SPEAKERS

Jenny took the helm of MOB in 2019, bringing over a decade of experience working with outdoor-focused non-profit organizations in government and public relations, strategy and organizing. Her work as executive director allows her to lead a powerful and expanding network of businesses united around a clear objective: to create a thriving local outdoor recreation economy. Prior to working at MOB, she served at The Wilderness Society in Washington, D.C. and in Maine. There she directed advocacy campaigns and led coalitions to protect outdoor areas across the country and take meaningful action on climate change. She serves on the board of Maine GearShare and the Outdoor Industry Association’s Recreation Advisory Council. She takes the ferry to Portland from her home on Peaks Island in Casco Bay where she lives with her husband and son pursuing adventures both big and small.

Gabe is a fifth-generation resident of Bethel, Maine. Gabe was a founding board member of Inland Woods + Trails, and since 2014 has served as Executive Director. He holds a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Maine at Farmington. He is a senior fellow in the Environment Leadership Program, and the Community Practitioners Network. He previously served as co-coordinator of the Maine Trails Coalition and lives on Mason St. in Bethel with his wife, Jessie.

Jacob Pelkey works to connect entrepreneurs with statewide accelerator programs, opportunity funding, and skills training to increase representation of rural entrepreneurs in the Maine Startup Ecosystem. Passionate about food systems and marketing, Jacob sees wicked big potential in the appetite for Maine products, Maine quality, and the Maine brand. Originally from Mattamiscontis, Jacob came to The County for work with the Mi’kmaq Nation’s 34,000-gallon Maine brook trout hatchery before moving into the role of Tourism Developer and Entrepreneur Program Manager at Northern Maine Development Commission.

Mike is the founder and principal owner of Grain Surfboards. As the chief thinker and tinkerer, he daily pulls the whole crew together in a spirit of experimentation and cooperative decision that – at bottom – is probably the main reason we look forward to coming to work every day. Mike grew up like any other suburban kid, building ramps and hitting them on skateboards and bmx bikes. He discovered snowboarding when the sport was in it’s infancy, and a few short years later had moved to Vermont to work for the industry-leader, Burton Snowboards. After 12 years working in the industry, doing everything from building boards to managing a team of the most respected professional riders in the industry, Mike shifted gears and began to follow his other passion. He sat for his U.S. Coast Guard Captains License, and began operating a commercial sailing vessel on Lake Champlain. This new lifestyle allowed Mike the time to explore much of the East Coast by water from the Caribbean to Maine. In 2001, with his knowledge of vessel operations, and experience working on many wooden boats over the years, Mike jumped at the opportunity to manage the construction of an 88′ wooden schooner being built by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. In 2005, Mike again followed his instincts and moved to York, Maine, in hopes of surfing more and driving less. Having a clear head and a fresh start, led Mike to start messing around with surfboard shapes, design and construction. He combined much of what he knew and loved about wooden boats and adapted that to building wooden surfboards. With knowledge of and history with the board sports world, as well as help from a lot of close friends, Grain was born.

Ashley Medina is a Program Coordinator at Maine Community Integration, dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally responsive spaces for immigrant and minority communities. A Mexican American who relocated from Texas to Maine as a youth, Ashley’s firsthand experiences navigating language and cultural barriers inform her deep commitment to supporting families on similar paths. She brings strong community engagement skills and a people-centered approach to MCI's programs.

Amy Bannon serves as Co-Executive Director of Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, where she leads the organization’s advancement and strategic efforts while advocating for greater access to sports and outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Grounded in a belief that the outdoors should be inclusive, welcoming, and barrier-free, Amy works to expand opportunities that foster belonging, independence, and community across Maine. With a career rooted in adaptive sports, Amy previously served as Development Director of Wasatch Adaptive Sports in Salt Lake City and, before that, directed programs for multiple adaptive sports organizations throughout the Mountain West. In addition to her professional work, she is the Co-Founder of Stewards of Western Maine Climbing, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting and safeguarding recreational climbing resources in Maine. An avid outdoor enthusiast and access advocate, Amy sees powerful potential in the intersection of recreation, stewardship, and equity to strengthen both people and places.

Dr. Aimee Vlachos is a results-driven educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in sport management, outdoor recreation, and experiential learning. She holds an Ed.D. in Sports Management with a concentration in marketing where her dissertation explored gender inequality in women’s surfing. Complementing her doctorate, Dr. Vlachos earned an M.S. in Recreation Management, and a B.A. in Business with a minor in Outdoor Recreation. Dr. Vlachos teaches a diverse portfolio of courses within the Business and Outdoor Recreation Management programs. Her innovative curriculum development led to the establishment of the Outdoor Business & Innovation academic major, which integrates experiential learning with real-world applications.

