Staff
The Mountaineers is home to world-class staff supporting a thriving community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists. Meet our staff and view our employment opportunities to join the team.
Programs Division
Andy Bassett
Associate Director of Education & curriculum
Joined Staff: 2017
Phone: 206-521-6015
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Pronouns: he/him
Background: Originally from North Carolina, Andy migrated west 10 years ago after completing a Masters in Education at Appalachian State University. He took a job as a University Relations Officer at NOLS, originally planning to stay out west for only a few years. However, the snow-capped peaks, clear streams and wildflowers eventually won him over and he forgot to leave. Over those 10 years, Andy worked as a field instructor at NOLS, installed solar-panels, drove a vegetable-oil-powered bus, and coordinated a university adventure program.
Core Responsibilities: Responsible for oversight of Mountaineers Youth Education Programs in Seattle, Everett, Kitsap, and Olympia, including Mountaineers Adventure Club, Explorers, Pathfinders, Nomads, Mini Mountaineers, Summer and Break Camp. Oversees the Associate Youth Manager for Camps and Clubs in Seattle and Olympia. Oversees eLearning programs. Reports to Director of Programs and Operations.
Outdoor Activities: Rock climbing, trail running, bike packing, and backcountry skiing.
More: Andy was initially drawn to the simplicity of outdoor life and the transferable of skills learned outside. He is excited to work with the next generation of outdoor adventurers of the PNW, helping them to foster an innate sense of wonder and an appreciation of wild spaces. Andy also plays the ukulele, brews his own beer, and bakes a mean loaf of sourdough.
Trenton Bick
Youth Clubs Coordinator
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6036
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Background: Trenton grew up in Sylvania, Ohio and spent his childhood exploring, fishing, and boating on many of the lakes and ponds of the Great Lakes area. Trenton’s first big exposure to the world of outdoor recreation was by taking a road trip to Maine to backpack a portion of the Appalachian Trail with his friends. After that, he was hooked on traveling and exploring cool and wild places, even going as far as to get a degree in Applied Natural Sciences with a focus on Ecotourism & Adventure Travel. It wasn’t until 2018 that he first came to the Pacific Northwest to work as an Adventure Counselor for a summer, then returned to Ohio to finish his degree. After graduating, he came back to the Northwest in 2019 and decided to stay for good. Trenton spent several years working with people with disabilities in the greater Seattle area before making his way to The Mountaineers. During his time in the Pacific Northwest, he also discovered one of his biggest passions: fly fishing.
Core Responsibilities: As the Youth Clubs Coordinator, Trenton plans and schedules outdoor activities, trips, and workshops for the Seattle Pathfinders, Nomads, and Explorers year-round clubs programs. His role includes working and coordinating with volunteer leaders, facilitating trips and activities, seeking out new volunteer leaders, and connecting with families to create a fun and safe environment for kids and parents. He reports to the Seattle Clubs Manager.
Outdoor Activities: Backpacking, climbing, camping, hiking, fly fishing, swimming in any body of water
Tim Bugler
Facility Manager
Joined Staff: 2016
Phone: 206-521-6038
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Tim oversees the care and day-to-day operations at the Seattle Program Center. He works closely to manage day-of event logistics for members and rental clients.
Core Responsibilities: Manages Seattle Program Center building operations, maintenance and cleaning responsibilities. Works directly with building contractors to schedule regular building maintenance. Works directly with volunteer leaders and rental clients with day-of event setup and AV support.
Background: Tim joined the Mountaineers in September of 2015 taking the reins from the beloved Vito Dumo, who served the Seattle Program Center for 35 years. Throughout the past 30 years, Tim has worked in theater, catering and facilities management. He originally hails from Iowa and attended the University of Iowa in the 80's. It was here where he learned basic rock climbing with the Iowa Mountaineers under the guidance of climbing legend Jim Ebert. As a college student, Tim worked in the banquet staff at the Holiday Inn, as a server for a small catering company, and as a stage hand for a large theater in the capacity of carpenter, rigger, follow spot & fly rail operator. After moving to Seattle in 1994, Tim became a catering lead for various caterers throughout Seattle. He sets a mean buffet! In 2003 he joined the massage world and spent almost 12 years as the facilities manager for the Brian Utting School of Massage, which later became Cortiva Institute. He was responsible for supporting two campuses which included management of student helpers, maintaining a master calendar of classes & events, space planning & feng shui, student supply ordering, repairing equipment, directing campus moves, helping plan renovations, and liaison for janitorial/vendors/building managers.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, golfing, mushroom hunting, bicycling, and walking.
Other: Tim has traveled throughout the UK, Europe, Malaysia and Australia. He taught English to adults and children in Korea, Czechoslovakia (before the split with Slovakia) and Japanese learners in Seattle. He is also trained in acupuncture, shiatsu, qigong, and tai chi.
Mckenzie Campbell Davies
Annual Giving Manager
Joined Staff: 2022
Phone: 206-521-6019
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As the Annual Giving Manager, Mckenzie collaborates with the development team to implement fundraising and stewardship strategies and deepen donor engagement with The Mountaineers. She oversees annual giving, donor communications, and management of Peak Society.
Core responsibilities: Mckenzie is responsible for the success of The Mountaineers annual giving program, including management of the Peak Society (our leadership giving circle), annual giving campaigns, and mid-level donor pipeline development. She oversees The Mountaineers year-round strategic development communications calendar to showcase the impact of donor support. She also coordinates donor stewardship processes and is responsible for the health and integrity of donor data. Reports to the Development Director.
