country.

After several trips to the west coast, Richard fell in love with having 360-degree views of
mountains in the sky and relocated to Utah in early 2022. Having grown up in Gary, Indiana,
both in the shadows of Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park, the first trail he grew to love was an old secret (from his parents) abandoned service road that is now part of the Little Calumet River Levee Trail system. He now escapes to the mountains every chance he gets.

Previously, Richard worked in government affairs in multiple Midwest and Mountain West states, promoting efforts to close the digital divide through investment in infrastructure and technology education. Richard also served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. His tenure included national recognition for partnerships and innovative work in community and economic development.

Throughout his career, Richard has served on the boards of community and civic foundations, colleges and scholarship foundations, and community health and financial institutions and is excited to be a part of the American Hiking Society.

While Richard may occasionally dabble in pastimes like football or pickup basketball, he now spends most of his free time snowboarding, hiking, biking, golfing, and collecting bourbon and cocktail recipes. Richard is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, and has degrees from the University of Chicago Law School and Butler University in Indianapolis.

Favorite Hikes

Becky Marcelliano

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: OnX

City: Herriman, UT

Becky is an explorer, creator, do-er, and inspirer. She attributes her love of wilderness to her early days of playing in the forests of New Jersey with her family. Since then, she ventured to Colorado for college, led wilderness trips all across the West, rode her bicycle across America, and continues to find as many personal-growth opportunities as possible.

Her first career was in art education, before transferring into the outdoor industry full time in 2013. Combining her love of gear, our wild places, and human connection, she has led marketing and brand efforts for several outdoor brands including Deuter, Ortovox, Clif Bar, and Salomon. Today, she lives in the Salt Lake valley and works as the Sr. Access and Stewardship Marketing Manager for onX Maps.

Becky is a hiker, mountain biker, angler, snowboarder, hunter, yogi, artist, and lover of the early morning hours. These days, she has a hard time deciding whether she likes the mountains or the desert more, but if she had to choose one favorite location, you could find her in the San Juans of Colorado. She’s a strong believer in creating the life we each dream of and being a good human, above all else.

Favorite Hikes

Wendy McCormack

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Location: Boulder, CO

As Executive Director, Wendy works collaboratively with NITA staff, the Board of Trustees, and the organization as a whole in developing and implementing strategy, modeling and setting the company’s culture and values, and optimizing financial performance. Wendy has directed all aspects of core business and operational development function for 300 continuing education programs across the United States and internationally. Wendy received her master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on organizational development and human resources, from Colorado State University. She is a graduate of the intensive Organizational Leadership Program at the Employers Council’s Nonprofit Leadership Institute in Denver and is also a Colorado Outward Bound graduate. She believes strongly in organizational culture, employee empowerment and collaboration, and the strong power of listening. In her off time, you can find her outdoors hiking, running, mountain biking, paddling and traveling with her husband, Kevin and son, Cole.

Favorite Hikes

Elyse Rylander

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: OUT There Adventures

City: Bellingham, WA (Puget Sound Salish and Lummi ancestral homelands)

Elyse has worn many hats in the outdoor industry and education worlds. Since 2006 she has taken thousands of youth and adults on outdoor adventures all over North America, and during these adventures, the interrogation of equity, access, and privilege played a central role. In 2011 Elyse began her journey as the founder of OUT There Adventures, a 501(c)3 dedicated to further bridging the gap between the LGBTQ community and the natural world. Along this path, Elyse has worked tirelessly to reduce outdoor access barriers for all members of the LGBTQ community. This has resulted in dozens of publications, presentations, interviews, trainings, and program partnerships aimed at increasing queer visibility and further complicating the narrative of who goes outside and how.

Elyse’s work has appeared in places such as the Rutledge International Handbook of Outdoor Studies, in print and in person at industry events such as Outdoor Retailer, and in March of 2018, Elyse was named a “Top Woman in Conservation and Environmental Justice” by ECODiversity Magazine. Elyse is also the co-organizer of the annual LGBTQ Outdoor Summit and a former partner with The Avarna Group. Outside of her work, Elyse is known for her sense of humor best conveyed through perfectly timed message GIFs, and in her [rare] free time she can be found paddling through the central Salish Sea.

