With more than 50 years in the hiking trails business, the Keystone Trails Association is fortunate to have accrued a lot of friends and dedicated volunteers. We're proud to introduce our talented and dedicated staff members, board of directors and representatives who support KTA's work through outreach, program management, advocacy, administration and more. Meet them here until you can meet them on the trail!
KTA Staff
Brook Lenker, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Brook Lenker came to KTA in October 2021, bringing decades of service to the environment. He most recently served as the Executive Director of FracTracker Alliance, a national organization addressing the risks of fossil fuel development. Previously, Brook served as Manager of Education and Outreach for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as Director of Watershed Stewardship with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and as the Recreation Program Director with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. His education includes master’s and bachelor’s degrees in geography and environmental planning from Towson University. At KTA, Brook oversees the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization plus advances our advocacy, marketing, fundraising, community outreach, and support for local trail clubs.
Email: [email protected]
Brook Lenker came to KTA in October 2021, bringing decades of service to the environment. He most recently served as the Executive Director of FracTracker Alliance, a national organization addressing the risks of fossil fuel development. Previously, Brook served as Manager of Education and Outreach for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as Director of Watershed Stewardship with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and as the Recreation Program Director with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. His education includes master’s and bachelor’s degrees in geography and environmental planning from Towson University. At KTA, Brook oversees the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization plus advances our advocacy, marketing, fundraising, community outreach, and support for local trail clubs.
Casey Schneck, Manager of Operations and Publications
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Kate Prisby, Manager of Events and Programs
Email: [email protected]
My love of the outdoors stems from annual family backpacking trips in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest and a childhood spent playing outside in Lititz in Lancaster County. Today, I head outdoors to take in nature's beauty, to connect with myself and others, and for spiritual sustenance.
My professional background includes being a Unitarian Universalist religious educator for ten-plus years, working 13 seasons in the Appalachian Mountain Club's hut system along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, leading youth and young adult Student Conservation Association trail crews to complete125 conservation projects across Pennsylvania, and working with Friends of Acadia as a Leave No Trace educator in Acadia National Park. In addition to working with KTA, I currently work with Lancaster Conservancy as a part-time Interpretive Ranger leading guided hikes and volunteer work days.
For me, meaningful work helps connect people more deeply to the things they value and to community. With KTA, this might look like leading Leave No Trace trainings to encourage an outdoor ethic that folks can embody and teach others to help ensure the preservation of outdoor spaces. It may involve integrating the stories of less-known conservation leaders on a hike in the hopes of expanding our ideas of who we think of as conservationists. It includes community gatherings over food to hear others stories about the places they love and what they envision for those spaces in the future.
I look forward to meeting KTA's members and partners and working together to further KTA's mission.
Email: [email protected]
My love of the outdoors stems from annual family backpacking trips in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest and a childhood spent playing outside in Lititz in Lancaster County. Today, I head outdoors to take in nature's beauty, to connect with myself and others, and for spiritual sustenance.
My professional background includes being a Unitarian Universalist religious educator for ten-plus years, working 13 seasons in the Appalachian Mountain Club's hut system along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, leading youth and young adult Student Conservation Association trail crews to complete125 conservation projects across Pennsylvania, and working with Friends of Acadia as a Leave No Trace educator in Acadia National Park. In addition to working with KTA, I currently work with Lancaster Conservancy as a part-time Interpretive Ranger leading guided hikes and volunteer work days.
For me, meaningful work helps connect people more deeply to the things they value and to community. With KTA, this might look like leading Leave No Trace trainings to encourage an outdoor ethic that folks can embody and teach others to help ensure the preservation of outdoor spaces. It may involve integrating the stories of less-known conservation leaders on a hike in the hopes of expanding our ideas of who we think of as conservationists. It includes community gatherings over food to hear others stories about the places they love and what they envision for those spaces in the future.
I look forward to meeting KTA's members and partners and working together to further KTA's mission.
Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training
Email: [email protected]
Jenn Ulmer comes to us with over a decade of experience volunteering with the KTA Trail Care Program, gradually stepping up to Trail Care Leader, then Trail Care Program Coordinator. She is excited to join KTA as an employee and to contribute to KTA’s success. Jenn lives in Millville, PA, and enjoys hiking at the eight-plus state parks within an hour of home, while plotting to explore more of the far-flung nooks and crannies of PA. She has degrees in natural science and brewing, was a brewer at Berwick Brewing and is still a beertender at Rock God Brewing, and has previous experience working for a like-minded conservation/outdoors non-profit. Hired as part-time in February 2023, she is now full-time as of January 2024.
