Wednesday, November 2, 2022 8:30–10:00 AM MT
Speakers
Welcoming Address
Valerie Rupp, Executive Director, Partnership for the National Trails System
Valerie is a seasoned nonprofit management professional with extensive experience in partnership, development, communications, planning, both program and project management, and administration. Valerie joined PNTS on August 2020 and established the Partnership’s new offices in Washington, D.C. She was the unanimous choice of a Partnership search committee and the recommendation was approved by the PNTS Board of Directors.
As Executive Director she provides overall leadership for the Partnership. She is responsible for advancing the organization’s strategic goals, and for ensuring the day-to-day operations to support that work effectively and efficiently. She has extensive experience in development, communications, public-private partnership as well as both program and project management.
Previously, she worked for Parks & People Foundation for eight years where she focused on engaging cross-sector partners and communities in the creation, study, activation, and stewardship of urban parks and green spaces, as well as external relations and fundraising. Prior to Parks & People Foundation, she led the fundraising and external relations as Development Director for the Women’s Law Center of Maryland and worked in development, visitor services and education in various positions with the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Valerie holds a Bachelor’s degree in history and communications from Shippensburg University and a Master’s in public administration from the University of Baltimore, where she was selected the top graduate student for academic achievement and civic leadership. She also earned a Certificate in Volunteer Management while completing a term of service with Volunteer Maryland, an AmeriCorps program.
She lives in Baltimore, MD, a city boasting three National Historic Trails. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Friend’s of Maryland’s Olmsted Parks and a volunteer with the Maryland SPCA where she spends some of her favorite hours helping dogs and cats find homes. In her free time she enjoys outdoor adventures near and far and exploring different art venues and museums.
Opening Plenary
Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico State Commissioner of Public Lands
Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard is the first woman, the first Latina, and the first educator to serve in the position as New Mexico’s Commissioner of Public Lands.
Born in Tucumcari and raised in Silver City, Stephanie learned at a young age the importance of serving others. Her father, a WWII veteran, was a teacher; her mother was active in their church and community. Stephanie grew up in a family that operated ranches on the eastern plans and northern mountains of New Mexico, sparking the strong connection to our land that she holds today. After graduating from Silver High School, Stephanie went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University in New York.
Stephanie was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2012. During her six years as a State Representative, she championed laws to increase access to a quality education, transparency, and investments in renewable energy, job training, and economic development. She served as Chair of the House Education Committee for two years before being elected Land Commissioner in 2018.
As Land Commissioner, Stephanie is focused on raising as much money as possible while always keeping an eye toward stewardship and preserving the land for generations to come. We can diversify the revenue that comes into the Land Office by tripling the number of renewable energy projects, promoting outdoor recreation, and encouraging new and innovative commercial development on state trust land. With the largest continuous oil and gas resources potential ever assessed in the world sitting in Southeast New Mexico, and land that is prime for wind and solar development, Commissioner Garcia Richard is committed to working to make more money for New Mexico while protecting the health of our land.
2022 National Trails Workshop Schedule