Background: Born in the Seattle area to a family of outdoor adventurers, Mckenzie’s early years were full of sunny hikes, rainy camping trips, weekends at the Ski Patrol Lodge, and bedtime stories about volcanoes and glacier travel. She then spent her adolescence overseas, which gave her a thirst for travel and cross-cultural connections as well as a special appreciation for the unique natural beauty of the PNW. Mckenzie has always found deep joy in introducing people to hiking and backpacking. Her secret to converting people to the backcountry is going above and beyond with the menu (for example, she has made pancakes and mimosas on at least three popular day hikes).
Mckenzie joins the team with 10+ years’ experience in nonprofit marketing, donor relations, and donor data management. She spent most of her career in the realm of refugee resettlement and building community among immigrants in Western Washington. She believes strongly that the outdoors doesn’t just belong to those who are “born into it,” and she hopes that her work at The Mountaineers will break down barriers so that more people can access and join in stewarding our wild places.
Other: While not at The Mountaineers you can find Mckenzie planning her next backpacking trip, sport climbing indoors and out, cycling around town, growing vegetables in her urban garden, doing volunteer trail maintenance, learning to cook everything from scratch, or reading voraciously across all genres.
Kristina Ciari
Membership & Communications Director
Joined Staff: 2013
Phone: 206-521-6023
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Pronouns: she/her
As the Membership and Communications Director, Kristina is responsible for energizing and engaging with The Mountaineers community to grow membership and our coalition of volunteers. She works collaboratively with members and volunteers to organize events and provide resources and materials for membership development and enhancement. She oversees brand marketing and communications, including directing content for the website and outbound communications, to provide clear communication and greater marketing support for the organization and volunteer leaders.
Core Responsibilities: Overall communications and branding, including blog writing and editing, website content management, video production, Mountaineer magazine, event support, and creation of membership emails, promotions, and communications. Responsible for membership strategy and growth. Serves as staff liaison to Equity & Inclusion Committee. Works with the Board of Directors on strategic outcomes and investments. Manages technology, events & facilities, communications, and member services staff. Member of The Mountaineers Leadership Team. Reports to the CEO.
Background: Kristina’s passion for the outdoors began at age 3 in Bozeman, Montana, where she grew up skiing in the Rocky Mountains. After moving to Seattle to attend the UW, she quickly fell in love with the lush greenery and endless outdoor pursuits available in the Pacific Northwest. As a backcountry skier and proud Turns All Year participant, for a long time Kristina could be found on the side of a mountain somewhere chasing snow, generally in a tutu. She loves The Mountaineers so much that she made another one in 2020, and is currently busy chasing a toddler around and introducing him to the outdoors. She credits the outdoor community with continually inspiring her to try bigger and better adventures, and she is looking forward to building lifelong friendships at The Mountaineers. Kristina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Washington.
Outdoor Activities: Backcountry skiing, climbing, running, mountaineering, cycling, building spectacular campfires, adventure traveling, and chasing after a toddler (sometimes inside, but mostly out).
More: Kristina loves writing and maintains a blog full of irreverence at www.occasionallyepic.com.
Katy Clark
Member Services Associate
Joined Staff: 2021
Phone: 206-521-6000 (member services line)
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Katy is one of the friendly voices on the phone when you call the Program Center. Her goal is to support members' and volunteers' various technological needs and create a positive experience through good customer service.
Core Responsibilities: In Member Services, Katy assists members in course and activity enrollment, supports volunteers in listing programs online, processes cancellations and refunds, onboards new members, processes donations, responds to inquiries from info@mountaineers.org, and provides general support to our membership. Reports to the Member Services and Bookstore Manager.
Background: Growing up in the area, Katy spent a lot of her time outdoors rambling around Mountain Loop highway and playing in the local lakes and rivers. Her love of the natural world took her to Brazil, where she worked with teens as a youth ecological group leader. She studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at UW, but eventually made her way into the print publishing world, working with a variety of small businesses and non-profits. Katy is an involved citizen scientist, with a particular love for any program whose primary focus is the monitoring and conservation of wolverines, including the Cascades Carnivore Project and eMammal.
An avid swimmer, you can find Katy at the pool lifeguarding, coaching kids, or swimming with her master’s team, or outdoors year-round in the Sound and local lakes. She is a voracious reader of non-fiction, and loves anything related to natural history, adventure, and the outdoors, especially if it is locally-based. She also loves exploring, backpacking, cooking, dogs, foraging, and learning new skills that give her more opportunities to spend time outside, like skiing.
Outdoor Activities: Swimming, backpacking, hiking, and foraging.
Tailor Dolgin
Camps Program Manager
Joined Staff: 2019
Phone: 206-521-6046
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Pronouns: She/Her
Core Responsibilities: Provides programming and leadership to the Seattle Branch open enrollment and Camp Programs, including Summer Camps, Break Camps, After-School Programs and Seattle Mini Mountaineers. Ensures that all logistical details within these program are aligned. Supervises the Adventure Camp & After-School Coordinator, Day Camp & Clubs Coordinator, and Residential Camp & Clubs Coordinator in executing programs year round. Reports to the Associate Director of Education and Curriculum.
