New Haven, CT - October 2, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Tampa, FL - October 30, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wendy Probst
Editor of Appalachian Trail Journeys, the official magazine of the A.T.
Growing up with ten wooded acres as her literal playground, Wendy developed an innate love of
the natural world and a passion to help protect it. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in English
from Shepherd University, she naturally found her way into the non-profit industry, and finally to the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) in 2005. As the managing editor of A.T. Journeys magazine for the
past six years, Wendy has had the privilege and responsibility of conveying the multifaceted “voice”
of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to its membership and beyond. From conservation issues and
triumphs to the constant and often messy work of impassioned Trail clubs and maintainers, to the
personal and poignant stories of individual hikers, she never tires of balancing the wide yet succinct
focus of the protection and promotion of the A.T. A Maryland native, who fell in love with West Virginia
during and far beyond her college years, Wendy now lives in – and works remotely from − north east
Florida with her husband and two dogs where she has recently had the opportunity to focus on her
second outdoor passion – the ocean. She travels back to the woods of her childhood often, where her
parents still live.
Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Atlanta, GA - October 26, 2013 from 11:00am-1:30pm
Richard Judy
Thru-hiker and author of Thru- a Love Story
Bio coming soon
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Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
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Royce Gibson
ATC's Director of Membership and Development
Royce has been with ATC since 2005 when he started as the membership manager. He was promoted to his current position in 2006. His career in the non-profit industry began at the American Institute for Cancer Research. He went on to gain extensive non-profit experience at Zero Population Growth, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Public Interest Data (a service bureau for 50 leading social and environmental non-profits). Since joining the ATC staff, Royce has won awards for his fundraising work including a Direct Marketing Association MAXI award and two Gold Awards from Fundraising Success magazine.
Royce is a native of Mississippi and graduated high school in Arkansas before moving to Washington, D.C. where he earned a BA in Political Science from The American University. He currently lives within sight of the Appalachian Trail outside Harpers Ferry, WV.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Boston, MA - October 3, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Ed Guyot
ATC Board Member and founding member of the Board of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust
Edward (Ed) Guyot, CPA, of Keene, New Hampshire is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast. He was a founding member of the Board of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust and remains on the Trust’s board of advisors. Guyot has also served on the boards of a number of conservation focused organizations in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Stonehill College and a Masters of Business from Suffolk University. Guyot brings his 35 years of experience and skills in finance and strategic initiatives to the board.
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Javier Folgar
Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Pawling, NY - TBA
Susan Letcher
2,000 miler and author of The Barefoot Sisters Southbound
BIO coming soon.
Ralph Ferrusi
Thru-hiker, author, and featured in the National Geographic documentary, the Appalachian Trail
Ralph Ferrusi is a life-long Hudson Valley resident. He has hiked and climbed extensively in the Hudson Highlands, the Catskills, and the Adirondacks, and has walked the 2172-mile Maine to Georgia Appalachian Trail—twice. He has traveled the world, visiting 43 countries in 23 time zones on 6 continents.
Cassandra Kessman
A.T. Community Ambassador
Cassandra Kessman has a degree in Environmental Studies from MCLA in North Adams, Ma. She has a love for gardening and native plants and works at Native Landscapes located next to the Appalachian Trail in New York. She has hiked small sections of the trail in NY, CT, MA, VT and NH providing trail magic to hikers when possible. She is also the educational director for the Pawling Nature Reserve and enjoys leading educational hikes for her community. On her days off she enjoys yoga and continuing her education of plants through studying herbalism.
Additional speakers coming soon
Tickets Coming Soon
Charlotte, NC - October 24, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Steve Clendenning
US Marine Corps and 2013 Walk Off the War Veteran
Bio coming soon
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Rich Daileader
ATC Board Member
Daileader, of Charlotte, North Carolina thru-hiked the A.T. in 2009 while on sabbatical from the financial services industry. Since then, his new lifelong goal has been to give back to the Trail and preserve it for his children and future generations. Daileader is currently a managing director with the leveraged financing group of Ally Financial. Rich is an avid hiker and a former marathoner and ultra-runner. He is also involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Charlotte and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. His club affiliations include the New York Athletic Club, the Carolina Mountain Club, the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club, PATC, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, Nantahala Hiking Club, and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.
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Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Click Here to Get Tickets
Royce Gibson
ATC's Director of Membership and Development
Royce has been with ATC since 2005 when he started as the membership manager. He was promoted to his current position in 2006. His career in the non-profit industry began at the American Institute for Cancer Research. He went on to gain extensive non-profit experience at Zero Population Growth, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Public Interest Data (a service bureau for 50 leading social and environmental non-profits). Since joining the ATC staff, Royce has won awards for his fundraising work including a Direct Marketing Association MAXI award and two Gold Awards from Fundraising Success magazine.