Devin McNeill was born and raised in Portland, Maine, and is a graduate of Portland High School and The University of Maine. While in college Devin helped found Flowfold. What started as a company selling a single wallet made out of recycled sailcloth has grown into a mission driven brand offering bags, backpacks, totes, pouches, and dog gear made out of recycled material. In March of 2020, as hospitals faced shortages of PPE, Flowfold made a decision to suspend normal operations and fully commit to the manufacturing of Face Shields, and ended up producing 1 million face shields for the hospitals, schools, businesses, and consumers that needed them. Devin lives in Portland with his wife Erin and their three young boys.

Lisa is a multihyphenated, award-winning Maine-based business leader and educator with a passion for connecting people to place. With over two decades of experience in destination marketing and event planning, and a decade in higher education, she has led initiatives across the state that support cultural tourism, workforce development, and inclusive access to the outdoors. As a professor at Husson University’s School of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management, Lisa has been recognized for excellence in teaching and service, named a 2024 MaineBiz 40 Under 40 honoree, and was on the team that received the Maine Office of Tourism’s Leadership & Growth Award in 2023. She is the founder of Asturvia and Getting Married in Maine. She believes access to the outdoors is Maine’s differentiating factor-after all, a good place to live is a great place to visit.

As Trust for Public Land’s State Director for Maine, Betsy Cook is committed to ensuring all Mainers have equitable access to the outdoors. Betsy joined TPL in 2017 and during her time has worked with communities across the state to create new public lands, trails, parks, and community forests. Previously, Betsy worked with the New England Forestry Foundation, and Triangle Land Conservancy and Duke Forest, both in Durham, North Carolina. Betsy discovered the power of public lands during her summers working in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s backcountry hut system. Betsy holds a BA from Cornell University and Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry from Duke University, where she completed her thesis on community forests. Betsy lives on Peaks Island and enjoys exploring all corners of Maine by cross-country skiing, hiking, and paddling with her spouse, Jesse, their two kids, Nora and Malcolm, and their energetic dog, Banjo.

Alex is a born and raised "Mainah" from Eliot and very proud of it. After graduating from Endicott College he began his professional adventures in landscaping, construction, catering and sales. It was a life changing opportunity with the Troubh Ice Arena ( TIA) that brought him into the wonderful PRF Family. He spent 5 incredible years with his team at TIA before he made the leap over to the 'Parkside'. Without a doubt, his favorite thing to do is get his hands dirty with the crews that make this city such a beautiful place to live and visit. He thinks it is hard to compete with the beauty of the Eastern Prom on a blue bird Summer Day or the calm and grounding feeling of walking through the old growth forest of Baxter Woods. Outside of the work world you can find him on the slopes, behind a ski boat, or spending time with his amazing two kids.

Erik daSilva has been teaching bike education and advocating for safer streets in Maine since 2013. Erik is the co-founder of the Maine Woods Rambler, a premier adventure bike event in the northeast, and is route curator and manager of Maine's Where-to-Ride catalog, which shares hundreds of on and off-road routes throughout the state. Traveling by bike across the landscape is part of Erik's essence, whether it be for commuting purposes or to 'find' himself in areas of deep wilderness. He lives with his wife and three children in Orono and is frequently found riding through the forest with a dog or two in tow, or oftentimes towing him :)

Sarah is the Deputy Director and started with FDDC initially as Grants Manager in January of 2023. Sarah came to FDDC from a career in education, during which she served in various teaching and leadership roles in tribal and public schools, higher education, non-profits, and government. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine at Orono. Sarah brings to her work a passion for serving tribal communities and diverse experiences in grants management and program design. She believes deeply in FDDC’s mission and is excited to work daily towards it. Sarah enjoys spending time with her daughter, Maddy, and their dog, Sherman.

Nicole Lazure is the Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), where she leads the development of Maine’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. She holds a Master’s degree in Experiential Education from Plymouth State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Park Management from Unity College. Nicole serves on the Outdoor Recreation Roadmap team, chairs BPL’s Trails Team, and participates on several trails-related grant boards. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Maine’s mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking trails. She lives in Belfast, Maine with her family and is an active member of the Belfast Area NEMBA group.

Stevie is a dedicated account manager and creative strategist at Blaze Partners. She holds a master’s in project management and has five years of experience in strategic branding, creative project management, and stakeholder engagement. Stevie led communications and marketing for Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap (2023–2025), overseeing everything from the Roadmap's design to the communication plan and marketing materials—video, print, and web—to highlight the value of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.

Adam coordinates the Maine Trails Program, working with towns, nonprofits, and recreation groups to support trail projects that help people get outside and enjoy Maine year-round. He brings a background in environmental science and federal program management, with experience supporting public programs and community-based projects. Originally from Southeast Alaska, you’ll often find him running trails, swimming in the ocean, cross-country skiing, or tending his vegetable garden.

