Photo by Megan Zack Stevenson/ALT
Patrick Bly, Jay, NY
Adirondack Research
Patrick studied ecology at SUNY Plattsburgh. He then became an environmental educator for NYSDEC and works summers as a Field Technician for Adirondack Research. Patrick is also an outstanding photographer.
Stephanie Campbell, Essex Junction, VT (co-chair)
North Country Trail Association
Stephanie is regional trail coordinator for New York and Vermont. She has a BA from Purdue University in Communications and a MS from the University of Michigan in Environmental Policy, Planning and Conservation Ecology.
Adeline Clayton, Lake Placid, NY
Tahawus Trails LLC
Addy started with the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) in 2015 and now works for a small private trail contracting company building hiking and biking trails across New York. She is a coordinator of the Lake Placid Community Garden and serves on ADK’s trails committee.
Naishaly Velez Galan, Albany, NY
University at Albany, Theatre and Sociology
Naishaly is majoring in theatre and sociology. As an advocate for the underrepresented, she/they hope to shine a light on inequalities that BIPOC communities face, how we can all be better humans in the environments we live in, and how we can direct the resources we have to the people who need them most.
Evan Foster, Burlington, VT
Geographic Information Systems Technician/Vermont Assoc. of Conservation Districts
Evan has a BS in environmental science from University of Vermont (UVM) and is an avid paddler and hiker. Evan studied in Mongolia where he conducted research aimed at assisting park rangers in protecting land. Following graduation, Evan joined TerraCorps with the Attleboro Land Trust, leading him to his current position.
Jess Grant, Elizabethtown NY (co-chair)
Adirondack Council
Jess moved from Alaska for college at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. As the Adirondack Land Trust’s first intern in 2020 she gained a new perspective on the often-impermeable-for-the-next-generation Blue Line. Jess loves making new friends on the trail, foraging for fungi, and whitewater kayaking.
Lura Johnson, Keene, NY
Montana State University
Lura studies environmental engineering, conducting research on deicing chemical properties. During summer, she works in the Adirondack Park as a front-country steward, aiding visitors in planning safe and enjoyable hikes. Lura also works on the mapping and eradication of aquatic invasive species.
Brianna LaRose, Watertown, NY
Brianna played varsity tennis and participated in New York State School Music Association, judged solo singing, and the choir club while in high school. After graduating in 2022, she is now attending Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, for clinical laboratory sciences.
Carlie Leary, Plattsburgh, NY
Adirondack North Country Association
Carlie is a Climate Smart Communities Coordinator for the North Country and has a background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and food studies. She is continuing her studies in the One Health Model as her interests are focused on the ways that society and science intersect. Carlie has worked in the Adirondacks at a summer camp, a zipline course, an elementary school, and as a trail steward.
Mollie Passacantando, Kingston, RI
PhD student, physical oceanography
Learning to cross-country ski at Garnet Hill and swimming in Thirteenth Lake sparked Mollie’s love for the wild outdoors. She got a BS in marine sciences from Rutgers University and is now researching polar climates, contributing to understanding how the ocean will be impacted by climate change.
Matt Plouffe, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County
Matt has a BS in environmental studies from Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH. He entered the energy efficiency field post grad in 2017 working as an energy auditor for CLEAResult before moving to Vermont to work a similar role for VGS – formerly Vermont Gas. He currently represents Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County as an Energy Advisor for Clinton, Essex and Hamilton counties.
Cassandra Prenn-Vasilaki, Schuylerville, NY
Government & Community Relations Manager, Hipcamp
Cassandra has a BA in environmental studies from Carleton College. She began her career in wilderness restoration and grassroots organizing and now works in government affairs, partnering with communities to fund conservation with outdoor recreation and drive rural economic development. She spends every free moment exploring the Adirondacks and is working on becoming a 46er
Renee Seacor, Stanfordville, NY
Project Coyote and The Rewilding Institute, Carnivore Conservation Advocate
Renee grew up in Ossining, NY, with a deep love for the Hudson Valley. She is an interdisciplinary environmental advocate with a background in wildlife ecology and environmental law and policy. As carnivore conservation advocate for Project Coyote and The Rewilding Institute, she works for protection of carnivores and wild nature through rewilding and science-driven policy.
Charlotte Staats, Keene, NY
Trails Manager, Adirondack Mountain Club
Charlotte is the Trails Manager for the Adirondack Mountain Club, where she is responsible for the operation and long-term development of ADKs professional and volunteer trail crew programs. She has her BS in Environmental Science & Policy from Clarkson University. You can find Charlotte enjoying the Adirondacks while hiking, biking, paddling, or skiing.
Madeleine Stuzin, Baltimore, MD
Maryland Federal Public Defender’s Office
Maddie has a degree in history and English from Columbia University and a master’s in criminology from Cambridge University; she is passionate about criminal legal reform and social justice work. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in Public Defense.
Emma Ticknor, New York, NY
Boston Consulting Group
Emma is a graduate of Williams College in environmental studies and American studies, and now works as an associate consultant at Boston Consulting Group. She grew up hiking in the Adirondacks and leading trips with Adirondack Trail Improvement Society, and is passionate about conserving the park in an environmentally safe and socially inclusive way.
Thomas Wei, New York, NY
Publicis Groupe
Thomas has a master’s degree in business analytics from Wake Forest and works as a marketing analyst. He spent many years as a camper and counselor with Adirondack Trail Improvement Society and making frequent trips to hike and camp as an undergrad student at UVM.
Brooke Wise, East Dorset, VT
University of Vermont
Brooke is a parks and recreation management student and an avid hiker and 46er. She is a former camper and now a counselor at Camp Treetops in Lake Placid, NY.
Brian Woods, Lake Placid, NY
Brian finished his 46 high peaks (#3403) with his dad and brothers when he was 9. He earned his BA and MEd from the University of Pittsburgh where he was a member of the men’s track & field team. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Adirondack Rail Trail Association. Brian enjoys hiking, running, triathlon, and playing catch with his dog.
Savannah Woods, New York City and Westport, NY
PhD student, New School for Social Research
Savannah is a doctoral student in clinical psychology. She works on film and community projects and helped to reopen the Deer’s Head Inn in Elizabethtown. Savannah is on the board of Lakeside School in Essex and grew up as a participant and paddling guide at Northwaters and Langskib.