Favorite Hikes

Emily Wallbridge outdoor self portrait along the banks of a river wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses and holding a ukulele.

Emily Walbridge

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Adidas

City: Portland, OR

In her professional life, Emily is on the Adidas North America Marketing team and the Green Team Steering Committee. Her focus is on sustainable marketing solutions and strategy. She is also working on her master’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, focused on the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Her goal after graduation is to build and lead sustainable organizations that create profit for shareholders while protecting the environment and improving the lives of its customers and employees.

In her spare time, Emily has an active outside lifestyle, including hiking, mountaineering, skiing, snowshoeing, fly-fishing, and extensive volunteer history with Washington Trails Association, Mazama's, and The Mountaineers.

When hiking, Emily always remembers her hiking poles and her camera. Her motto during a hike is to distribute the wealth of work to the entire body instead of solely depending on leg strength. Using hiking poles will help keep the arms strong and mitigate possible knee injuries.

Emily lives in Washington state with her partner and their two rescue labs, Honey and Sugar.

Relations/Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Louisiana State University.

Favorite Hikes

Amy Widener

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Brooks Running

Location: Seattle, WA

Amy grew up in northwest Montana, where her love of the outdoors was solidified. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and then returned to the mountains of the west in Wyoming where she started her HR career at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. She moved to Seattle, WA to get her MBA from the University of Washington and is now leading the HR Operations team at Brooks Running. Amy is dedicated to creating a strong organizational culture and roots all of her decisions in the employee experience.

Amy has a passion for the outdoors, instilled by her family. In the summer she spends her time hiking, backpacking, fishing, sailing, running, biking, swimming, and stand up paddling. In the winter, she finds any opportunity to explore ski resorts and backcountry terrain. She is finding the benefits of the marine climate of Seattle to have snow-free (if muddy) trails even in the heart of winter. She loves traveling and adventures all year with her husband and pup, Summit.

Amy joined the AHS Board in 2023 and serves on the Governance and JEDI committees. She is excited to get involved and help others discover the outdoors.

Favorite Hikes

Tiffanny Williams

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Organization: Honeydipped Hikers

Location: Silver Spring, MD

In her professional life, Tiffanny is a consultant with Your Part-Time Controller in Washington, DC where she provides accounting services for non-profit and for-profit clients. Tiffanny has 20+ years of accounting experience in the commercial real estate industry where she has held executive and controllership positions for public REITs, private developers, and property management companies.

Tiffanny joined the AHS board in 2022 and serves on the Finance Committee.

Tiffanny’s love for the outdoors began as an adult when her passion for running road races and participating in her children’s scouting activities led to family camping trips, then overnight trail racing and eventually to hiking after an injury sidelined her running activities.

In 2019 Tiffanny started the Honeydipped Hikers, a community of women of color coming together in nature for fitness and fellowship. The day hiking group of varied experience meets weekly spring thru fall to explore trails throughout the greater Washington DC area.

Prior to Honeydipped Hikers, Tiffanny volunteered for 8 years as a Run Coordinator for Black Girls Run.

Tiffanny also enjoys yoga, meditation, attending music festivals and spending time with her husband and their young adult daughter and son.

Favorite Hikes

Felicia Kemp

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Location: Elk Grove, CA

Felicia Kemp was raised camping and hiking across the U.S. with her family and discovered backpacking for the first time at Philmont Scout Ranch at the age of 13. She's hiked everywhere her travels take her, from the depths of the Grand Canyon with her younger brother to the turquoise waters of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia with her husband. When she and her husband moved to Northern California they immediately started exploring, fell in love with the diversity of landscapes, started a family, and began sharing their hiking adventures publicly online in 2015. When her middle child was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, getting on trails as a family became more of a challenge. Aside from the typical balance of full-time jobs not in the outdoors industry and a family of five, she and her husband worked to find ADA-compliant paths to continue sharing the joys of nature with their children.