In his role with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Jeff advances initiatives that preserve, promote and protect Maine’s extraordinary natural landscapes while driving sustainable growth in the state’s outdoor recreation economy. He works closely with public and private partners to position Maine as a national leader in four-season outdoor recreation and to ensure the benefits of this thriving sector reach communities statewide. A Registered Maine Guide since his early twenties, Jeff has long turned his passion for the outdoors into purpose: promoting the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, managing Lake George Regional Park and serving in the Maine House of Representatives. From mountaintops to Maine’s rivers, Jeff loves exploring all regions of the state with his family.

Stacey Keefer has been the Executive Director of the Maine Marine Trades Association since 2017 and President of the New England Trades Association since 2021. Stacey has over three decades of experience in the boating industry in Maine in boatyards, boating events, workforce development, and now advocacy work. Stacey has participated in the development of the Maine Outdoor Economy Roadmap and serves on the Maine Outdoor Brands Workforce Advisory Board. She works closely with other states and national partners in the marine industry and is active with the Maine Working Waterfront Coalition. She is a paddler, sailor, and bird/nature lover. Her favorite sport is ice sailing on nordic skates.

Tracy Coughlin joined the Yarmouth Boat Yard team in June of 2016. With over 25 years of marketing experience, she assists all Marina Holdings entities, including Yarmouth Boat Yard, Moose Landing Marina, Freedom Boat Club of Maine, Maine Boating Academy, Sea Tox, and Sea Taxi with their marketing, PR, and promotion efforts. When not working, you can find Tracy running, skiing, hiking, gardening, or enjoying the Maine coastline by land or by sea.

Founder of Maine Surfers Union and lifetime water enthusiast, Charlie grew up surfing the Maine coast before moving to California where he developed a deeper interest in shaping and surfboard design. Returning to his home state with knowledge and enthusiasm, he opened MSU in 2013 to share his appreciation and respect for the ocean, outdoor lifestyle, the environment and fellow surfers.

Lindsay Conrad is a dedicated nonprofit leader with a decade of experience building strong partnerships and advancing mission-driven organizations. Currently the Director of Development at Portland Trails, Lindsay oversees fundraising and programmatic strategies that support equitable access to greenspace and active transportation across Greater Portland. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, collaboration, and equity-centered philanthropy. Prior to joining Portland Trails, she held development roles at Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Longy School of Music (Boston, MA). She is a graduate of the Institute for Civic Leadership (2023-24 class) and was part of the first cohort of The Giving Project through Maine Initiatives (2024-25). Originally from Ohio, Lindsay is also a trained classical singer and loves singing in local and regional groups when she's not exploring Maine's great outdoors.

Amber Albe oversees Skowhegan Outdoors and the Basecamp Gear Library where she supports outdoor recreation as a tool for community development. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019, she shifted from non-profit work and marketing into outdoor recreation, moving to Maine in 2020 to train as a whitewater guide. Amber holds a Maine Recreation Guide license, Wilderness First Responder, and ACA Kayak Instructor and Swiftwater Rescue training, has guided on rivers and in the ski industry across the state, and travels internationally for her passions. She brings a background in digital marketing and runs a small art business, Radical River Works. You can find her anywhere there's water.

Martha Bentley is the founder and owner of MMB Collaborative Leadership LLC, a values-driven practice specializing in fractional non-profit leadership, innovation & entrepreneurship. In that role, Martha serves as fractional Executive Director of the Osher Map Library Foundation; facilitator of Startup Studio -Growth within the CEI Women’s Business Center; and regularly provides strategic facilitation and network weaving to nonprofit collaborations in Maine. Martha previously served as Director of Economic Development Coordination for the State of Maine and as the Director of Innovation Infrastructure for the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). Prior to these roles, she owned her own consulting company specializing in grant program design and management, with MTI as her primary client managing $200M+ in technology-based economic development funding. Martha has a BA in History from Davidson College and an MA in Public History (formerly Applied History) from the University of South Carolina. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Four Directions Development Corporation and Maine Outdoor Brands. When not on Zoom, you can find Martha paddling on the waters of Horseshoe Pond and Cobbossee Stream in West Gardiner, Maine.