Royce is a native of Mississippi and graduated high school in Arkansas before moving to Washington, D.C. where he earned a BA in Political Science from The American University. He currently lives within sight of the Appalachian Trail outside Harpers Ferry, WV.
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Franklin, NC - TBA
Lenny Bernstein
ATC Board Member and 2,000 miler
Lenny Bernstein of Asheville, North Carolina has hiked the entire A.T., has been a Trail maintainer for 25 years, and is a life member of the ATC. He is an active member and past president of the Carolina Mountain Club. Bernstein has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and had a 40 year career in the petroleum industry. He was a Convening Lead Author for the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report, and has taught courses on climate change and energy at the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s College for Seniors, a noncredit, life-long learning program.
Mary Bennett
A.T. Community Ambassador
Mary Bennett has lived in the Franklin community for twenty years and loves the mountains and forests in the Nantahala region. She is an educator, artist, horticulturalist, and hiker. She enjoys working with local schools, designing environmental service learning opportunities for students and leading nature-oriented activities for families. Her passion is discovering the woodlands natural beauty as it inspires her creativity and artwork. This being her second year as Franklin’s Ambassador, she is enthusiastic about introducing more people to hiking, camping, and backpacking along the A. T.
Additional speakers coming soon
Tickets Coming Soon
Hot Springs, NC - October 26, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Lenny Bernstein
ATC Board Member and 2,000 miler
Lenny Bernstein of Asheville, North Carolina has hiked the entire A.T., has been a Trail maintainer for 25 years, and is a life member of the ATC. He is an active member and past president of the Carolina Mountain Club. Bernstein has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and had a 40 year career in the petroleum industry. He was a Convening Lead Author for the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report, and has taught courses on climate change and energy at the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s College for Seniors, a noncredit, life-long learning program.
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Anne Baker
A.T. Community Ambassador
A Madison County native, Anne has a double Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Technical Photography from Appalachian State University in Boone. She has professional experience in media, social networking and in the field of education. Her passion for the Trail developed last summer while hiking the A.T. with her father, completing a total of 200 miles through TN and NC. “I’ve seen what the Appalachian Trail means to the community and what the community means to the Trail. I’ve realized that the Trail provides a wonderful place for family and friends to come together in a way that only the stillness of the woods allows.”
Additional speakers coming soon
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Raleigh, NC - October 23, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Steve Clendenning
US Marine Corps and 2013 Walk Off the War Veteran
Bio coming soon
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Andrew Downs
ATC Regional Director and 2,000 miler
Andrew joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2007 as Trail Resource Manager for the Deep South Region before moving to Virginia to serve as Regional Director for Central and Southwest Virginia in 2013. After graduating from Appalachian State University with a degree in Archeology and thru-hiking the A.T. in 2002, Andrew worked as an Archeologist around the Southeast US. Returning to school to study under A.T. researcher Roger Moore, Andrew earned a Masters in Natural Resource Management from North Carolina State while working on North Carolina's Haw River and Mountains-to-Sea trail.
Andrew has been successful at marketing the S.W.E.A.T. Crew program to young people and has earned a Primitive Skills Award for his work establishing the 'Wilderness Skills Institute'. Trained "old school" by Morgan Sommerville, Andrew is dedicated to the traditions of A.T. management and takes a volunteers-first approach when working to protect the Trail and the A.T. experience.
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Rich Daileader
ATC Board Member
Daileader, of Charlotte, North Carolina thru-hiked the A.T. in 2009 while on sabbatical from the financial services industry. Since then, his new lifelong goal has been to give back to the Trail and preserve it for his children and future generations. Daileader is currently a managing director with the leveraged financing group of Ally Financial. Rich is an avid hiker and a former marathoner and ultra-runner. He is also involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Charlotte and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. His club affiliations include the New York Athletic Club, the Carolina Mountain Club, the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club, PATC, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, Nantahala Hiking Club, and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.
Click Here to Get Tickets
Royce Gibson
ATC's Director of Membership and Development
Royce has been with ATC since 2005 when he started as the membership manager. He was promoted to his current position in 2006. His career in the non-profit industry began at the American Institute for Cancer Research. He went on to gain extensive non-profit experience at Zero Population Growth, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Public Interest Data (a service bureau for 50 leading social and environmental non-profits). Since joining the ATC staff, Royce has won awards for his fundraising work including a Direct Marketing Association MAXI award and two Gold Awards from Fundraising Success magazine.