Background: Tailor grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and spent her childhood frolicking in and on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. However it wasn’t until she started school at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR that she became immersed in the outdoors. Over the course of her undergraduate career, Tailor backpacked in four different states, rock climbed in three different countries, and threw up on Mount Rainier once (it’s a great story, ask her about it sometime!). Since graduating with her degree in English Literature and Outdoor Leadership, she has worked seasonal outdoor education gigs in the mountains of Idaho and Colorado. Tailor is excited to join the Mountaineers community and for the opportunity to provide transformational adventure experiences in such a beautiful, bountiful state.
Outdoor Activities: Backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, scrambling, relearning to ski, mountaineering, and frolicking in the snow.
Adam Fixler
Accounting Manager
Joined Staff: 2023
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Pronouns: He/They
Core Responsibilities: As the Accounting Manager, Adam is part of the team maintaining the financial and personnel functions of The Mountaineers. Their responsibilities are split between daily processes, monthly reporting, and implementation of strategic process improvements.
Background: Adam grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by water and the coastal mountain ranges. They were privileged to be able to explore and fall in love with the foggy California coast and the rough granite of the Sierras. With temperatures rising, they followed the fog north to the Puget Sound region in 2020 and can’t get enough of the lush Olympic rainforests and the craggy Cascades. With so many stomach-dropping views and enveloping forests, Adam finds the uniquely stunning PNW to feel like home and adventure all in one.
Adam began their career as a tax preparer in California. They brought their CPA license up to WA where they entered the nonprofit sector, gaining experience in managing books, financial reporting, payroll, and insurance for nonprofits. Alongside their work in accounting, they have spearheaded numerous equity initiatives at the companies they’ve worked, with a focus on queer and LGBTQ+ matters.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, backpacking, running, skiing, kayaking, swimming, and anything that doesn’t require too much arm strength.
More: Adam’s greatest passions are hiking, cooking, classical music, and social justice. While they aren’t exploring the outdoors, they might be practicing piano, singing in choruses, or baking pies.
Leslie Gobel
Overnight Camps Program Coordinator
Joined Staff: 2024
Phone: 206-521-6032
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Pronouns: She/Her
Core Responsibilities: Facilitates and supports the execution of Summer Overnight Programs at Meany, Stevens, and Baker Lodges, in addition to the Mini Mountaineers year-round club program. Serves as the onsite director, working closely with our lodge volunteers to build overnight summer camp programs, organize logistics and schedules, and supervise summer staff and campers at various sites. Reports to Camps Program Manager.
Background: Leslie grew up in Pacific Grove, California, where she had the privilege of romping around Big Sur as her backyard. Her passion for the outdoors stemmed from a love for the ocean— paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and swimming. The first time Leslie ever backpacked was in Yosemite National Park as a teenager, where she suffered 13 blisters and two lost toenails and swore she’d never backpack again. After some convincing, she tried one more time the next summer, with a lighter back and broken-in boots, and the rest is history. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, she worked many different outdoor education (particularly marine science) roles across California. More recently, Leslie made the move to Washington to pursue a master’s degree in environmental education and nonprofit management, where she began to familiarize herself with the beauty and vastness of Washington state. Leslie is stoked to join The Mountaineers community and continue learning about and recreating on the incredible lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Outdoor Activities: Rock climbing, backpacking & hiking (particularly to swim spots), sea kayaking, surfing, and lizard-ing in the sun.
More: Leslie’s master's capstone work centered on the power of art as a transformative tool in climate change education. Ask her to see the digital zine she created for this work! Leslie also loves film photography, the occasional cold plunge, carpool karaoke, and disco balls.
Rich Heine
Director of Finance and Administration
Joined Staff: 2022
Phone: 206-521-6013
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Pronouns: He/Him
As Director of Finance and Administration, Rich oversees the finances of the organization, ranging from day-to-day processing to forwarding-looking, strategic initiatives to ensure integrity, transparency, and compliance. Administratively, Rich is also responsible for things such as regulatory filings, insurance matters, and human resource related functions.
Core Responsibilities: Provide support to the organization and its constituents by managing finances from both operational and reporting perspectives that facilitate resource management, transparency, and decision-making. Provide a financial perspective on current and prospective activities of the organization in alignment with the goals of The Mountaineers. Handle regulatory filings, maintain insurance, and function as organization lead for human resources. Directly manages the Assistant Controller and Staff Accountant, and serves as staff lead for our Board's Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees.
Background: Rich brings over 20 years of accounting and finance experience to The Mountaineers. His career began in the for-profit world in managed healthcare, manufacturing, and private equity. In 2006, Rich moved from New England to Seattle to be closer to family and shift his focus to the non-profit sector. Rich has served as the Director of Finance for the Seattle Art Museum and Edmonds College Foundation as well as the Chief Operating Officer for YouthCare. His varied experience both in terms of locations and work experience provides a unique perspective he brings to his interactions and work.
Outdoor Activities: Anything outdoors. Some highlights include mountaineering, climbing, backpacking, trail running.
More: Growing up, most of the places I lived were near the water and I spent a fair bit of time enjoying activities in the water. While I also developed an affinity for the mountains, I didn’t really explore them until moving to the Pacific Northwest. I’m constantly thankful that I live in an area that offers incredible opportunities in both the water and in the mountains. I’m excited that I now have an opportunity to support others in their discovery and enjoyment of this amazing place!
Zach "Farm" Jaffe
Teen Clubs Coordinator
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6035
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Pronouns: He/Him
Core Responsibilities: Zach serves as the Teen Clubs Coordinator at the Seattle Branch and manages the Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) and Jr. MAC programs. Through these programs, students learn a variety of outdoor skills including rock climbing, mountaineering, backcountry and cross-country skiing, and sea kayaking. Zach is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the trips, educational skill workshops, and meetings that make up these programs. He also helps coordinate the AMAZING group of volunteers who help lead and teach within these programs, without whom this all would not be possible.