Steve Kasacek is the Director of Trail Development with the Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI). Based in the Katahdin Region, OSI is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering active, resilient outdoor communities in Maine through trail development, workforce leadership development, and community activation. Steve has been in the professional trail development scene for over 10 years. He has worked in over 20 states helping communities navigate complex trail development projects from vision to management. He has assisted with more than 1,200 miles of high-quality trails planning and design and has directly managed over 100 miles of trail construction, helping land managers, government agencies, organizations, and communities secure more than 12 million dollars in funding for natural surface trail projects. In Maine Steve has worked across the state in nearly 30 communities. He has helped many people develop their first trails, receive their first grant, or plan their first system. In the Katahdin region Steve has been working for nearly a decade building partnerships that led to significant trail planning and design. With steady implementation from volunteers, professional contractors, and continued growth of OSI's Katahdin region trail crew over 25 miles of high-quality trail has been built in the region since 2016. Steve believes in the immense benefits trails bring to people and hopes every person in Maine can someday have easy access to outdoor experiences. We can build on our outdoor recreation heritage and stunning landscapes to create meaningful, unique, and awe-inspiring trails that directly improve the lives of everyone living, working, and visiting Maine.

Alejandro Strong is a guide and small business owner, based in the Greater Bangor area. He runs paddling, biking, and backpacking trips with Packraft Maine.

Mae McHugh is the co-founder of JoySwich, a disc golf and outdoor adventure company she operates alongside her husband, Adam. For the past five years, JoySwich has organized putt leagues, clinics, and community events that connect people to the outdoors and to one another. Working in close collaboration with the City of Portland, Mae and Adam helped fundraise, design, install, and continue to support the maintenance of Portland’s first disc golf course at Payson Park. A Maine native, Mae is deeply passionate about the outdoors and about expanding access to safe, affordable housing in rural communities. She is a real estate developer and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Dooryard, where she helps lead the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, affordable housing to those who need it most across Maine. When she’s not working, Mae’s favorite thing is being outside, exploring Maine’s trail networks on her mountain bike or spending time outdoors alongside her dogs.

Noah Kleiner is the owner and lead guide of Equinox Guiding Service, a Maine-based climbing and outdoor education company specializing in professional instruction, workforce development, and guided rock and ice climbing experiences. With over 20 years of experience in the climbing industry, Noah is an AMGA-certified instructor and provider, and has worked extensively with schools, colleges, and community organizations to create clear career pathways in the outdoor sector. His work focuses on mentorship, risk management, and helping people build meaningful, sustainable careers rooted in place and purpose.

Although new to Maine, Kristen brings over a decade of experience in land management that naturally led her to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town. A transplant from Utah, her professional work on the Colorado Plateau shaped a strong understanding of the balance between resource protection and public access to wild lands. Kristen now oversees Outreach and Volunteer Coordination at Hirundo, where she focuses on strengthening connections between community and place. She is passionate about furthering collaborative conservation efforts and expanding opportunities that connect locals and visitors alike to Maine’s history, landscapes, and outdoor experiences.

John is a career educator who focuses on experiential and environmental-based practices that build preparedness and foster belonging.  He is passionate about the outdoors and providing opportunities for students and young people to cultivate their own appreciation and respect for the natural world.  When not sitting behind his computer, John can often be found in the ocean on a surfboard, in the mountains on skis, in the woods on hiking trails, or on lakes in a canoe (usually alongside at least one of his three children).  Every once in a while, his wife will convince him to go on a run with her, too.

Tracey serves as Initiatives Director for the Katahdin Collaborative and Project Lead for the Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative, where she facilitates partnerships between organization, community members, nonprofits, municipalities, businesses and tribal communities to strengthen the regional outdoor economy while centering Wabanaki sovereignty and authentic cultural representation. A descendant of the Penobscot people, Tracey first explored the Katahdin region during her youth and later as a student at the University of Maine. These experiences shaped her understanding of the vital connections between cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development. Having lived across the United States and internationally, she brings a global perspective to regional challenges while remaining deeply rooted in place. In her work, Tracey builds bridges among diverse partners to establish the Katahdin region as a model for collaborative, community-driven economic development. She believes Maine's outdoor economy thrives when it honors both the landscape and the peoples who have called it home for generations. Tracey and her husband have raised four sons and have two rescued Rottweilers.

Marina is the Senior Brand Manager at Hyperlite Mountain Gear, where she’s spent the past four years overseeing social media, events, partnerships, and athlete relations. She’s passionate about thoughtful, authentic storytelling, long-term brand building, and supporting the people who put gear to the test in the backcountry.

Born and raised in Maine, Cait is an outdoor enthusiast and lifestyle photographer who specializes in capturing authentic, story-driven imagery. With a background in documentary photography, she uses her lens to help brands connect with their audiences in a real and meaningful way. She has worked with brands including LL Bean, Appalachian Mountain Club, Thule, Allagash Brewing, Darn Tough, and Visit Maine. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll find her running, skiing, walking her dogs and exploring with her daughter, Fiona.

