Link to Secure Area
for Board, Trail Leaders Council, and staff
Staff
Courtney Lyons-Garcia, Executive Director
Courtney Lyons-Garcia began her role as Executive Director for the Partnership in September of 2023. She is a nonprofit professional with more than twenty-five years of experience in public lands. Prior to joining PNTS, she served as the Executive Director of Big Bend Conservancy, the nonprofit fundraising partner of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, in the Development Department at National Parks Conservation Association, and most recently as the Executive Director of Public Lands Foundation, a partner of the Bureau of Land Management in the responsible use of America’s public lands.
Throughout her career, Lyons-Garcia has worked extensively on issues related to public land stewardship, trail development, coalition building, federal partnership, advocacy, fundraising and communications. She works to build and protect trails in her own community through the Great Springs Project and Comal Trails Alliance.
Contact Courtney at courtney@pnts.org
Cara Yendrzeski, Program Manager
Cara Yendrzeski joined the Partnership for the National Trails System as a Program Coordinator in February of 2021 and then transitioned to Program Manager in February 2024 where she coordinates training and educational opportunities for the national trails community and manages PNTS’s Next Generation programming. Cara is a passionate environmental advocate who has worked with Citizens Climate Lobby and Chesapeake Climate Action Network to advance climate policy. Cara has also worked with Capital Nature as a Program Research Volunteer, finding new and exciting nature events to promote in the Washington D.C. metro area and researching health and environmental benefits of urban green spaces. Cara holds a BS in Environmental Studies from Le Moyne College and a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.
Contact Cara at cara@pnts.org
Nora Kline, Education Coordinator
Nora Kline, a recent graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Law and Public Policy and current resident of Washington, DC, brings valuable experience from the nonprofit sector. She’s worked for a domestic violence shelter and an organization dedicated to preserving indigenous languages. Nora’s adaptability and commitment to diverse communities are evident in her work. With a strong passion for the outdoors, she’s eager to bring her skills to the role of Education Coordinator at PNTS.
Contact Nora at nora@pnts.org.
Alizee Gamber, Membership Coordinator
Alizee Gamber is a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco with a BS in Biology. She gained experience at the California Academy of Sciences, where she used museum collections, citizen science, and climate data to identify an ecological surrogate for the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly. This work was part of a dune restoration project in collaboration with the National Park Service, Presidio Trust, and other stakeholders. Her work earned the Outstanding Scientific Research Presentation award at the 2023 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference.
A recipient of the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for over 500 hours of service, Alizee is fluent in Spanish and has lived in California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and South Dakota. These experiences provide a deep understanding of North America’s landscapes and communities, supporting her dedication to advancing conservation and fostering collaborations to enhance and sustain the National Trails System as Membership Coordinator.
Contact Alizee at alizee@pnts.org.
Ben Widdison, Corporate and Foundation Relations Associate
Ben Widdison joined the Partnership for the National Trails System in January 2025 as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Associate and brings with him a strong background in outdoor recreation management and nonprofit fundraising. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Benworked as the General Manager of Vashon Adventures, where he led kayaking, cycling, and camping programs, and managed a 400-site campground.
Ben has spent a few years on the development team at Friends of Family Farmers, where he contributed to achieving key fundraising goals that supported local farmers and sustainable agriculture initiatives. He has also worked on fundraising projects helping organizations increase revenue to support their programs with organizations such as the Willamalane Parks Foundation, Friends of Hendricks Park, and Vashon Parks District.
Contact Ben at ben@pnts.org.
Board of Directors
Andrea Ketchmark — President
Andrea is the Executive Director of the North Country Trail Association. She has a degree in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University, where she fell in love with trails and connecting people to outdoor spaces. Prior to joining the NCTA, she managed the Volunteer Vacations program for the American Hiking Society, which allowed her to travel the country to lead volunteer projects across America’s vast network of public lands. Andrea has engaged in building countless partnering relationships at state, national, and local levels, and represents the NCTA in the larger trails and recreation community.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
The National Trails System provides endless ways for Americans to explore our public lands, our history, and to connect with each other. It’s a wonderful cause and there is no better community of advocates for the outdoors and trails than the members of PNTS.
What are you most proud of?