Felicia's goal is to give confidence to would-be and newer hikers to break through barriers and get outside. She advocates for diversity initiatives through both her legal career and in the outdoors and helps to educate others on the principles of Leave No Trace. She hopes that when people see her plus-sized, tall and brown body hiking solo, or wrangling the family on the trail, it inspires others to feel comfortable taking up that same space. She's written several outdoors-related articles and enjoys creating social media content as Family Trail Time. She is the founder of Take A Hike Tay-Sachs in support of Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation and founded the group Sacramento Women Hikers.

Favorite Hikes

Jacob Camp

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Organization: Microsoft

Location: Seattle, WA

Jacob Camp was raised across the U.S. and home means Nevada to him. Jacob’s passion for the outdoors started early in life. His outdoor adventures started with the Boy Scouts. During this time, Jacob explored northern California and Nevada, ranging from Mt. Lassen to Wheeler Peak. The outdoors has been a through-line for Jacob’s life where his travels have taken him from the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Over the years of hiking and being outdoors, Jacob believes that our trails connect us with nature, with each other, and ourselves. His passion is to help inspire more people to get outside, give back to the trails they love, and ensure our natural spaces can be enjoyed by all.

Jacob joined the AHS Board in 2024 and serves on the Development, and Advocacy & Policy committees. When not serving as crew leader on a volunteer vacation, Jacob crunches information as a data scientist. He brings over 10 years of experience in data, analytics, and data science where he has advised federal agencies, commercial enterprises and non-profits. Jacob earned an MBA from the George Washington University, and a BSBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Favorite Hikes

Jeff Hayward

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Jeff is a 5th generation South Dakotan who grew up with a strong tie to the Scouting program. An Eagle Scout, Jeff experienced many outdoor experiences at a young age - canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing - which cemented a lifelong interest in enjoying the outdoors.

Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Dakota Adventure Supply, an outdoor gear brand that promotes comradery through adventure and outdoor experiences. Jeff is also a program manager at Startup Sioux Falls, where he leads business accelerator programming and the EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) operations, empowering founders, with a focus on underserved communities. Jeff has recently embraced the Ultralight movement in backpacking, and loves anything outdoors. He lives with his wife Kristin and their two rescue dogs Charley and Scooter.

Favorite Hikes

Interested in Joining American Hiking Society's Board of Directors?

If you are passionate about hiking and interested in serving on our board of directors, please download the nomination form and submit it by August 31, 2023. Submittal directions are included in the form.

Download Nomination Form

Find Out More About Current Board Recruitment

American Hiking Society Staff

Wesley Trimble

Heather Klein Olson

Executive Director

(she/her)

Biography

Heather joined American Hiking in January 2020. She has 20 years of experience leading development teams and philanthropic programs for higher education, foundations, social services, arts, and faith-based organizations. Heather has raised millions for organizations by building meaningful, long-term relationships with corporate and foundation partners and individual philanthropists.

Heather is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a graduate of Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., and holds advanced degrees in communication and business from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and Valparaiso University. She has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2006, and is a regular contributing writer to Advancing Philanthropy, AFP’s flagship membership magazine. Heather also has extensive volunteer leadership experience with Rotary International, having been honored with “Rotarian of the Year” and serving as president of the club in the Midwest community where she resides with her husband and their two sons.

Heather grew up hiking the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and urban trails in the city of Chicago. She is a certified SCUBA diver and rock climber, an avid trail runner, an 80’s movie buff, a thoroughbred enthusiast, and a self-published children's book author.

Favorite Hikes

Tyler Ray

Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy

(he/him)

Biography

Tyler joined American Hiking in 2018, after nearly seven years with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) where he led federal advocacy efforts on voting rights, disability rights, and humane border enforcement. He earned his Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Public Policy from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He obtained a B.A. degree in Social Science from San Diego State University.