Carolann was named the first director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2018. As of June 1st, she will take on the role of the Director of Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Film for Maine. A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, her career has included time as a whitewater guide, outdoor resort operations manager, restaurant chef/owner, and from 2010-2016 the Director of the Maine Office of Tourism. Carolann is a board and/or advisory committee member with the Maine Sports Commission, Maine Trails Coalition, University of Southern Maine’s Tourism & Hospitality Program, University of Maine Outdoor Leadership Program and is currently co-chair of the Confluence of States. She is a ski, snowmobile, hiking and paddling enthusiast, working on her fishing and hunting skills, and an avid traveler.

Liz joined MOB in 2024 after a career in mechanical engineering. She's really enjoyed diving into MOB's work and learning more about the state she has decided to call home. She brings a wealth of project management and communication skills as well as a love for the outdoors. You can find her surfing the local break, skiing Maine's beautiful mountains and hiking with her husband and chocolate lab.

Michael McAllister has been the executive director at SailMaine since 2016. He grew up in Biddeford, Maine and as a child was fortunate enough to receive a need-based scholarship to a learn to sail program. Those early experiences encouraged him to compete at the highest level in college, where he was an All-New England skipper at the University of Rhode Island. He continued his passion for sailing as a college coach at Columbia University in New York City. From there, he transitioned to practicing law. As an attorney, Michael worked tirelessly to advocate for at-risk youth in Maine as a junior defense attorney. His practice focused on ensuring kids had the resources and voice they needed to succeed. Prior to coming on as the Executive Director, Michael served on the Board of Directors at SailMaine and coached several high school teams at SailMaine. When Michael isn’t hanging out with his wife Annya, their daughter Ophelia, and their dog Arthur, he is racing slow keelboats like Rhodes 18+19, J24’s and etchells, and foiling his windsurfer in the back cove!

Fowsia Musse is the Executive Director and founder of Maine Community Integration. Originally from Somalia and in the U.S. since 1995, she brings over seventeen years of experience as a cultural broker, medical interpreter, and community health advocate. Her work centers on addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through holistic, nature-based, and expressive healing practices. A committed champion of two-generation approaches, Fowsia bridges community needs and healthcare systems, advancing equity and belonging for immigrant and underserved families across Maine.

Rachel Selsky, AICP is CEO of Camoin Associates, where she leads a nationwide economic development consulting practice helping communities tackle their toughest challenges. With nearly 20 years of experience in economic impact analysis, she's passionate about translating complex data into compelling stories that help governments, businesses, and organizations understand their economic value. Growing up in upstate New York, Rachel discovered her calling in planning at the University at Albany, earning her Master's in Regional Planning. Since joining Camoin in 2008, she's balanced strategic leadership with hands-on project work across 46 states, from housing market assessments to fiscal impact studies. These days she focuses more on running the firm and executing its strategic vision, while still diving into high-profile projects like economic impact studies for trail systems, agricultural fairs, airports, and regional development initiatives. Rachel stays connected to the planning profession as Membership Chair for both the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association and the national Economic Development Division. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband Matt and daughter Ellie, where she continues to be inspired by communities of all sizes working to create meaningful change.

Josh has a B.A. from Johnson State College and an M.A. from Ohio University, both in the fields of Outdoor Education and Recreation. He worked for NOLS as a Mountaineering Instructor in Alaska and as a Climbing Guide in the Northeast for a number of years. He also served as a professor of Outdoor Education at Sterling College for 6 years. Most recently, prior to coming to Maine GearShare, he served as Associate Dean of Work-Experiential Learning and chaired the college's Risk Management Committee. Josh was involved in the design of Maine GearShare through committee and consulting work prior to joining the staff. He brings many years of experience in the outdoors, equipment rental operations, gear repair, and administrative management to his role as Executive Director.

Jenna is a Principal and Managing Director of Blaze Partners, a B Corp Certified and 100% employee owned advertising agency based in Falmouth, Maine. Jenna co-counded Blaze after 15+years at L.L.Bean where she held a number of roles in creative and brand communications. She's an experienced leader, brand strategist, multi-channel campaign developer, and writer. Jenna helped lead Blaze through their ESOP transition in 2025 and heads up the agency B-Corp certification efforts. She was one of the founders of Maine Outdoor Brands and is currently the secretary of the MOB board. She lives in Freeport with her husband and two college-age children. In her free time, you can find her on her bike, skiing, hiking or boating on Casco Bay.

Anne Read works on land conservation projects throughout the state with TPL, creating partnerships and facilitating connectivity with local communities to protect public lands and vast landscapes. Growing up in Southern Maine, Anne is passionate about the outdoors and creating more opportunities to get people access to outdoor recreation that is close to home. She brings over five years of experience in the land protection field and currently lives in Portland, where she can be found paddling, ice skating, xcountry skiing and getting out on the trails with her dog Goose.