Being part of the passage of the John Dingell Act and succeeding with permanent and full funding of LWCF.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Good books, bonsai, and my new ukelele.
RG Absher – Trail Leaders Council Chair
RG graduated from NC State University in 1978 with a degree in Natural Resource Management. After retiring as a Park Manager in 2010 with the US Army Corps, he continued working in trails as Executive Director of the Yadkin River Greenway and a volunteer with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
Love advancing national trails!
What are you most proud of?
Being a trail advocate and supporting the work of PNTS.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Interpretation of the Trail and its story!
Bill Dahnke — Treasurer
A native San Diegan, Bill Dahnke is a retired Qualcomm Vice President and a trail advocate. He currently serves on the Land Protection Advisory Council of PCTA and the Land Protection Committee of the San Diego River Park Foundation. He served on the Board of the San Diego River Park Foundation, including serving as Chair and has served on a multi-agency development committee for the Trans-County Trail in San Diego. Bill started his involvement with PNTS when he joined the Finance Committee in 2021.
Bill is enthused about the Partnership’s nationwide reach to support and advance the National Scenic and Historic trails. Bill believes that in protecting and promoting National Trails and their cultural resources, we do much for the outdoors and the world generally, from mitigating climate change, to protecting species habitat, preserving heritage, expanding individual access, and for mental wellbeing in these challenging times.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I want to help the trail organizations grow and thrive!
What are you most proud of?
My professional career and 33 years of marriage to my wife, Ann.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “Talk to me about…” what would it say?
Alaska (my favorite place on earth) and of course, hiking.
Barney Mann
Barney “Scout” Mann is a trail advocate, retired attorney, long-distance hiker, and author. His most recent book, Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail, was a 2020 Banff Book Festival Adventure Travel finalist. Mann had a 25-year career as a real estate and business lawyer. He served on the Board of the Pacific Crest Trail Association from 2008 to 2017 (Board Chair for three years). He serves on the Board of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and served as its President. Mann thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with his wife in 2007, thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail in 2015, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2017 and the Arizona Trail in 2021. Mann resides with his wife Sandy in San Diego, CA.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I get to actually assist and support our 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails.
What are you most proud of?
Can’t choose only one: Being married 43 years, my latest book, our grandsons or kids.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Talk to me about this great nonprofit called The Partnership for the National Trails System, being married for 43 years, our two grandsons, or my latest book.
Luke Kloberdanz – Vice President of Governance
After thru-hiking the Ice Age Trail in 2003 and volunteering for more than a decade, Luke decided to put his educational psychology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to work and join the Ice Age Trail Alliance staff in 2013. Since then he has held several positions ranging from Outreach and Education to resident grill operator to his current role as Director of Philanthropy. He has since been demoted to secondary grill operator.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I volunteer with PNTS because I believe in the power of trails to connect people, improve communities, and provide a medium for personal growth for all.
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, I am most proud of helping the Alliance and PNTS grow as organizations. Personally, I am proud of raising two boys with my wife.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Widespread Panic, trail-side cookoffs, Wisconsin beers, stonework on trails.
Julie Judkins
Julie Judkins is a consultant and Co-Founder of Just-Trails, focused on regenerating nature and communities through the connective power of trails. She consults for trail communities around the world, supporting and growing outdoor economies through just transitions for rural and urban communities. As Education and Outreach Director for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Julie created award-winning education, youth, and community programs. She is passionate about food systems, serving as Board Member of an urban agriculture NGO, supporting policies for community health and social justice.
She has served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia and worked with vulnerable youth at Outward Bound. She has a BA from NCSU and a MEM through Duke’s Nicholas School of Environment.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I think trails and walking are the answer to everything. Trails are pathways to possibilities, and I love that my work and my passion both meet on trails. I’ve always been inspired by our National Trail System and am thrilled to contribute to the Partnership’s mission of protecting, completing, and stewarding the national scenic and historic trails within it.
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, the contributions I get to make to just causes (EG to the Coalition of Outdoor Renaming and Education) and to trails around the world (PNTS, World Trails Network). Personally, I’m super proud of who my son, Silas and my godchildren, River and Caleb – they are all resilient and amazing humans!
