What inspired you to become a board member of TFNU, and how have the trails and our community influenced your decision to take on this role?

I’ve been a lifelong hiker but my love for the trails became a passion when my family moved to Ogden in 1994. As I explored the east bench trails, I began to appreciate what a great asset the trails were to our community. In 2011, I was asked to join the board of the Ogden Trails Network. My work with OTN led me to the board of Weber Pathways (now TFNU) to support trails countywide. But I didn’t really understand how unique our trails were until I did the research for a book I published with David Owen and Michael Goodwin called “Secrets of the Ogden Trails” in May 2015. That coffee-table book which raised money for Ogden trail maintenance celebrated the network of trails that connect our community and the people who have worked for many years to build and preserve them. 

Can you share about your background and personal story, including your experiences and favorite moments on the trails or in the outdoors? How have those experiences shaped your work on the board?

During my 38-year newspaper career, I worked as a reporter, editor, managing editor and Gannett corporate news executive before joining the Standard-Examiner. In 2010, I left the newspaper to become Executive Director of the Family Counseling Service where I retired in 2014. Some of my best memories are from the three TrailFest community events that Weber Pathways held. More than 1,000 people each year participated by getting passports that were stamped to show how much of the 27-mile Centennial Loop they’d hiked, run or biked on a Saturday in June. The passports were used to enter drawings for donated prizes at a community party held at the Ogden Amphitheater. Putting on TrailFest was a lot of work for board members, but it was great to see so many people enjoying their time on the trails. I have particularly enjoyed working on our annual Author Dinner events that in recent years have brought noted authors Anne Hillerman, Kevin Fedarko and Craig Childs to Ogden audiences.

How long have you been part of the board?
I was on the TFNU board for 10 years from 2014 to 2024 and served as board chair. I am now on the Advisory committee.