Tracy has been the Director of Parks and Recreation since his appointment in February of 2008 and has been with the Parks and Recreation Department for a total of 26 years. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the management of the City’s parks and outdoor space including the Rolland Perry City Forest and Essex Woods. The Municipal Golf Course is also a Parks and Recreation facility as well the Waterfront area, which has become an increasingly popular venue for events and includes yearly cruise stops by American Cruise Lines, home to the Maine Savings Amphitheater and Waterfront Concerts, along with seasonal boating facilities. Tracy has been in the Parks and Recreation field for over 35 years previously working for the City of Waterville and City of Brewer. Tracy has been recognized by his peers in the National Recreation and Park Association as the 2016 Park Champion of the year and twice by the Maine Recreation and Park Association by awarding him their Young Professional Award and the Distinguished Professional of the Year award.

Josh Lichti is the Co-founder and CEO of UDisc, a mission-driven company working to empower the world to play more disc golf. After spending several years in consulting, a hiking trip in New Zealand helped him realize he needed a new path - he returned home, quit his corporate job, and built something he deeply cared about. After a few years living in Europe he settled in Portland, Maine with his partner Monica. Though UDisc started as a two-person passion project, it has grown into a team of 20+ people supporting disc golf's growth. Today, UDisc serves over a million players across 17,000 courses around the world. While most people know the company for its course directory and round tracking app, the primary goal is helping get people outside: discovering courses, connecting with communities, and improving physical and mental health. UDisc also publishes an annual report and ranking lists to help measure the impact and work closely with community leaders to share data and resources.

Jim Hauptman is a managing director at Blaze Partners, a Maine-based, employee-owned, B Corp-certified advertising and digital marketing agency. Blaze has been at the forefront of AI integration, thoughtfully applying emerging technologies to help brands connect more meaningfully with consumers across an increasingly complex digital landscape. At Blaze, Jim works across departments to align business objectives with creative, media, and account capabilities—helping shape marketing strategies that drive long-term growth and brand value. Prior to Blaze, Jim worked for ten years at outdoor retailer L.L.Bean as its creative director and director of product design. Together with his Blaze colleagues, he is also credited with founding Maine Outdoor Brands in 2017.

Seth Walton is an outdoor educator and public-sector professional whose career spans outdoor leadership, public safety, maritime, education, nonprofit management, and government administration. He is the founder and lead instructor of a certificate-granting Outdoor Leadership Program at the MidCoast School of Technology. The two-year program emphasizes community partnerships to form workplace pathways and focuses on wilderness medicine, SAR and technical rescue, paddlesports, navigation, climbing, and sailing. A Registered Master Maine Guide, Seth has led ocean and inland expeditions and trainings for more than two decades. He volunteers with Maine Island Trail Association and Coastal Mountains Search and Rescue.

Drew is a co-founder & President/CEO of The Ecology School at River Bend Farm, a Maine educational nonprofit. Since 1998 The Ecology School has educated 210,000+ children & adults in the science of ecology and the practice of sustainability. In 2021 The Ecology School opened its new $14.1M campus, one the most sustainable environmental living & learning centers in the country on the 313-acre River Bend Farm on the Saco River in Saco, Maine. He is active with the Maine Outdoor School for All Network, the Maine Environmental Education Association, the Nature Based Education Consortium, and the National Outdoor School for All Consortium. Drew was named to the Mainebiz 2020 Next list, honoring business leaders who have made a mark in the business community and helped propel Maine's economy. He was also named as a 2024 Mainebiz Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year.

Bryan has been involved in search and rescue in Maine since 1996 and is currently President of Pine Tree Search and Rescue (PTSAR) and the Education Director for the Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR). Bryan is a MASAR certified Search Team Leader and a Registered Maine Guide. In addition to SAR Bryan also holds FAA part 107 (drone pilot) and flies for the York County Emergency Management Agency.

Chuck is a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. In his work duties, he provides oversight to the Nation’s natural resources department.  Though his path began through forestry, Chuck feels a deep connection to the forests and animals within.  He spends much of his time in the Katahdin region where he feels most connected to those relations.  When he and his family are not recreating on the lands he is working on their farm near their Corinth home.  Chuck is also guiding the Penobscot Nation with the help of great partners on two significant land return and various restoration projects.

Steve Tatko leads AMC’s Land and Conservation programs across the organization’s 12 state footprint, including innovative Land, Research, Trails, and Policy Departments. Since joining AMC in 2012, he has directed AMC’s conservation acquisition, management planning, and watershed restoration strategies, including for its nationally significant Maine Woods Initiative which has grown to 114,000 acres. Steve is a Licensed Maine Forester with over 20 years of experience in the forestry field in both the private and non-profit sectors. He serves on a number boards across the forest products industry and the conservation field.