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Making trails a part of your community culture.
Ron Tipton
Ron’s public and personal life has centered on visiting and protecting National Parks, Wilderness Areas, and National Trails. The most important event which set his career direction was thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1978.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
To use my knowledge, experience, and passion for hiking and the outdoors to enhance the stature and the level of investment in the National Trails System.
What are you most proud of?
Besides hiking the Appalachian Trail, my deeply rewarding 42 years of marriage to Rita and our son, Will.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
National Parks and hiking experience and college basketball
Steve Gonzales — National Historic Trails Representative
A native of Texas, Steven Gonzales obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Geography with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. His studies focused on Spanish missions and presidios on the Northern Frontier of New Spain. Steven later earned a Master of Applied Geography degree from Texas State University at San Marcos. His research focused on case studies of national scenic and historic trails from across the country and the measures they took to get their trails on the ground. Steve has always felt that people can better appreciate the place they find themselves in by understanding its cultural and natural history. In addition to being executive director of El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association, Steve has also served as an advisor for the Texas Historical Commission’s Hispanic Heritage Guide of Texas and also volunteers with Pug Rescue Austin.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I volunteer with the PNTS because of my love for trails and what they can do to bring communities together! Whether learning about the history of a route’s effect on an area or gazing upon the natural beauty of a scenic trail in the wilds of America, our National Trails System offers something for everyone and it is an unparalleled resource that allows us to share our country’s story with the world!
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, I am most proud of my work in protecting and developing the Lobanillo Swales along El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT. Set to be sold off at auction in 2014, the site contains the most dramatic remnants of the physical that we are aware of. And the project fully demonstrated the intent of public-private partnerships mandated in the National Trails System Act.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Talk to me about trails, rivers, and the landscapes of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico.
Heather Crozier
Heather Crozier is the Director of Development for the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, alumni and stakeholder relations, and planning, development and execution of the college’s major fundraising initiatives. She is a member of various volunteer and professional organizations within the natural resources and conservation communities. A native of Little Texas, Alabama, she graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Administration. Outside of her professional career, she spends the majority of her free time outdoors exploring with her three dogs and husband, John.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I am excited to be a part of an organization that is influential in enhancing our trails system and inspiring people across diverse backgrounds to get outside and hike.
What are you most proud of?
As a fundraiser in higher education, I am most proud that I get to be the conduit in helping others find the joy in charitable giving and to see the impact of those gifts continuing to transform lives and support critical research.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
My dogs, SEC football, gardening and wildlife
Justin Fisch
Justin is an environmental and energy attorney with Stoel Rives LLP. Prior to joining the firm, Justin served as term professor at the University of Ottawa, teaching introduction to environmental law. Prior to law school, he worked for the National Geographic Society. Justin is a professional guide. Justin’s pro bono interests in law lie in conservation and protected area establishment.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
The PNTS is the backbone that holds together the National Trails System. It is an honor and a privilege to work to strengthen the organization, and by doing so, the trails, communities, and people it serves.
What are you most proud of?
Joining the PNTS Board!
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
Talk to me about peakbagging, polar regions, law and politics, and being outside.
Matthew Nelson — National Scenic Trails Representative
Matthew has served as the Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association since 2012, but his connections to the Arizona Trail date back over 25 years. Among his contributions to the Arizona National Scenic Trail are trail design, archaeological surveys, volunteer trail construction, and explorations of the AZT on foot, mountain bike and horseback. Matthew has worked as an outdoor educator, Grand Canyon backpacking guide, archaeologist, Native American repatriation coordinator, editor, and freelance photojournalist. He has more than 500 published articles to his credit and is the primary author of Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail and the Arizona Trail Junior Explorer Handbook. Matthew has visited the summits of America’s highest peaks, and spent three winters removing trash from Cerro Aconcagua (22,841 ft.) in Argentina. When Matthew is not involved in trails and outdoor related activities, he studies tabla (the melodic hand drums of North India) and regularly performs live music with ensembles in Arizona and abroad. He lives in the Sierrita Mountains southwest of Tucson.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
Supporting America’s National Scenic and Historic Trails is among the most rewarding work I have ever done. Spending time on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail during my childhood helped me learn more about myself and my place in the world, and instilled a strong conservation ethic at an early age. I hope to protect and promote these trails so others can have similar experiences.