Email: [email protected]
Jenn Ulmer comes to us with over a decade of experience volunteering with the KTA Trail Care Program, gradually stepping up to Trail Care Leader, then Trail Care Program Coordinator. She is excited to join KTA as an employee and to contribute to KTA’s success. Jenn lives in Millville, PA, and enjoys hiking at the eight-plus state parks within an hour of home, while plotting to explore more of the far-flung nooks and crannies of PA. She has degrees in natural science and brewing, was a brewer at Berwick Brewing and is still a beertender at Rock God Brewing, and has previous experience working for a like-minded conservation/outdoors non-profit. Hired as part-time in February 2023, she is now full-time as of January 2024.
Al Germann, Regional Trail Care Coordinator: PA Wilds
Email: [email protected]
"The Wilds region is home to some of the most beautiful scenery, high quality streams, and diverse forest landscapes that Pennsylvania has to offer -- it’s an honor to work to enhance the hiking opportunities in such a unique place," says Al. "For me, KTA’s Trail Care Program is a very special opportunity to make friendships and connect with others in the hiking community while giving back to the trails I love and the forests that contain them."
Originally from East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Al spent his younger years in the Boy Scouts, hiking, fishing, and camping. Later in life he worked on the Harrisburg Young Adult Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crew, learning many new skills at various state parks and forests, including working with his crew to create a new section of trail at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center.
Just prior to joining KTA, Al held a role at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as Deputy Digital Director, helping to administer the agency's website, social media, and create video content.
Al is looking forward to working with all the awesome volunteers who help maintain and improve the hiking trails in the Pennsylvania Wilds!
Email: [email protected]
"The Wilds region is home to some of the most beautiful scenery, high quality streams, and diverse forest landscapes that Pennsylvania has to offer -- it’s an honor to work to enhance the hiking opportunities in such a unique place," says Al. "For me, KTA’s Trail Care Program is a very special opportunity to make friendships and connect with others in the hiking community while giving back to the trails I love and the forests that contain them."
Originally from East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Al spent his younger years in the Boy Scouts, hiking, fishing, and camping. Later in life he worked on the Harrisburg Young Adult Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crew, learning many new skills at various state parks and forests, including working with his crew to create a new section of trail at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center.
Just prior to joining KTA, Al held a role at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as Deputy Digital Director, helping to administer the agency's website, social media, and create video content.
Al is looking forward to working with all the awesome volunteers who help maintain and improve the hiking trails in the Pennsylvania Wilds!
Haley Feaster, Manager of Communications and Development
Email: [email protected]
Haley is an entrepreneur with a resume steeped in advocacy and communications. She is a member of the Bedford County Planning Commission board and Bedford County Endowments advisory board for the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies. Haley is a graduate of North Carolina State University and resides in the Southern Alleghenies. With a wealth of energy and ideas, Haley will expand KTA’s network of partners and continue to build awareness of KTA’s mission.
Email: [email protected]
Haley is an entrepreneur with a resume steeped in advocacy and communications. She is a member of the Bedford County Planning Commission board and Bedford County Endowments advisory board for the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies. Haley is a graduate of North Carolina State University and resides in the Southern Alleghenies. With a wealth of energy and ideas, Haley will expand KTA’s network of partners and continue to build awareness of KTA’s mission.
KTA Board of Directors
Wayne Gross, Canadensis, PA - KTA Board President
Wayne gained his love for the outdoors through participating in Scouting events. He grew up in the Poconos. He thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1985 after graduating Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. He is a life member Mid-State Trail Association. Wayne became aware of the Mid State Trail while helping build and maintain the trail with the Penn State Outing Club while Tom Thwaites was advisor to the club. Wayne is founder and past president of the Pocono Outdoor Club for seven years. Wayne is a lifetime member of Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the North Country Trail Association. His photography has been featured in the official Appalachian Trail Calendar and on covers of various ATC publications.
Wayne is an Eagle Scout. He served 15 years as a Scoutmaster. He has served as Den Leader and Cubmaster for his son's Cub Scout Pack. Wayne has served on a number of National and World Scout Jamboree staffs and have been Scoutmaster for several contingent units of both events. He has been a crew advisor to Scouts from his Troop on a number of High Adventure treks to backpack the Rockies in Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, canoe the Boundary Waters of Minnesota at Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Sea kayaked, camped on a wilderness Key, snorkeled, and fished at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Keys, canoed at Maine National High Adventure Base, and bicycled 200 miles on the C&O Canal Towpath. He is Chair of the local Scout Council Conservation Committee.