Having been involved with MOB since the beginning, Brian was hired full time in March of 2021. As a climber, paddler, skier, backpacker, adventure photographer and a nonprofit aficionado, Brian brings valuable experience to connecting and promoting brands. He sits on the advisory board for Baxter State Park and recently joined the board of Rippleffect in hopes of ensuring wild places stay wild and anyone and everyone can access the outdoors. Brian lives in Portland with his wife and stepson and can often be seen frequenting the Fore River Sanctuary in his backyard.

Abby Plante, Maine native and Senior International Trade Specialist at the Maine International Trade Center has participated in the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit since 2022. Serving as a business advisor focused on international trade, Abby guides Maine businesses engaged in international trade and pursuing global growth. Committed to supporting Maine's outdoor brands and many municipalities who rely on outdoor recreation as an economic driver, Abby is pleased to be presenting at MOES for the second year in a row.

A multidisciplinary designer, artist and community builder born and raised in Mexico City. Pame started her surf journey when she moved to Maine in 2017, an experience that kept her mental health alive. Her immigration experience was the motivation and inspiration to find a way to make surfing more accessible for those who experience social, financial and systemic barriers. Following the steps of many other women and organizations and with the help of many community members, Pame was able to found Mor Women+ Surf.

Shadia Abdulahi serves as MCI’s Climate and Policy Coordinator, bringing over a decade of community-based experience. With a background in political canvassing, outreach, and legislative policy writing, she is skilled in translating community priorities into meaningful policy solutions. Shadia is passionate about advancing climate resilience and strengthening inclusive policies that meet the needs of Maine’s diverse and emerging communities.

Enock Glidden is an outdoor accessibility consultant, adaptive athlete, and passionate advocate for inclusive recreation. As a co-founder of Outdoor Access Solutions, Enock works with land managers, businesses, and organizations across the country to help them understand and remove barriers in the outdoors. His consulting focuses on practical, actionable strategies that improve access for people of all abilities while strengthening community engagement and economic impact. Born with Spina Bifida, Enock has spent his life challenging assumptions about what is possible. He is an accomplished rock climber, skier, kayaker, and adventurer, and his personal experiences in the outdoors have shaped his mission to make natural spaces welcoming for everyone. In addition to his consulting, Enock is the program administrator and a lifelong student of Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation. He frequently speaks at conferences, schools, and community events, sharing stories that illuminate the importance—and economic value—of accessible outdoor experiences. Enock brings a unique blend of lived experience, technical insight, and contagious enthusiasm to his work. His ultimate goal is simple: to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with dignity, independence, and joy.

Eva is a community builder, facilitator, big picture planner, silly face maker, doodler, and plant dad. They want to know what you're reading, watching, listening to at all times and is it Survivor? Eva has 10 years of experience as a project manager, professional development trainer, and community organizer for projects and nonprofits focused on racial and gender justice, public health, and redistributing resources. Eva loves surprising Kindling Collective backpacking trip participants with temporary tatto summit treats. They are responsible for all the math and graphic design that keeps Kindling Collective up and running.

David Jean joined ARB in 1992 and has been a principal for the firm since 2001. He is the Practice Leader for ARB’s Construction Industry Services Group, Succession Planning Services Group, and Business Advisory Services Group. David focuses primarily on financial accounting and consulting for construction, real estate, and manufacturing companies. He also specializes in succession planning and funds control services. David serves as the Director of Altus Exit Strategies, LLC and as Managing Partner of New England Funds Control, LLC, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ARB. David’s expertise is respected among New England’s construction community and endorsed nationally through his membership on The Certified Public Accountant Advisory Council, an exclusive, 10-member council formed to serve as the resource team for the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP).

Kyle Madigan, RN, MHCDS, MSN is the Director of Client Relations for Life Flight of Maine and a recognized leader in transport medicine with more than 30 years of experience, including over 20 years as a flight nurse. His work in air medical transport has taken him into some of the most challenging outdoor environments, where safety and rapid response are critical. This experience has fueled his passion for outdoor safety and preparedness. Kyle has served as an active ski patroller for 20 years, blending his clinical expertise with his love for mountain environments to keep outdoor enthusiasts safe. An avid fly fisher, he spends time exploring rivers and streams, in search of the perfect cast and “the one that got away”.

Scarlet Batchelor is the Chief Growth Officer at the Appalachian Mountain Club. In her work and her personal life, Scarlet is focused on using sports and the outdoors to foster community, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Scarlet is a gravel cyclist and the mom of 3 active teenagers. At AMC, she is responsible for growing the non-profit's membership community and unlocking joyful outdoor experiences.

Archana Palaniappan (she/they) serves as the Network Coordinator for the Nature Based Education Consortium. She also supports the Outdoor Equity Fund in its efforts to realize a collaborative vision where every Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color can thrive and experience safety, belonging, and freedom in nature. She believes that re-seeding the ancestral relationship of wonder, care, and mutual respect with the natural world in young people is one of the most radical acts we can take towards justice and collective liberation. She has tended the earth as a listener, herb farmer, plant medicine maker, trail crew member, and solo backpacker.