Background: Zach fell in love with the outdoors on the beaches of Southern California. He had the privilege of growing up playing in the ocean as much as possible, surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and just generally tracking sand all over the house. It wasn’t until after high school that he was exposed to mountain sports like climbing and mountaineering when he was lucky enough to join a six month NOLS course in Patagonia. After that, Zach returned home to work as a kayak guide and climbing instructor before heading to New Orleans to get a degree in environmental studies at Tulane University. Surrounded by the amazing food scene with the mountains very far away, Zach dove into the food industry, focusing on sustainability and the farm-to-table movement. That work eventually led him up to Northern California where he decided to shift back into the outdoor industry and worked as a forester and snowboard instructor around Lake Tahoe. He was then pulled further north to the PNW, which led him to an amazing organization and community called The Mountaineers and the rest, as they say, is history…
Outdoor Activities: Snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, surfing, mountain biking, climbing, but mostly just campfire games
Alvaro Juarez
Seattle Clubs Manager
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6014
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Core Responsibilities: Alvaro oversees, grows, and develops Mountaineers year-round youth club programs; Mountaineers Adventure Club, Junior MAC, Explorers, Nomads, and Pathfinders based out of the Seattle Program Center. He will be creating vision, goals, and strategies for Mountaineers club programming. His role includes connecting with families in order to better understand and serve the needs and interests of youth and family-led cohorts. Alvaro also oversees the Youth and Family Hiking and Backpacking Committees. Reports to Associate Director of Education and Curriculum.
Background: Alvaro comes from a small farming and blue-collar community just outside of Philadelphia, near the historic battlefields of the Revolutionary War. Since graduating high school, he has been migrating West and has called Tacoma home since 2017. Alvaro didn’t discover the State Parks of Pennsylvania and Delaware until he threw his legs over a friend’s mountain bike. Since then, he has been chasing his excitement for steep mountain bike trails, deep powder turns, and hikes through alpine meadows. Due to the cost of these sports, he is passionate about lowering barriers to access mountain sports and is always willing to take in a first-timer under his wings. Alvaro brings six years of non-profit experience and two years of Physical Education instructing with high schoolers to The Mountaineers. He has been servicing youth ages 8 to 18 through various projects and agencies, namely Cascade Bicycle Club, Outdoors for All, and Pierce County Juvenile Court just to name a few.
Outdoor Activities: Backcountry snowboarding, cycling, running, dog walking, climbing, and hiking to bodies of water to swim in.
Avery Kernan
Associate Director of Events and Facilities
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6005
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Pronouns: She/Her
As the Associate Director of Events and Facilities, Avery works to coordinate and promote Mountaineers events - such as BeWild, Banff Film Festival, and MountainFilm Festival - and manages the Seattle Program Center facilities and any external rentals.
Core Responsibilities: Manages room rentals for the Seattle Program Center and coordinates sponsored events (film festivals, speaker series). Supports The Mountaineers community through events, reserving Seattle Program Center space for courses and activities, and optimizes the spaces by renting space to outside organizations. Manages the Facility Manager and Facilities Assistant; Reports to the Membership and Communications Director.
Background: Raised on the East Coast, Avery has been inching her way further west since she was a teenager. Most recently coming from Leadville, Colorado, Avery joins The Mountaineers team with eight years of experience in outdoor, global, and classroom education. Avery received a B.A. in Sociology and Education from Colorado College. She is also currently a graduate student in the School of Social Work at the University of Washington.
Since arriving in Seattle in the summer of 2022, she could not be more excited to explore the Seattle food and music scene, discover and play in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and build a strong community.
Outdoor Activities: Mountain biking, backcountry skiing, nordic skiing, rafting, and neighborhood dog walks.
More: In her free time Avery loves to cook, host dinner parties, do house projects, and curl up next to the fire with a book.
Conor Marshall
Advocacy & Engagement Manager
Joined Staff: 2021
Phone: 206-521-6017
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Pronouns: He/him
As the Advocacy and Engagement Manager, Conor is helping to deepen The Mountaineers conservation and advocacy impact through education, stewardship, and advocacy. Using conservation communications, he educates and inspires our community on policy issues that threaten our beloved landscapes, driving members towards increased action and engagement to help protect our public lands and the outdoor experiences they provide.
Background: Conor joined The Mountaineers after returning to his hometown of Seattle after 14 years in the Washington, D.C. area. He recently worked on digital advocacy for the Sierra Club on lands, waters, and wildlife issues - just the latest stop on his 10+ year journey through conservation policy, advocacy, and communications. Previously, he led the American Bird Conservancy’s advocacy communications program and provided federal and state-based policy support across the organization. Conor’s personal and professional pursuits draw on extensive grassroots engagement experience. His six years of service at a local county parks and recreation commission underscored for him the importance of outdoor equity, access to nature, and the important connections between recreation, stewardship, and conservation.
Core Responsibilities: Leads the development of all conservation-related communications and manages advocacy campaigns and initiatives for The Mountaineers and Outdoor Alliance Washington. Produces our monthly Conservation Currents e-newsletter, quarterly magazine articles, actions alerts, blog posts, emails to supporters, and social media and website messaging. He researches emerging public lands conservation and outdoor recreation policy issues, and drives engagement and communication strategies on priority issues in collaboration with the Conservation and Advocacy Director.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
More: Conor is excited to reconnect with the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest, and engage in advocacy work that bolsters recreation and conservation for the communities that have given him so much. Fun fact: He attended a middle school in Seattle named for pioneering Mountaineers member Edmond S. Meany.