Royce is a native of Mississippi and graduated high school in Arkansas before moving to Washington, D.C. where he earned a BA in Political Science from The American University. He currently lives within sight of the Appalachian Trail outside Harpers Ferry, WV.
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Cincinnati, OH - October 9, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Carlisle, PA - October 29, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Jim Foster
Long distance hiker, former president of the CVATC, and Board of Keystone Trails Association
Jim Foster has been an active trail maintainer for several years, personally maintaining a one-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in Cumberland County, PA. He is the immediate past President of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, and currently serves on the Board of Keystone Trails Association. Foster is an active volunteer at the Appalachian Trail Museum, serving as chair of the A.T. Hall of Fame selection committee and the banquet committee. He got bitten by the hiking bug several years ago. Since then, he has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the John Muir Trail in the High Sierras of California, and the Long Trail in Vermont. Outside of the United States, he has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, hiked trails in New Zealand, completed the "W" Trail in Patagonia, South America, and explored the Dingle Way in Ireland. Retired from the practice of law, Foster lives near Enola, PA.
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Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Philadelphia, PA - October 17, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Jean Sobus
2012 Thru-hiker and ATC member
Jean Sobus began her solo thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in April 2012. A native of Baltimore, Jean freelanced in film production, and has a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Jean would love to inspire others to enjoy all that the Appalachian Trail has to offer. Soul stirring, beauty, humor, challenge, cameraderie, trail angels, trail towns and endless treasure await in this hikers paradise. Her husband, and college aged children joined her at points along the way. Jean is incredibly grateful for all of the gifts of the trail as she goes through treatment for stage 3 breast cancer.
Paul Schubert
A.T. co-chair of the Philadelphia Trail Club
Paul Schubert is one of two trails co-chairs for the Philadelphia Trail Club. He has been involved in hiking and outdoor recreation since the mid-1970s. Schubert and his A.T. partner Dave Scheid and are in their 14th year of caring for the Appalachian Trail at Lehigh Gap, above Allentown, PA.. Their club has a close association with the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. They have also worked closely with both ATC and the National Park Service in restoring the Trail after it incurred damage during the former zinc smelting operation in Palmerton. Schubert's interests go well beyond hiking and the AT, to birding in South Jersey, botanical field trips with the Philadelphia Botanical Club and working with a grass roots climate change organization in the Philadelphia area. He has been to several biennials as well as to three meetings at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. Additionally, Schubert, with some club member assistance, participated in events with the press at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center as well as sat a table featuring a wide range of outdoor recreation information at the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge's annual Festival of Birds near the Philadelphia Airport. The Heinz event is generally focused on birds but has evolved in recent years into a key regional nature/outdoor recreation event in the Philadelphia area.
Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Erwin, TN - October 20, 2013 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
Michelle Pugh
Thru-hiker and author of Love at First Hike: A Memoir about Love & Triumph on the Appalachian Trail
Michelle Pugh was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up mainly in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to attend Furman University, where she earned a degree in philosophy. After college, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, which was the inspiration for her book, Love at First Hike. Michelle has lived in five states since college, but has now settled in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where she works as an Emergency Medical Technician. When she is not working she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and quilting.
Joe DeLoach
Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club Member and Trail Maintainer
Joe DeLoach is a native and resident of Jonesborough, Tennessee and has been a Trail maintainer and member of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club (TEHCC) since 1991. Joe has twice chaired TEHCC’s A. T. Committee, has chaired the Club’s Steering Committee, helped establish the Tennessee Appalachian Trail license plate, and has represented TEHCC on the Appalachian Trail Deep South Regional Partnership Committee. He has hiked all 50+ miles of the Appalachian Trail in Unicoi County.
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Lenny Bernstein
ATC Board Member and 2,000 miler
Lenny Bernstein of Asheville, North Carolina has hiked the entire A.T., has been a Trail maintainer for 25 years, and is a life member of the ATC. He is an active member and past president of the Carolina Mountain Club. Bernstein has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and had a 40 year career in the petroleum industry. He was a Convening Lead Author for the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report, and has taught courses on climate change and energy at the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s College for Seniors, a noncredit, life-long learning program.
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Robert Martin
A.T. Community Ambassador
Robert Martin graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. He is an ATC member and a Life Scout in Boy Scouts of America. As an A.T. Community Ambassador, he plans to volunteer his time maintaining the Trail and providing support to hikers. As an avid outdoorsman, Martin frequently hikes along the A.T. and kayaks in the Nolichucky River.
