The 2021-22 Kingdom Trail Association Board of Directors met this past weekend at Burke Mtn. Hotel for their annual retreat, a daylong opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, assess current dynamics, and plan for the future. Taking full covid precautions, it was a gift to meet in-person as their time together strengthened connection, collaboration, and capacity of Kingdom Trails. We were grateful to once again welcome Claire Wheeler of RE:WORK to facilitate and maximize the Board’s time and effectiveness.
This annual retreat marks the beginning of a new term for our Kingdom Trail’s Board of Directors. It is a bittersweet transition as we say thank you to those who have completed their service, yet welcome new members to the team.
Kingdom Trails is fortunate to be led by a group of dedicated volunteers who care about our landowners, neighbors, trails, members, and the beauty that surrounds us. The Board is composed of trail enthusiasts, local leaders, area business owners, and of course KT landowners, all bringing their unique perspectives and skills to guide the organization.
Our 11 member Board of Directors can serve 3 consecutive 2 year terms elected at our annual meeting each November. As these terms are staggered, we find ourselves thanking Matt Langlais, Katie Story, and Ann Nygard for their incredible service to the Board.
We are grateful for Matt’s 3 years of leadership as the Board Chair. He was a rock, providing steadfast and unflappable commitment to KT during a time of transition and welcoming a new Executive Director. Katie also served as Board Chair for a term, fine tuning roles and responsibilities and the efficiency of meetings. We congratulate Katie as she welcomed her first baby into the world this past Fall. Ann set forth a strong connection with Northern Vermont University that will continue into the future, as well as helping bring to fruition the KT Mini Grant program, extending $25,000 annually into our communities to advance the capabilities and capacity of other local initiatives.
KT is thrilled to now welcome Ben Mirkin, Becky Tharp, and Georgia Gould to the Board! Ben is a Professor of Outdoor Recreation & Leadership at NVU. He is an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, and a rock and ice climber from Kirby where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Becky spends time in both Williston and West Burke, biking with her husband and two sons. She is an Aquatic Scientist and founder of Just Water Consulting. Georgia Gould, having already served on the KT Trail Advisory Committee for 3 years, is a KT Landowner from East Burke alongside her husband, daughter, and son. Georgia is a 2x Olympic Mountain Biker, winner of a bronze medal in London 2012, and strong advocate for women in cycling.
Please know that we always encourage folks to contact the KT Board of Directors at
Board@kingdomtrails.org. The Board meets every other month on the third Thursday of the month. Folks are also welcome to attend our Community Chat series as a few Board members will always join our Executive Director, Abby, to listen and learn. The next one will be March 4th (the day before Winterbike!) 5-6pm at Burke Mtn. Hotel.
2022 KTA Board of Directors
Tabitha Bowling, Chair - East Burke
Elise Lawson, Vice Chair - West Burke, Landowner
Harry Morrison, Treasurer - Lyndonville
Tom De Carlo, Secretary - Kirby
Doug Clarner - East Burke, Landowner
Georgia Gould - East Burke, Landowner
Colleen Leonard - Sutton
Ben Mirkin - Kirby
Becky Tharp - West Burke/ Williston
Jake Wheeler - East Burke, Landowner
Eric Wilson - Kirby