Skye Michel
communications manager
Joined Staff: 2022
Phone: 206-521-6003
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Pronouns: She/her
Core Responsibilities: Edits and curates content for Mountaineers blogs and Mountaineer magazine. Aids in the creation of all outgoing communications, including Conservation Currents, Routefinder, and Branch emails. Ensures that our membership is feeling engaged and up-to-date on events, activities, and courses by cultivating the communication channels of our Mountaineers community. Reports to the Membership and Communications Director.
Background: Skye has been slowly migrating up the Western coast, from her hometown San Luis Obispo, to Berkeley where she acquired her B.S. and got lost in the world of poepatetics and paper-making, and finally to the awesome Mountaineers community in Seattle. While half of her heart swims in the Pacific Ocean, the other rests in the small village of Correns, France, where much of her family lives. Her favorite hobbies include sidewalk treasure hunting, picking summer blackberries for homemade pie, and forcing her friends to craft with her.
Outdoor Activities: kayaking, cross-country skiing, cloud-watching, and (eventually!) bikepacking
Claire Munro
Associate Camps Program Manager
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6031
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Pronouns: She/her
Core Responsibilities: Facilitates and supports the execution of Day Camp programs during the summer and school breaks, in addition to the Pathfinders and Nomads year-round clubs programs. Ensures that activities are planned, staffed, and participants have the necessary equipment. During Day Camps, Claire serves as the onsite director and oversees execution of programming, communication with parents and participants, and our seasonal staff and volunteers. Reports to the Camps Program Manager.
Background: Claire grew up in Seattle with the privilege to spend her free time and weekends in the outdoors and playing sports. She enjoyed being involved in many different activities as a kid and carries that same passion for new experiences into her work. She went to college in San Antonio, TX and enjoyed the change in scenery, but there’s no place like home and no place like the PNW, so she moved back to Seattle. Claire’s background is in youth sports and nonprofit fundraising, but when the opportunity came to make the shift to outdoor education, she knew she had to take it. Claire is excited to join The Mountaineers team and facilitate new experiences for kids in the outdoors.
Outdoor Activities: Skiing, rock climbing, swimming, hiking (to a lake to swim in), and enjoying any time the sun graces us with her presence.
Leigh Noble
Staff Accountant
Joined Staff: 2020
Phone: 206-521-6010
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As Staff Accountant, Leigh keeps volunteers, vendors, and staff happy by processing reimbursements, invoices, and payroll. In addition to paying the bills for The Mountaineers, Leigh records incoming dollars and loves to keep the balance sheet accounts reconciled.
Background: Leigh has 20 years of accounting experience in various industries, and is thrilled to work for The Mountaineers as her values and interest align with the organization. In the summer she spends the majority of her free time hiking and backpacking the spectacular trails of the Pacific Northwest. Her proudest accomplishment is thru-hiking all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the border of Mexico to Canada in 2018. She has also climbed all five of the volcanoes in Washington State more than once and traveled to 40 countries.
Outdoor Actives: hiking, backpacking, running, snowshoeing, kayaking, and reading Mountaineers Books titles in a hammock by an alpine lake.
Becca Polglase
director of programs & operations
Joined Staff: 2010
Pronouns: she/her
Background: Becca brings 20 years of experience in Outdoor Experiential Education to her work at The Mountaineers. She has a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. Becca is also a Leave No Trace trainer, a graduate of Outward Bound’s Wilderness Educator’s Course, and volunteers on the Seattle Canyoning Committee. She moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2010 after almost a decade in New England. As Director of Programs and Operations, Becca provides guidance and direction for Mountaineers Youth Programs, Volunteer Leadership Development for our adult outdoor education programs, Risk Management and Operating Procedures.
Core Responsibilities: Provides oversight for Youth Education Programs and Adult Leadership Development Programs. Provides leadership for the Youth Education Team in driving vision, program strategy, budget strategy, and outcomes measurement for a suite of youth programs in multiple branches. Provides leadership for the Leadership Development Team in developing strategy and tactics to support volunteers in meaningful but resource-efficient ways, and to create a strong culture of outdoor leadership development among our adult programs. Works with the Board of Directors on strategic outcomes and investments. Supports Risk Management protocols and Operating procedures for the organization. Liaisons with a variety of organizational partners including the American Alpine Club, Mazamas, Colorado Mountain Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Washington Trails Association. Manages: Youth Education Manager, Tacoma Program Manager, Adult Education Managers, eLearning Course Developer, Volunteer Coordinator. Reports to CEO.
Outdoor Activities: Nordic skiing (skate & classic, but mostly skate), canyoning, canoeing, and hiking.
More: As an outdoor enthusiast, defender of public lands, astronomy and geology hobbyist, occasional tide-pooler and lover of Ponderosas, I am thrilled to be in the Pacific Northwest and honored to be a part of The Mountaineers. I am inspired by the dedication of our volunteers on a daily basis, and love being a part of the Washington nonprofit and outdoor community.
Sara Ramsay
Associate Director of Leadership & Operations
Joined Staff: 2017
Phone: 206-521-6043
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Pronouns: She/Her
Sara oversees The Mountaineers leadership development programs, youth partner programs, and Gear Library. She works collaboratively across departments to ensure that our volunteers have the resources they need to run their programs, and she works directly with both volunteers and staff to ensure smooth and efficient program operations.