Dr. Berkeley Almand-Hunter is the Technical Director of Partner Products at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. In this role, she works with partner organizations to understand their data maturity and learning opportunities. She also leads course design and strategic planning to build high-quality, impactful experiences. Previously, Dr. Almand-Hunter lectured in the College of Professional Studies, where she designed and taught graduate-level courses. She has led courses in Machine Learning, Analytics, Data Visualization, Statistics, Large Language Models, and Generative AI. Before joining the Roux Institute, Dr. Almand-Hunter was a data scientist at Square, and she holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado. She lives in Hallowell, ME with her husband and two young children, and spends her weekends skiing, hiking, running, swimming, paddle boarding, and sailing.

Deb is an innovative leader and educational administrator that loves to create an engaging community environment, along with building relationships with local businesses and organizations. She is actively involved in the revitalization of the greater Katahdin Region. Her passion for the Katahdin region has her serving on many boards including the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce, the Katahdin Collaborative, KFI, the Katahdin Region Development Board and is a founding member of Katahdin Revitalization. Deb earned her B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta and her M.Ed from the University of Maine at Orono in Higher Education Leadership and Counseling and is also a graduate of the Penquis Leadership Institute and the Maine Development Foundation’s Institute for Civic Leadership. She is the Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives for Eastern Maine Community College and the University of Maine at Augusta at the Katahdin Higher Education Center. In her spare time Deb enjoys travel, photography, grant writing, spending time with her felines, a good cup of coffee and spending time outdoors.

Ryder leads UMaine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Centers, a statewide network of outdoor learning centers that provide open enrollment summer camps, outdoor school programs for Maine students and long term educational partnerships with Maine schools. His program serves over 6000 Maine youth annually at four sites and in classrooms, trails and waters across Maine. Since the passage of legislation establishing the Outdoor School for All Maine Students program in 2025, he has also served as the director of Extension’s Outdoor School program. In 2025, Ryder’s contributions to the state of Maine and the University of Maine were recognized as he received the University of Maine’s Presidential Award for Public Engagement.

Mark Berry is the strategic leader for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Maine’s forest conservation initiatives. overseeing strategy development and TNC’s ongoing work to permanently conserve forests in Maine. He helps TNC work with many partners to achieve a sustainable forest economy, forest-based climate change solutions, and biodiversity conservation in Maine, and works closely with TNC’s regional and global teams focused on forest conservation and natural climate solutions. His early career has included a variety of research, education, and conservation positions, mostly in the northwest U.S., including management of a conservation area in Oregon for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Since his return to Maine in 2006, Mark led Downeast Lakes Land Trust, helping them acquire and manage a 55,000-acre community forest. He then led the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, connecting science, education, and conservation, before joining TNC in 2017. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from Dartmouth College and a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado.

Peter C. Yesawich, Jr. ‘PJ’ is Executive Creative Director of Miles Partnership. He is a lifelong travel, tourism, and hospitality professional. PJ is a branding, marketing, and advertising executive with over 20 years of experience shaping global brands. As a lifelong creative agency and hospitality industry veteran, PJ leads cross-functional teams to develop compelling brands and campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive measurable results. PJ oversees creative for Miles Partnership, ensuring that every brand and creative initiative reaches its maximum potential online and offline. Previously, he served as VP, Executive Creative Director at Deloitte Digital, where he led the global Apple business from Cupertino, California. Over the past two years, PJ has also consulted as an executive creative director for multiple agencies and brands, further broadening his influence in the travel, hospitality, and tech industries. Throughout his career, PJ has guided strategy, branding, advertising, and marketing for Fortune 1000 brands—most notably in travel and hospitality, with clients including the Government of Costa Rica, Hilton International, Marriott International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and numerous other world-renowned organizations. His expertise lies in aligning creative vision with business objectives, crafting powerful storytelling, and delivering integrated multi-channel campaigns that solidify brand loyalty. PJ translates ideas into iconic brands, content, and experiences. He crafts innovative creative, design, and digital transformation strategies that drive growth and build brand loyalty.

Cullen has spent the last decade at Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine, promoting nature-based education and hands-on learning experiences through a wide variety of programs ranging from one-hour natural history lessons, to multi-week summer camp and backcountry trip experiences, to a full study-away semester through our accredited school. Wearing a variety of hats, Cullen stewards the full stack of Chewonki's customer journey, from the first multi-channel brand impression to a lifetime of stewardship and engagement through our robust alumni network. Despite a career filled with chasing the latest digital advertising trend or optimizing CRM workflows, Cullens' real passion is getting kids off the couch and into Maine's beautiful outdoor spaces.