Photo by Nancie Battaglia
Stephanie Campbell, Burlington, VT (co-chair)
North Country Trail Association
Stephanie helps build and protect the North Country National Scenic Trail in New York and Vermont. She has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in communications and a master’s in environmental policy, planning, and conservation ecology from the University of Michigan. In her free time Stephanie enjoys yoga, painting, gardening, and hiking.
Adeline Clayton, Lake Placid, NY
Tahawus Trails LLC
Addie first started working in the Adirondacks with the Adirondack Mountain Club after completing her bachelor’s in environmental studies at the University of Vermont. She now works for Tahawus Trails, a private trail design and construction company specializing in hiking, biking, and accessible trails across New York and the Northeast. In her free time she enjoys biking, skiing, gardening, and training her trail pup, Olive.
Naishaly Velez Galan, Albany, NY
University at Albany
Naishaly recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and sociology from the University at Albany. They are currently the Survivor Advocate within the Office of Health Promotion at the University at Albany and spend their days supporting victims/survivors of power and control-based violence. In their free time Naishaly enjoys spending time outdoors in their neighborhood, and loves making new friends.
Evan Foster, Burlington, VT
Vermont Land Trust
Evan has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Vermont (UVM) and is an avid paddler and skier. Following graduation from UVM, Evan completed two AmeriCorps terms where he gained direct experience working for land trusts. These experiences led him to his current position with the Vermont Land Trust.
Maya Fuller, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University
Maya hails from Buffalo and is a senior at Syracuse University, completing a bachelor’s degree in sociology and geography with a minor in environment and society. They are also the managing editor for Perception magazine, a student-run literary and art magazine. In 2023, Maya completed the Adirondack Land Trust’s Internship for the Future of the Adirondacks with a focus on inclusive conservation.
Dan Galvin, Buffalo, NY
Vermont Law and Graduate School
Dan is a social worker and avid hiker from Buffalo, NY. He is also currently pursuing a master’s in energy regulation law from Vermont Law and Graduate School with the goal of working to preserve wilderness spaces for future generations to enjoy.
Jess Grant, Willsboro NY (co-chair)
Adirondack Council
Jess is the Conservation Associate at the Adirondack Council, where she monitors state planning and management agencies. She also serves as a board member of the Boquet River Association. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in forests and climate change at Oregon State University and looks forward to a career in landscape-scale, community-based conservation with a focus on land use conflicts and environmental justice.
Lura Johnson, Bozeman, MT
Montana State University
Lura grew up in Keene Valley, and developed a taste for adventure and conservation in the Adirondacks. She is currently pursuing a master’s in environmental engineering at Montana State University, where she researches constructed wetlands as a natural treatment system for municipal wastewater.
Brianna LaRose, Rochester, NY
Nazareth College
Brianna studies environmental science and sustainability at Nazareth Collge. Before graduating high school in 2022, Brianna played varsity tennis and participated in New York State School Music Association, judged solo singing, and the choir club while in high school.
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.
Tanner LeCuyer, Jay, NY
Dotdash Meredith
Born and raised in Plattsburgh, NY, Tanner grew up recreating in the Adirondacks. He then earned a degree in public relations with a minor in business from Castleton University. In 2013, he moved to New York City to begin his media career with Dotdash Meredith. He recently returned to the Adirondacks and joined the Next Generation Council to get more involved in land use planning and conservation.
Abby Omaña, Washington, D.C.
Georgetown University
Abby is a senior at Georgetown University, where she studies science, technology, and international affairs with a minor in philosophy. She spent summer 2023 working as an ecological research technician in Acadia National Park, which fueled her eagerness to work in environmental conservation. Having grown up exploring the Adirondacks, she hopes to return for a career centered on sustainable agriculture.
Matt Plouffe, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County
Matt has a bachelor’s in environmental studies from Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH. He entered the energy efficiency field 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-Vasilakis, Schuylerville, NY
Hipcamp
Cassandra has a bachelor’s in environmental studies from Carleton College. She began her career in wilderness restoration and grassroots organizing and now works as the Government & Community Relations Manager for Hipcamp, 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
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 the Carnivore Conservation Manager for Project Coyote, she works for protection of carnivores and wild nature through rewilding and science-driven policy.
Charlotte Staats, Keene, NY
Adirondack Mountain Club
Charlotte is the Trails Manager for the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), where she is responsible for the operation and long-term development of ADK’s professional and volunteer trail crew programs. She has her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from Clarkson University. You can find Charlotte enjoying the Adirondacks while hiking, biking, paddling, or skiing.
Madeleine Stuzin, Boston, MA
Harvard Law School
Maddie has a bachelor’s 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 is currently attending law school and plans to pursue a career in public defense.
Emma Ticknor, New York, NY
Boston Consulting Group
Emma is a graduate of Williams College, with a bachelor’s 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 the University of Vermont.
Brooke Wise, East Dorset, VT
University of Vermont
Brooke is currently in her senior year at the University of Vermont as a parks, recreation, and tourism major with a minor in agroecology. For the past three summers, she has worked as a counselor at Camp Treetops in Lake Placid leading the trip planning and gear programs. Following college, Brooke hopes to pursue a career in outdoor and environmental education.
Brian Woods, Lake Placid, NY
Adirondack Rail Trail Association
Brian finished his 46 high peaks (#3403) with his dad and brothers when he was nine years old. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in education 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.