Core Responsibilities: Oversees volunteer leadership development and recognition. Oversees Seattle Mountain Workshops and the Gear Library. Serves as primary staff support for the Branch Leadership Committee and provides guidance and support for questions about Mountaineers policies and procedures. Manages staff and volunteer relationships with public land managers and administers annual permits. Oversees The Mountaineers fleet of vehicles. Manages the Volunteer Development Manager and Associate Program Manager of Partner Programs. Reports to the Director of Programs & Operations.
Background: Growing up in the greater Seattle area, Sara fell in love with the mountains and waterways of Washington State. Sara joined The Mountaineers with more than 10 years of experience in the outdoor industry, having worked for a variety of non-profits around the country with a focus on outdoor adaptive recreation. Throughout all of these experiences, Sara has had the opportunity to work alongside volunteers in many different capacities, and she is excited to share her passion for the outdoors with our community of outdoor enthusiasts at The Mountaineers!
Outdoor Activities: Skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking.
More: In her free time, Sara enjoys skiing, backpacking, running, and mountain biking with good friends. Her current PNW bucket list includes hiking the Wonderland Trail and skiing some of the area's volcanoes. Sara has also volunteered with PSIA-NW, supporting the development of the Adaptive exam standards in the NW division.
Nathaniel Rees
Associate Manager of Policy & Planning
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6008
Email Nathaniel
Pronouns: He/Him
Core Responsibilities: As the Associate Manager of Policy & Planning, Nate works with the Conservation and Advocacy team to analyze federal and state public land and recreation plans, drive partnerships, and develop advocacy communication strategies. He also supports the recreational permitting process, building partnerships with land managers so that The Mountaineers community can lead and access courses and activities throughout Washington. Nate reports to the Conservation & Advocacy Director.
Background: After graduating with a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Colby College, Nate moved out to Seattle for an AmeriCorps term with EarthCorps, a restoration nonprofit just around the corner from The Mountaineers Seattle Branch. After a year spent maintaining trails and planting native species (you can find Nate’s tree babies - now adolescents - in places like Seward and Magnuson Park), Nate was hooked on the various outdoor opportunities and community that the PNW offers. Since then, Nate’s led volunteers in the construction of affordable housing in King County, worked as a political organizer during the 2020 election, and most recently spent two years in the classroom teaching Third Graders. He is thrilled to return to his roots in environmental policy and to advocate for our beautiful public lands alongside The Mountaineers inspiring volunteer community.
Outdoor Activities: Backcountry skiing, backpacking, mountaineering, and painting plein-air (outside).
Betsy Robblee
Conservation & Advocacy Director
Joined Staff: 2020
Phone: 206-521-6012
Email Betsy
Pronouns: She/Her
As the Conservation and Advocacy Director, Betsy leads The Mountaineers conservation and advocacy programming, including driving partnerships, executing advocacy campaigns and communications, and supporting fundraising efforts that result in long-term outcomes to protect public lands and the outdoor experience.
Background: Betsy joined The Mountaineers with ten years of experience in policy, advocacy, and community engagement experience. She previously served as the Policy and Outreach Manager at the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, where she led advocacy campaigns in support of funding for conservation and recreation projects in Washington state. Earlier in her career, she spent six years in Washington, DC as a legislative aide to Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen. As an outdoor enthusiast and an advocate for our wild places, Betsy is honored for the opportunity to engage The Mountaineers community to protect public lands.
Core Responsibilities: Build and maintain relationships with legislative offices, land managers, and partner organizations; shape and influence conservation and recreation legislation and land management decisions; develop and implement conservation policy and planning campaigns, and oversee implementation of all conservation communications. Serves as a member of the senior leadership team, leads the board-level Conservation and Advocacy Committee and Carbon Footprint Reduction Committee, reports to the CEO.
Outdoor Activities: Trail running, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and cycling.
More: After her stint in the nation’s capital, Betsy took a “sabbatical” from policy work and traveled solo for 8 months, attended culinary school, cooked in Seattle-area restaurants and in the South of France, and taught yoga. She still enjoys experimenting in the kitchen when not in the mountains.
John Rosenberger
Development coordinator
Joined Staff: 2024
Phone: 206-521-6022
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As the Development Coordinator, John is responsible for advancing The Mountaineers mission by supporting the donor experience. John implements gift processing and donor recognition efforts and supports general donor stewardship and fundraising events, with a focus on data integrity and operations. John also partners with the CEO to provide logistical support for the Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
Core responsibilities: John manages donation documentation, gift acknowledgments, event registration management, and corporate matching. He also collaborates with the Development Team on events, communications, and new strategies for engaging donors. He looks forward to being an empowering resource for members. Reports to the Annual Giving Manager.
John is a Seattle local happy to be supporting the outdoor community in the Northwest. Although he’d always enjoyed getting outside into the parks and beaches of Washington, it wasn't until high school that he began hiking and backpacking in earnest. At college in Spokane, John learned the basics of rock climbing and has been fortunate to climb at crags all throughout the west, including Smith Rock, Bishop, Red Rock Canyon, and his local favorite, Mount Erie. Whether running, biking, paddling, hiking, or camping, John is always happy to get outside and always keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Michelle Song
Volunteer Development Manager
Joined Staff: 2021
Phone: 206-521-6042
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Michelle supports The Mountaineers volunteer base of 3,000+ volunteer leaders, instructors, committee members, and branch council members. She oversees development and volunteer recognition programs, as well as all related monthly and annual communications, for both adult and youth programs. Working closely with a mix of staff, key volunteers, and external partners, Michelle collaborates to provide high-quality, impactful programming for Mountaineers volunteers.
