by Partnership for the National Trails System, adapted from a July 22, 2019 news release from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Suzanne Dixon
Suzanne Dixon, who joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2017, resigned from her position effective August 30, 2019. The ATC’s Board of Directors selected Sandra Marra as the new President and CEO.
Suzanne has had an immediate and long-lasting impact on the organization. She conceptualized the ATC’s Wild East campaign; increased the ATC’s visibility with Federal, State and local elected officials and agencies; expanded fundraising opportunities; and, through the continuation of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Landscape initiative, helped protect thousands of additional acres along the trail.
“Serving as the President/CEO of ATC has been the fulfillment of my professional career,” Suzanne said. “My decision to leave ATC as of August 30 comes only after deep reflection on my professional and personal needs, and my belief that ATC is on a solid foundation to move ahead to realize its visions. The wonderful impact that ATC has had on me is something that will guide my future career.”
Sandi joined ATC’s Board of Managers in 1999 and played a significant role in leading the organization through its transition from a Conference to a Conservancy. In accepting her new position, Sandi has resigned as Chair of ATC’s Board of Directors. She also serves on the PNTS Board of Directors.
“I am committed to fulfilling ATC’s mission to manage, protect, and promote the Appalachian Trail, and to ensuring the trail is protected forever and for all,” Sandi said. “I particularly look forward to the development of a new strategic plan that focuses on the issues the Appalachian Trail faces today.”
Sandra Marra
Sandi joined ATC’s Board of Managers in 1999 and played a significant role in leading the organization through its transition from a Conference to a Conservancy. She joined ATC’s first Stewardship Council in 2005 and later ATC’s Board of Directors in 2008. In addition, she is a past president and honorary life member of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
As an ATC board member, Sandi has chaired several ATC committees and, for the past several years, served as board chair. Most recently, she has been a partner consultant with Capacity Partners, a full-service consulting firm to nonprofit organizations, providing strategy and development services including strategic planning, board development and training, and change management support. In 2015, she retired from her position as Chief Operating Officer of St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a $20 million nonprofit organization supporting educational and service programs for developmentally disabled children and adults. She has hiked over 1,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail and, with her husband, oversees 3 miles of the trail in Northern Virginia.
Unless otherwise indicated, all material in Pathways Across America is public domain. All views expressed herein are perspectives of individuals working on behalf of the National Trails System and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Federal agencies.