Lori Heath
The Foothills Branch is pleased to welcome several new leaders stepping into key roles this year. Deep appreciation goes to the outgoing Branch Council members and committee leaders whose service and dedication have strengthened programs across our branch. Special thanks to Christina Buckman, outgoing Backpacking Committee Chair, for her committed leadership and the many contributions she brought to the backpacking community.
Backpacking Committee Co-Chairs
The Foothills Branch welcomes Samantha Kraft and Shasta Nicholson as the new Co‑Chairs of the Backpacking Committee.
Samantha Kraft
Samantha grew up on a hobby farm in rural Wisconsin, where most days were spent outdoors inventing adventures with whatever was available - sticks, hay bales, puddles, and plenty of imagination. Now a high school nurse, she continues to find joy in a wide range of outdoor activities. Sam lives by the motto “do it, even if you’re less than mediocre at it,” and focuses on getting outside, trying new things, and embracing the joy that comes from time on the trail. As Co‑Chair, she looks forward to deepening her connection to the outdoors by building community with others who share her love of backpacking and the simple happiness that comes from being outside.
Shasta Nicholson
Shasta joins the leadership team with a deep appreciation for the Foothills backpacking community and the supportive learning environment it fosters. Her love of the outdoors began at a family cabin near Snoqualmie Pass, where year‑round hiking, cross‑country skiing, water skiing, and snowmobiling shaped her connection to nature. Although backpacking once felt intimidating, her first trip several years ago sparked a lasting passion for the trail, leading to adventures from Lena Lake and the Hoh River Trail to the Enchantments, the West Coast Trail, Elfin Lakes, and Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail.
In her professional life, Shasta supports new faculty in higher education through onboarding, communication, and systems navigation — experience that aligns closely with supporting new backpacking leaders. As Co‑Chair, she looks forward to fostering a welcoming, confidence‑building space where leaders and participants feel encouraged to take that first step and discover the rewards of learning, resilience, and connection.
Acting Branch Secretary
Mary Webb
Mary joins the Branch Council as Acting Secretary, bringing a thoughtful, organized approach to communications and record keeping. Her commitment to clarity, collaboration, and timely coordination will support the council’s work and help maintain smooth operations across Foothills programs. Mary looks forward to contributing to a positive, well‑connected council environment and supporting the branch’s ongoing growth.
First Aid Committee Chair
Paul Thomsen
Paul returns to the role of First Aid Committee Chair with 25 years of Mountaineers experience spanning glacier climbing, scrambling, and (more recently)backpacking leadership and mentorship. His long involvement with Mountaineers committees includes several years on the Seattle First Aid Committee and service as the Foothills First Aid Chair from 2020 to 2023.
Paul has a deep and enduring interest in first aid, completing multiple WFA courses and earning two WFR certifications, most recently in 2025. Recognizing that maintaining readiness can be challenging without regular practice, he hopes to prioritize hands‑on skill refreshers for members while continuing to support the WFA and WFR courses essential to Foothills programs. Now retired from his professional career, Paul is excited to focus his time and energy on strengthening first aid preparedness across the branch and supporting leaders through clear, consistent, and accessible training opportunities.