Core Responsibilities: Scheduling and success of The Mountaineers robust leadership development and volunteer recognition programs and events. Develop and manage relationships with leadership development presenters and content experts. Develop and implement program volunteer evaluations. Curation of the Education Department’s scheduled and ongoing communications with Mountaineers volunteers. Manage and write content for LeaderLines, quarterly magazine contributions for the Education Department, and Education Department blogs. Reports to the Associate Director of Leadership & Operations.
Background: Michelle is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Change Leadership from Gonzaga University. Prior to starting her Master’s program, she completed her Project Management certification from the University of Washington. She also holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. Michelle joins The Mountaineers after working for seven years as the Education Programs Manager for the environmental science nonprofit Nature Vision, where she led their programming development and staff management. Her love for serving volunteers and the environment was fostered during her AmeriCorps year with the Edmonds Community College’s Center for Service-learning and South Whidbey Island State Park’s partner organization, Service Education & Adventure.
Outdoor Activities: Backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing.
More: Michelle is thrilled to grow her community through The Mountaineers many activity and course offerings, such as sea kayaking. Michelle is also interested in fly fishing and is eager for any pro-tips!
Bayley Stejer
Member Services & Communications Associate
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6000 (Member Services line)
Email Bayley
Pronouns: she/her
Bayley is one of the friendly voices on the phone when you call the Program Center. Her goal is to support members' and volunteers' various needs and create a positive experience through thoughtful customer service.
Core Responsibilities: In Member Services, Bayley assists members in course and activity enrollment, supports volunteers in listing programs online, processes cancellations and refunds, onboards new members, processes donations, responds to inquiries from info@mountaineers.org, and provides general support to our membership. Reports to the Member Services and Bookstore Manager.
Background: Bayley grew up in Spokane, Washington before leaving to attend Boise State University. She spent her college years mostly in the weird and wonderful terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains. Here, she wrote (and lost) her first memoir with paper and pen and signed her name in the summit box of Thompson Peak: the tip of all the Tooth’s. After graduating with a B.F.A in Creative Nonfiction Writing, she returned (with great joy) to Washington where she has been residing for three years in the city of Seattle. She worked in outdoor education until recently accepting her current position as Member Services Associate with The Mountaineers!
Outdoor Activities: Cycling, backpacking, wheel-throwing pottery (on her balcony), gardening, and the ongoing pursuit of braving the backcountry on skis.
BRIANNE VANDERLINDEN
director of Development
Joined Staff: 2017
Phone: 206-521-6006
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Pronouns: she/her
As the Development Director, Bri is responsible for overseeing The Mountaineers fundraising program, which raises significant philanthropic support for the programming and publishing efforts of The Mountaineers and Mountaineers Books. She works collaboratively with donors, members, volunteers, foundations, and corporations to advance The Mountaineers’ ambitious outdoor education, youth and family programming, and conservation goals. She inspires our community to give to help The Mountaineers transform lives and protect our wild places for generations to come.
Core Responsibilities: Overall fundraising program oversight, major gift cultivation and solicitation, planned giving program management, staff liaison to Development Committee, Development communications oversite (annual report, mailed campaigns), special event lead and oversight of corporate and foundation relations. Directly manages Annual Giving Manager, Associate Director of Donor Events and Partnerships, and Associate Director of Development. Member of The Mountaineers Leadership Team. Reports to the CEO.
Background: Bri brings 20 years of professional experience in non-profit development, fundraising, communications, donor stewardship, and event production. With an MBA from Seattle University, her passion for social justice and human connection grounds her in non-profit service. Bri was introduced to The Mountaineers through her contract work on the annual Gala in 2013, and fell in love with the mission and lived values of the community. In previous positions, Bri worked as an fundraising auction consultant supporting nonprofits all over the country, and later directed signature fundraisers and high profile events at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Seattle University, and Museum of Pop Culture.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, urban exploration, backpacking, snowshoeing, fishing, camping, snowboarding, cloud watching, and meditation.
More from Bri: "What inspires me the most about working with The Mountaineers is how "adventure with purpose" encompasses everything we do. The outdoor experience has played a critical role in my development and I am grateful for the lessons I continue to learn through seasonal rhythms and spending time in the natural world. I love supporting others to get outside and witnessing the personal growth that occurs as they strengthen their connection with the earth."
Tom Vogl
Chief Executive Officer
Joined Staff: 2016
Phone: 206-521-6009
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As Chief Executive Officer, Tom oversees the Seattle Program Division, the Publishing Division, Tacoma facility staff, and Olympia youth staff while reporting to the Board President to work in concert with the Board of Directors.
Background: Tom joins The Mountaineers with more than 20 years of general management, marketing expertise, and capacity building experience with a variety of organizations, including REI, The Clymb, Redfin, and Dell. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Vogl brings extensive experience in the outdoor industry, including six years as senior vice president for marketing at REI from 2006 to 2012. In the four years prior to joining The Mountaineers staff, he worked as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer in Seattle’s start-up community. His expertise has also impacted several nonprofit organizations. He has served on the board of directors of The REI Foundation, and the Chief Seattle Council of Boy Scouts of America as well as a committee of the National Parks Advisory Board. A passionate climber, backcountry skier and outdoor adventurer, he has explored many wilderness areas of the Pacific Northwest since moving to Seattle with his family in 2006.