Additional speakers coming soon
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Front Royal, VA - October 4, 2013 from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Captain Sean Gobin
Co-founder of Warrior Hike & Walk off the War Program, 2012 thru hiker and US Veteran
Captain Sean Gobin enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994 as an infantryman and received his commission upon graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2001. As an Armor Officer, Sean served as a platoon commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and again in 2005. From 2010 to 2011, Sean served as an Afghan National Security Forces Development Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sean hiked the entire the Appalachian Trail in 2012, After completing his hike, Sean is pursuing a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Virginia.
About the Warrior Hike Story: During the summer of 2011, while deployed to Afghanistan, I attended countless memorial services and made many visits to the hospital to see wounded Marines and Sailors. Struck by the number of service members going home with debilitating injuries, I wondered what I could do to help. It was decided to hike all 2180 miles of the Appalachian Trail and host 38 separate fund raisers at Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts along the Trail to raise donations in order to purchase adaptive vehicles for veterans who have suffered multiple amputations during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information visit www.warriorhike.com.
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Alyson Browett
A.T. Community Ambassador
Alyson Browett spends as much time outside as possible, hiking near her home in Linden, Virginia, nearly every day. As an A.T. Ambassador, Browett is working to build stronger awareness of the Trail, encourage volunteerism and conservation efforts, and inspire community members to go outside for some fresh air. She also serves as a volunteer with the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia. Browett holds a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in International Health Care Policy from Davidson College.
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Luray, VA - TBA
Captain Sean Gobin
Co-founder of Warrior Hike & Walk off the War Program, 2012 thru hiker and US Veteran
Captain Sean Gobin enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994 as an infantryman and received his commission upon graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2001. As an Armor Officer, Sean served as a platoon commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and again in 2005. From 2010 to 2011, Sean served as an Afghan National Security Forces Development Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sean hiked the entire the Appalachian Trail in 2012, After completing his hike, Sean is pursuing a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Virginia.
About the Warrior Hike Story: During the summer of 2011, while deployed to Afghanistan, I attended countless memorial services and made many visits to the hospital to see wounded Marines and Sailors. Struck by the number of service members going home with debilitating injuries, I wondered what I could do to help. It was decided to hike all 2180 miles of the Appalachian Trail and host 38 separate fund raisers at Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts along the Trail to raise donations in order to purchase adaptive vehicles for veterans who have suffered multiple amputations during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information visit www.warriorhike.com.
Jennifer Keck
A.T. Community Ambassador
Jennifer serves on the Front Royal/Warren County A.T. Advisory Board, but is a liaison as Ambassador to Luray and Page County. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Agriculture. She is the president of the Shenandoah Valley Tourism Association and the former Director of Tourism for Front Royal. A trained Master Naturalist, she hopes to promote Trail-friendly policies in the local government.
Tickets Coming Soon
Washington, DC - October 10, 2013 from 8:00pm-10:30pm
Michelle Pugh
Thru-hiker and author of Love at First Hike: A Memoir about Love & Triumph on the Appalachian Trail
Michelle Pugh was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up mainly in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to attend Furman University, where she earned a degree in philosophy. After college, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, which was the inspiration for her book, Love at First Hike. Michelle has lived in five states since college, but has now settled in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where she works as an Emergency Medical Technician. When she is not working she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and quilting.
Javier Folgar
ATC's Director of Marketing and Communications
Javier received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) in 2007, where he majored in Marketing. Upon graduation, Javier worked in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry working for a Contract Research Organization as the Marketing and Communications Manager. During that time he also volunteered with local nonprofits such as NJ Community Water Watch, NJ Public Interest Research Group, and Global Environmental Projects. He also served as a Catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. In 2010 he joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as the Marketing and Communications Manager. In January 2013, he was promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. He is also working towards his MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. Javier developed a strong passion for hiking after completing a missionary trip to Tohatchie, New Mexico. Since then, he has been hiking the trails almost every weekend.
Click Here to Get Tickets
Royce Gibson
ATC's Director of Membership and Development
Royce has been with ATC since 2005 when he started as the membership manager. He was promoted to his current position in 2006. His career in the non-profit industry began at the American Institute for Cancer Research. He went on to gain extensive non-profit experience at Zero Population Growth, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Public Interest Data (a service bureau for 50 leading social and environmental non-profits). Since joining the ATC staff, Royce has won awards for his fundraising work including a Direct Marketing Association MAXI award and two Gold Awards from Fundraising Success magazine.
Royce is a native of Mississippi and graduated high school in Arkansas before moving to Washington, D.C. where he earned a BA in Political Science from The American University. He currently lives within sight of the Appalachian Trail outside Harpers Ferry, WV.
Additional speakers coming soon
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