As a native Californian, Tyler began hiking in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s and the Stanislaus National Forest. He’s been fortunate to experience trails across the country, with favorites including the Hanakapiai Trail in Kauai, the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail, and state park and national forest trails throughout his adoptive home in Virginia.

When not hiking the hill advocating on behalf of AHS members, Tyler spends time with his husband and their dog, Kona, looking for their next outdoor adventure.

Favorite Hikes

Josh Bruegger

Head of Finance and Administration

(he/him)

Biography

Josh joined American Hiking Society in 2019. He holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Accounting, as well as an MBA. He has over twenty years of experience in corporate and nonprofit tax and accounting roles.

Josh is a "numbers guy" and enjoys helping others make sense of their numbers. He volunteers with a nonprofit that provides character development, job readiness, and entrepreneurship tools to incarcerated individuals and those with criminal histories in the community. In correctional facilities, he has facilitated financial literacy classes, and for those in the community with criminal histories, Josh provides coaching and mentoring to help individuals reach their financial and business goals.

When not working or volunteering, you can find Josh traveling with his family, participating in outdoor adventures (hiking, camping, caving, canyoning, etc.), or spending time with his favorite hiking buddies, his dogs - Tybo and Sebastian.

Favorite Hikes

Ellie Place

Programs Manager

(she/her)

Biography

Ellie joined American Hiking in 2021 with over ten years of combined experience coordinating international volunteer programs, leading volunteer vacations, and serving as a volunteer for environmental conservation organizations herself. Ellie’s career has been dedicated to connecting diverse communities to the outdoors in a way that fosters a deep respect and active stewardship of natural environments. Ellie holds a dual undergraduate degree from Brown University in Geological Sciences and Hispanic Studies and a Master of Tourism Management from Colorado State University with a focus on strategic management of natural resources, public land use policy, and outdoor recreation practices that connect people to the natural world in a positive, sustainable way.

Ellie grew up in the foothills of the Central Cascades in Washington State, which is where she currently resides, although she has also lived in Rhode Island and the Florida Keys. Outside of work, you can find Ellie hiking, trail running, or skiing with her dog throughout Washington State (and often in the rain). Her love of the mountains is only rivaled by her love of the ocean. If not hiking, she is probably SCUBA diving and looking for her favorite animal, the sea slug.

Favorite Hikes

Maggie Peikon

Manager Of Communications

(she/her)

Biography

Maggie joined American Hiking in 2022 and has worked in the outdoor, travel, and wellness/lifestyle space for over a decade as a writer and social media strategist. A born and raised east-coaster, but a mountain girl at heart, Maggie has enjoyed living on the east coast and out west and is currently based in North Carolina.

When she's not mulling over content strategies, you'll likely find Maggie hiking with her husband and dog, paddle boarding, or tending to her garden. As a long-time vegan, she's especially proud of her homegrown vegetable and fruit harvests.

Favorite Hikes

Pam Morton

Development Coordinator

(she/her)

Biography

Pam joined American Hiking in 2022. She grew up paddling, hiking & skiing in Maine and moved to Colorado to continue those pursuits. She has a background in education, literacy, and the world of books. Most recently she has worked in the nonprofit world as a client relationship manager. She is happiest on the trail, water, or dance floor--ideally surrounded by friends, family, and a very special dog.

Favorite Hikes

Karin Vermilye

Operational Support Coordinator

(she/her)

Biography

Karin joined American Hiking Society in 2022.

Karin grew up on the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York where her love of the outdoors was sparked by adventures in the woods and navigating the rocky shores of the lake by her home. Her love of travel and commitment to service has taken her to places from Estes Park, Colorado, where she served as a VISTA Volunteer, to the North Province of Cameroon, where she was a Forestry Extension Agent for the Peace Corps. She has worked for several non-profit organizations including serving as a Program Coordinator for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Program Administrator for the Save the Tiger Fund.

