Tom Vogl
Each fall, our Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of The Mountaineers: our volunteers, leaders, members, and donors who make everything we do possible. This year’s event included leadership updates, recognition of exceptional volunteer service, and presentations on our organizational achievements and priorities for the future.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined the meeting and encourage you to watch the virtual recording to hear all of the updates firsthand.
Leadership Updates
Board Vice President Rich Draves announced his upcoming transition to Board President in March, pending Board approval in January 2026. We also welcomed new and continuing branch leaders and recognized the incredible individuals who serve in leadership positions across the organization.
CEO Tom Vogl introduced Shannon Rolbiecki, who will join The Mountaineers as Senior Director of Advancement. Shannon brings a deep passion for community engagement and philanthropy, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team.
Branch leaders also shared updates on open positions and upcoming elections, including an urgent call for a chair-elect in Everett to help guide the branch into the coming year.
Honoring Outstanding Volunteers
Each year, we recognize a handful of volunteers whose service exemplifies the commitment, generosity, and leadership that encapsulates The Mountaineers spirit. This year, Michelle Song presented four organization-wide awards:
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Mountaineer Service Award – Courtenay Schurman
For more than 30 years, Courtney has been a pillar of The Mountaineers community. Her enduring dedication, mentorship, and leadership have inspired countless members and shaped the culture of service that defines our organization. This fiscal year alone, Courtenay led 39 trips, impacting 224 different people. She is known for her famous post-hike emails, her ability to create a supportive environment, her naturalist knowledge, and her dedication to writing for The Mountaineers blog and magazine! -
Leader of the Year – Karen (K.T.) Trilevski
Karen’s leadership is characterized by her commitment to safety, learning, and inclusion. This year, KT has led 52 trips for 116 unique members, and she has contributed an incredible 1,014 volunteer hours. The breadth of her leadership is impressive, having led day hikes, backpacks, scrambles, and even a spring series in the Redwoods this year. She is known for being extremely welcoming to new members while providing seasoned members opportunities to level up their skills. -
Martinique Grigg Leadership in Youth Education Award – Nigel Turner
Nigel has been an exceptional force in Tacoma Youth Programs, where his steady leadership and enthusiasm have helped inspire the next generation of outdoor adventurers. This year, Nigel contributed 190 volunteer hours to Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) Youth, supporting snow outings, backcountry skiing, avalanche education, scrambles, and glacier climbs. Nigel is known for his kindness, patience, "steady stoke," and his commitment to supporting both strugglers and stragglers. -
Outdoor Center Service Award – Amalija Kopac and Michael Wynne-Jones
Amalja and Michael played an instrumental role in revitalizing Baker Lodge operations, ensuring the beloved lodge continues to serve our community as a hub for outdoor connection and learning. They've been able to support the lodge's programs and align Baker's systems with our other outdoor centers. Michael has been praised for remaining friendly and professional even under pressure while supporting over 80 people at once. Amalija pairs her lodge leadership with year-round volunteerism, working as a trail running leader and instructor. Amalija is known for her commitment to safety, the guest experience, and community events at Baker Lodge. Michael and Amalija have done an incredible job to make Baker Lodge feel like home for hundreds of guests each year.
We’re deeply grateful to all of these honorees and to the more than 3,500 volunteers whose dedication and generosity make our mission possible every year.
Organizational Highlights
CEO Tom Vogl shared highlights from the past year, noting that The Mountaineers reached a record 17,000 members in 2025 and continues to see strong engagement across programs. Volunteers remain at the heart of our success, investing tens of thousands of hours in teaching, leading, and stewarding. The support of our members, volunteers, and donors allows The Mountaineers to have significantly more impact than we could have otherwise.
Tom also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including course capacity, cost pressures, and declines in institutional giving. Despite these headwinds, the organization remains focused on long-term stability and impact, and making strategic investments. For example, for Fiscal Year 2026, the Board approved a deficit budget to support strategy shifts to ensure the viability of Mountaineers Books, as well as maintaining momentum in core programs like leader development, scholarships, youth programs and conservation.
Strategic Priorities
This year’s meeting highlighted our three organization-wide strategic priorities, each led by dedicated staff and volunteer leaders:
1. Leading Innovation in Outdoor Education
Presented by Becca Polglase, Director of Programs and Operations, this initiative focuses on strengthening our community of volunteer educators, investing in spaces for learning, and continuing to publish best-in-class outdoor education content. Highlights included:
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Continued growth in leadership development and training.
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Investments in lodge improvements, sustainability, and wildfire mitigation.
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Early planning for Meany Lodge’s 100th anniversary in 2028.
2. Engaging a Vibrant Community
Mira Anselmi, Director of Communications and Engagement, shared efforts to foster equity, belonging, and generosity across the organization. Highlights included:
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Revival of the Equity and Belonging Committee and launch of a new staff caucus.
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Record-breaking scholarship awards and new accessible pathways at the Seattle Program Center.
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Expansion of youth programs and the upcoming Vibe Outside Youth Conference.
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Launch of an updated events webpage to make it easier for members to connect and engage.
3. Advocating for the Natural World
Conor Marshall, Advocacy & Engagement Manager, presented on The Mountaineers leadership in conservation and advocacy through Outdoor Alliance Washington. Highlights included:
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Record-breaking engagement in conservation advocacy.
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The successful passage of the EXPLORE Act last year and defeat of a public lands sales provision this spring.
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Continued leadership in advancing sustainable outdoor access and net-zero emissions goals.
Mountaineers Books: Challenges and Opportunity
Publisher Tom Helleberg shared updates from Mountaineers Books, which released 41 new titles in 2025, including acclaimed works like Eventually a Sequoia by Jeremy Collins and All Humans Outside by Tommy Corey. While guidebook sales have softened since the pandemic peak, the Books team is adapting by focusing on print formats, licensing opportunities, and long-term content strategy.
Tom also noted ongoing financial pressures — including tariffs and freight costs — but emphasized the organization’s commitment to sustaining a thriving publishing program that continues to inspire readers and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward 2026, The Mountaineers remains steadfast in our mission to empower people to explore, learn about, and conserve the natural world. The strength of The Mountaineers is rooted in our community: the volunteers who teach and lead, the members who give their time and energy, and the donors who sustain our shared impact.
We’re excited to build on this year’s momentum and continue our work together in innovation, engagement, and advocacy.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting and for all who make our mission possible through your generosity, leadership, and passion for adventuring with purpose.
