Last month the Oregon Trails Coalition welcomed some new faces to our Advisory Council and Steering Committee - so we wanted to introduce them to our statewide community (you!). Meet the team...
Ethan Braught
I am excited to join the Oregon Trails Advisory Council as the Southern Oregon Representative. Professionally, I work in healthcare quality for senior citizens, and in my free time, I am an avid mountain biker, hunter, hiker, and climber. I love getting my hands dirty with trail building and look forward to supporting the incredible work of Oregon’s dedicated volunteer and professional trail crews.
Steve Brook
Steve Brook is a management consultant and currently serving as a board member of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance. He enjoys the Oregon backcountry and has explored most of the Pacific Northwest by bikepacking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, rafting, hiking and camping in his VW Westfalia. With a tendency to look for the road less traveled, he is often inclined to choose an overgrown path or just plain bushwhack as the preferred route. Steve is committed to engaging with the Oregon Trail Coalition to improve the accessibility to roam for everyone as we connect people with communities along the route.
Kirsti Cason
I believe that spending time in nature not only enriches our lives but strengthens our communities. My role as a County Administrative Assistant has equipped me with skills to secure funding for community projects that have enhanced local outdoor recreational areas, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. As an avid off-highway vehicle recreationalist and sports photographer, I believe in the importance of responsible recreation and the management of land that ensures a positive impact in local communities while protecting natural resources. My commitment to promoting outdoor recreation is matched only by my commitment for my family, which remains my top priority. Let us work together and help advance the progress being made to make the outdoors enjoyable and accessible for everyone!
Ryan Farncomb
Ryan is a lifelong hiking, backpacking, and cycling enthusiast. He spends his summer outside, ideally somewhere with a great alpine vista. Ryan works at Parametrix, a planning/engineering/environmental sciences firm, and partners with government and non-profits to advance trail and multi-use path projects across the state.
Max Heller
Max currently works for Kittelson & Associates, a Portland-based transportation planning and engineering firm where his work focuses on identifying areas of need, stakeholder engagement, grant writing, and engineering design to create resilient, equitable, and vibrant active transportation networks and trails. He is passionate about trails of all types, and is experienced in planning, designing, and constructing trails ranging from backcountry hiking paths to regional greenways. In his free time, Max is an avid hiker and cyclist and loves exploring the vast trail networks the Northwest has to offer.
Jessica Horning
Jessica Horning is a professional walking/biking infrastructure nerd. As the Trails Planner at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, she supports the development of the Oregon Trails Plan and multi-jurisdictional trail projects like the Oregon Coast Trail. Prior to joining OPRD, Jessica served as Pedestrian & Bicycle Program Manager at the Oregon Department of Transportation. Through her work, Jessica hopes to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to safely and
sustainably get where they’re going and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time.
Nelson Kline
Nelson is a fifth-generation Oregonian and Salem native who has spent his life on Oregon trails. His family have been loggers, backpackers, foresters, skiers, and climbers using trails for recreation and work. As a crew leader with Trailkeepers of Oregon, he is a passionate steward of the state’s natural resources and looking forward to building a strong coalition of trail advocates.
Thomas Moloney
T.J. is the Recreation Program Manager for the Hood River County Tree Farm, overseeing the administration, maintenance, development, and daily operations of its multi-use trail systems, including Post Canyon and Kingsley Campground. Based in Hood River, OR, he collaborates with state agencies, volunteers, and trail advocacy groups to enhance and sustain these outdoor spaces. Viewing his work as both a beautiful challenge and a privilege, T.J. is committed to making a lasting impact—believing in the power of being the change you want to see.
Chelsea Taylor
Chelsea (she/they) is a seasoned strategist with over twelve years of experience in outdoor recreation, environmental conservation programs, policy, and fieldwork. They specialize in facilitating cross-jurisdictional collaboration, community engagement, and equity-driven initiatives advancing a holistic balance between the environment, economy, community, and health. Chelsea has contributed to projects with organizations such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, California Conservation Corps Backcountry Trails Program, Mammoth Lakes Trails & Public Access Foundation, Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps, and the Oregon Trails Coalition. They are currently working with the Salmonberry Trail Foundation to help bring Oregon’s Next Big Adventure to life. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors (of course!), playing board games, and engaging in creative pursuits. They are honored and excited to join the Oregon Trails Coalition Steering Committee.
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