Core Responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction, and support for The Mountaineers staff. Works with the Board of Directors to support the strategic vision, operational plans, and resourcing to execute the mission with a high degree of integrity and fiscal responsibility. Represents The Mountaineers with external stakeholders such as financial supporters, partner organizations, legislators, and public land managers. Ensures that the needs of members and the broader outdoor community are well-understood and Mountaineers programs deliver optimal impact.
Outdoor Activities: Backcountry skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, and cycling.
More: To me, adventure is all about the excitement of discovery. It’s going to a new place, meeting different people along the way, challenging yourself to try new activities, or nurturing lifelong passions. Living in the Northwest since 2006 and raising a family here has opened up a whole new world of adventures to me. I’m constantly struck by how fortunate we are to live in such a great place.
Alfe Wood
Associate Director of Development
Joined Staff: 2022
Phone: 206-521-6004
Email Alfe
Pronouns: she/her
As the Associate Director of Development, Alfe collaborates with the Development team to strengthen The Mountaineers culture of philanthropy and help accelerate fundraising and individual donor engagement programs.
Core Responsibilities: As a relationship and community-oriented fundraiser, Alfe works closely with staff, the Board of Directors, and external partners to deepen donor engagement with The Mountaineers strategic priorities and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects to secure major gifts and bequest commitments. Alfe also oversees our grant calendar and leads the implementation of an annual plan for institutional grant-making donors at all levels. Reports to the Development Director.
Background: Alfe is a passionate fundraising professional who is dedicated to cultivating and deepening meaningful partnerships with donors through authentic engagement, developing action plans that center community voice, and fulfilling an organization’s mission and vision. She strives to engage and inspire individuals to give their time, treasure, talent, and testimony to support work that aligns with their values and enriches the greater community. Alfe grew up in southeast Seattle, near Rainier Valley and Columbia City, and received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington. She is currently finishing her M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University, where reflective practice, leadership, and social justice are emphasized in her coursework. She joins The Mountaineers with a strong background in relationship and stakeholder management, events production, fundraising and grants management in higher education, and participatory facilitation.
Outdoor Activities: Alfe is a water sports enthusiast. You can find her scuba diving or snorkeling in Kailua Bay off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i, or paddle boarding in Seattle waters. When she’s not in the water, Alfe is an avid tennis and pickle ball player and is always looking for people to play!
Tacoma Program Center
SARAH HOLT
Associate director of south sound programs
Joined Staff: 2014
Phone: 253-566-6965
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As our Tacoma Program Manager, Sarah is the jack of all trades for the Tacoma Branch. You’ll see her leading youth programs, managing the rental business, and supporting volunteers in any way she can.
Core Responsibilities: Programming and leading all Tacoma Branch Youth Programs, including Explorers, MAC, Summer Camp, and Mountain Workshops; Managing Tacoma Program Center rental business; Managing Tacoma Program Center facility and schedule; Providing advertising/communications/website/building support for Tacoma Branch leaders and members. Reports to Education Director.
Background: A UW grad with a degree in music education, Sarah has taught everything from kindergarten music to high school marching band. After seven years of teaching in local public schools, she decided to shift from teaching music to teaching outdoor skills. An avid hiker since her college days, Sarah’s interest in climbing was piqued after hiking the Wonderland Trail in 2010. In 2012, she found The Mountaineers, completed the Basic Climbing Course, and fell in love with mountaineering.
Outdoor Activities: Climbing and mountaineering, skiing, cycling, and hiking/backpacking.
More: When she's not working or chasing after her son, Sarah is also an active Climb Leader and volunteer for The Mountaineers. She currently is working on the Leadership Development Committee, and gets super stoked about finding new and better ways to teach our students and help our leaders grow.
Olympia
Claire Edwards
Olympia Youth Program associate manager
Joined Staff: 2023
Phone: 206-521-6044
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As the Olympia Branch Youth Program Associate Manager, Claire has her focus on implementing strong programs for youth specifically in the Olympia Branch. She works in conjunction with qualified volunteer leadership to ensure that all family and youth activities are well supported. Claire also works with the youth programs in Tacoma.
Core Responsibilities: Provides programming and leadership to all of the Olympia Branch Youth Programs, including Summer Camp and Mountain Workshops. Ensures that all logistical details within the youth program are aligned. Provides advertising, communications, and website support to Olympia Branch youth leaders and members. Reports to the Tacoma Program Manager.
Background: Claire was born in Jackson, Mississippi but has always felt a calling to alpine meadows and glacier covered peaks. Her love for the outdoors finally became a reality in 2020 when she moved to Washington. She received her B.A. in Theatre from Belhaven University with an emphasis how art and connectivity can heal wounds and create new pathways. After moving to Washington, she worked in the education department at Tacoma Arts Live teaching social emotional learning in multiple schools across Pierce County through the lens of art. Claire joins The Mountaineers with a heart for volunteerism, years of curriculum building and implementation, and experience working with youth in various countries. Claire found The Mountaineers through the Basic Climbing Course in 2023.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, scrambling, and mountaineering.
More: Though you are likely to find Claire backpacking or hanging out at the crag, She also paints realistic and abstract landscapes of Washington and shows at various galleries and art fairs. Claire is also a certified yoga teacher with 6 years of experience. Claire is honored to work with The Mountaineers and create experiences with young outdoor enthusiasts.