Karin earned her Master of Science degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana with research focused on community-based conservation in the Sahel Region of Cameroon. Karin also holds undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from The State University of New York at Geneseo.

She lives in Takoma Park, Maryland with her husband and two kids, having previously resided together in Accra, Ghana and Gaborone, Botswana. Karin enjoys hiking, spending time outside, and reading. Karin is also a writer with a focus on nature and sense of place poetry and essays.

Favorite Hikes

Ann Young

Programs Support Coordinator

(she/her)

Biography

Ann joined American Hiking Society in 2023.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a focus on Conservation Biology and Ecology from Arizona State University. She is pursuing an additional Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Classical Studies and Museum Studies at Indiana University. She loves exploring how the arts have shaped how we connect with and protect the environment.

Ann grew up outside of Dallas, Texas, but resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband and three pets. When she isn't working or in school, you can find Ann picking up litter, hiking, skateboarding, or reading.

Favorite Hikes

Cristina Sniffen

Programs Intern

(she/her)

Biography

Cristina grew up outside of Philadelphia, where she spent her summers in the Pocono Mountains. There, she served as a program coordinator, leading children in outdoor activities such as trail clearings, overnight camping trips, sailing, tennis, and general nature exploration.

Cristina is currently a junior at Duke University studying Computer Science, Statistics, and Psychology. Down in North Carolina, she enjoys hiking at the Eno State Park and Pisgah National Forest. On Duke’s campus, Cristina is an undergraduate teaching assistant, the social chair for a pre-professional technology society, and the chief of marketing for a service organization that focuses on raising funds for the low-vision and blind members of the Durham community.

Favorite Hikes

Caitlin Quirk

Development Intern

(she/her)

Biography

Caitlin is from Colorado's Front Range and grew up surrounded by trails, mountains, and red rocks. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Global & Regional Studies.

After college, Caitlin spent a year hiking long-distance trails around the world, including the Lycian Way in Turkey, the Jordan Trail, and sections of the Greater Patagonia Trail. Before joining AHS, Caitlin worked as a climbing and backpacking instructor for the Mountaineers, a sustainable agriculture program coordinator in Ecuador, and an international development researcher. She is passionate about creating community outdoors for women and historically underrepresented groups.

Favorite Hikes

Jobs & Internships

Mick Haupt

At American Hiking, we envision a world where everyone feels welcome in the American hiking community and has permanent access to meaningful hiking, including urban, frontcountry, and backcountry opportunities. We will achieve this vision by empowering all communities to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience; advocating for the protection and expansion of hiking spaces; fostering trail stewardship; and collaborating with partners whose strengths are complementary. We provide an exciting, creative, and professional yet relaxed nonprofit atmosphere with a strong outdoor and conservation ethic.

Interested in joining our dynamic team? Any jobs that may be available are listed below.

AHS Staff Opportunities

There are currently no positions open at this time. Please check back for future opportunities.

AHS Board Opportunities

We are currently recruiting board members for the 2023-2025 term. Learn more and Apply.

JEDI Education Opportunities

Interested in facilitating an education session on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the AHS Board and Staff? Download the application form here.

American Hiking Society Team

Jasper Van Der Meij

Board of Directors

Staff

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AHS Ambassadors

Jobs & Internships

American Hiking Society Board of Directors

Libby Wile

Executive Committee

Saveria Tilden

Board Chair

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Matt Griffis

Vice Chair

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Jeremiah Su

Secretary

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Fred Leffler

Treasurer

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Colvin Hedgepeth

At-Large

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Ronald Morris

At-Large

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Andrea Flora

At-Large

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Directors

Heather Distad

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Mason Gravley

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Michelle Jackson-Saulters

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Lauren Jacobs

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Richard B. Leverett, JD

Board Member

(he/him)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Becky Marcelliano

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

Favorite Hikes

Wendy McCormack

Board Member

(she/her)

Biography

American Hiking Society
Board of Directors