What are you most proud of?
Connecting people with Nature. Most of my professional life has been spent helping people connect with Nature. I believe Nature Deficit Disorder is an alarming epidemic that we need to address, and the National Trails System is an important remedy for this problem.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
“Talk to me about what you are most passionate about!” I much prefer to learn about what brings others absolute joy, and find shared connections there.
Bob Ratcliffe
For the last dozen years, Bob was the Division Chief for the National Park Service’s Conservation, Recreation and Community Assistance Programs, retiring after 36 years of public service in January 2023. His former role included oversight of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, National Trails System (NTS) and National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (WSRS) among other programs. Previously, Bob served 24 years with the Bureau of Land Management in a variety of field and national leadership roles including over a dozen years as Deputy Assistant Director for Resources and Division Chief for Recreation and Visitor Services. A longtime supporter of National Trails and the Partnership for the National Trails System, Bob has spent much of the last four decades promoting sustainable trails, responsible recreation and increased investment in recreation management and infrastructure in parks and on public lands. Bob has graduate and undergraduate degrees in conservation, outdoor recreation and resource management from Prescott College in Arizona and the University of Idaho. He enjoys whitewater sports, hiking, biking and skiing – especially with family and friends.
Why do you volunteer with PNTS?
I believe in the power of collaboration and alliances of trail organizations not only to collectively elevate understanding of the value and benefits of trails for all but also to influence national, state and regional policy and encourage investment in trails for the future and access for all to healthy, outdoor activities.
What are you most proud of?
Over the last decade I was lucky to have the opportunity to guide a few accomplishments regarding the outdoors at the national level. I helped establish and lead the Federal Interagency Council for Outdoor Recreation which did a couple of things that positively influenced progressive policies that benefitted national trails, spurred increased investment in conservation and enhanced acess to the outdoors. The first was working to define and measure the nation’s outdoor recreation economy which led directly to influncing decision makers to increase investment in parks and public lands conservation and recreation infrastructure like trails, at the national, state and local levels. Secondly, I am particularly proud of the role I had in helping create the national Every Kid Outdoors park pass program that has provided free passes to tens of thousands of kids and their families to get out and enjoy their parks and public lands and waters.
If you were wearing a name tag saying “talk to me about…” what would it say?
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ADVENTURES OUTDOORS!
Trail Leaders Council
- Ray (RG) Absher — Overmountain Victory Trail Association *TLC Chair
- Valerie Bader — North Country Trail Association
- Judy Bittner — Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance
- Travis Boley — Oregon-California Trails Association
- Clare Cain — Connecticut Forest & Park Association
- Britt Colle — Santa Fe Trail Association
- Joel Dunn — Chesapeake Conservancy
- Royce Gibson — Florida Trail Association
- Steven Gonzales — El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association
- Patrick Hearty — National Pony Express Association
- Richard Hunt — Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance
- Andrea Ketchmark — PNTS Board President
- Jeff Kish — Pacific Northwest Trail Association
- Kristine Komar — qa’ ánin ‘ískit (respect the trail)/Bitterroot Cultural Heritage Trust
- Justin Kooyman — Pacific Crest Trail Association
- Miriam Mainstelman — Appalachian Mountain Club
- James L. Mallory — Lewis & Clark Trust, Inc.
- Teresa Martinez — Continental Divide Trail Coalition
- Paula Mitchell — Old Spanish Trail Association
- Brendan Mysliwiec — Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- Matthew Nelson — Arizona Trail Association
- Bill Niedringhaus — Potomac Heritage Trail Association
- Matt Nowak — Nez Perce Trail Foundation
- Kaleo Paik — Ala Kahakai Trail Association
- Melissa Pierick — Ice Age Trail Alliance
- Leslie Sabin — Pacific Crest Trail Association
- Sam Herzberg — Anza Trail Foundation
- Tony Turnbow — Natchez Trace Parkway Association
- Ellen von Karajan — Washington Rochambeau NHT Association
- Leilani Waldron — E Mau Na Ala Hele (Ala Kahakai)
- Judy Sizemore — Trail of Tears Association