Wayne serves as the KTA Publications Committee Chair and the Development Committee Chair and editor of the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Guide. He is a past Vice President and recently served as Secretary and has served many years as a Representative at Large. He served as Entertainment Committee Chairman for ESU 89, Appalachian Trail Conference biennial meeting in 1989 hosted by KTA at East Stroudsburg University. Wayne is a recipient of the KTA Citation Award for lifetime achievement. He is a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
He is a Pennsylvania registered professional engineer, Licensed water and wastewater operator, and a PA Sewage Enforcement Officer. Wayne hikes with his wife Shirley (who he met at a KTA hiking weekend) and children, Bryce and Carissa.
Wayne gained his love for the outdoors through participating in Scouting events. He grew up in the Poconos. He thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1985 after graduating Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. He is a life member Mid-State Trail Association. Wayne became aware of the Mid State Trail while helping build and maintain the trail with the Penn State Outing Club while Tom Thwaites was advisor to the club. Wayne is founder and past president of the Pocono Outdoor Club for seven years. Wayne is a lifetime member of Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the North Country Trail Association. His photography has been featured in the official Appalachian Trail Calendar and on covers of various ATC publications.
Wayne is an Eagle Scout. He served 15 years as a Scoutmaster. He has served as Den Leader and Cubmaster for his son's Cub Scout Pack. Wayne has served on a number of National and World Scout Jamboree staffs and have been Scoutmaster for several contingent units of both events. He has been a crew advisor to Scouts from his Troop on a number of High Adventure treks to backpack the Rockies in Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, canoe the Boundary Waters of Minnesota at Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Sea kayaked, camped on a wilderness Key, snorkeled, and fished at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Keys, canoed at Maine National High Adventure Base, and bicycled 200 miles on the C&O Canal Towpath. He is Chair of the local Scout Council Conservation Committee.
Wayne serves as the KTA Publications Committee Chair and the Development Committee Chair and editor of the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Guide. He is a past Vice President and recently served as Secretary and has served many years as a Representative at Large. He served as Entertainment Committee Chairman for ESU 89, Appalachian Trail Conference biennial meeting in 1989 hosted by KTA at East Stroudsburg University. Wayne is a recipient of the KTA Citation Award for lifetime achievement. He is a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
He is a Pennsylvania registered professional engineer, Licensed water and wastewater operator, and a PA Sewage Enforcement Officer. Wayne hikes with his wife Shirley (who he met at a KTA hiking weekend) and children, Bryce and Carissa.
Karen Lutz, Boiling Springs, PA - KTA Board Vice President
Karen’s love of the outdoors began at the age of two spending summers with family at Shawnee State Park. She served as the president of her high school outing club. During her college years she worked as a counselor at Girl Scout Camp Lycogis, as the trip director at a private camp in Maine, and director of a Youth Conservation Corps program at an NPS historic site in Cresson, PA. She has hiked and backpacked thousands of miles both on PA trails and in many National Parks. She is an A.T. 2000 miler, and a life member of both ATC and KTA.
Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven State College and a Master’s in Parks and Recreation from Penn State. She retired from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2018, concluding a successful 30 year career as the director of ATC’s Mid-Atlantic Region.
Karen’s love of the outdoors began at the age of two spending summers with family at Shawnee State Park. She served as the president of her high school outing club. During her college years she worked as a counselor at Girl Scout Camp Lycogis, as the trip director at a private camp in Maine, and director of a Youth Conservation Corps program at an NPS historic site in Cresson, PA. She has hiked and backpacked thousands of miles both on PA trails and in many National Parks. She is an A.T. 2000 miler, and a life member of both ATC and KTA.
Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven State College and a Master’s in Parks and Recreation from Penn State. She retired from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2018, concluding a successful 30 year career as the director of ATC’s Mid-Atlantic Region.
Linda Enders Roxberry, Shillington, PA - KTA Board Secretary
Linda’s appreciation and respect of our most valuable and precious natural resources started as a child, spending summers in the Pocono Mountains observing lakes, streams, forests, meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat. Those experiences fueled her passion to sustain, maintain and share the great outdoors. Linda is a member of Berks Community Hiking Club; and a life member of Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club. She is on the board of BMECC, and is an A.T. section maintainer. She serves as BMECC's Rentschler Arboretum Committee chair, overseeing fund raising, forest management planning, and grant writing for the 34 acre public access preserve and coordinating an exemplary group of volunteers. Working with youth to introduce them to the outdoors and stewardship of the land is an important part of her passion. She served as a KTA Council Representative-at-Large and authored KTA's slogan. As a PA Master Naturalist Linda helps facilitate training programs; she is also a Penn State Master Watershed Steward.
Linda’s appreciation and respect of our most valuable and precious natural resources started as a child, spending summers in the Pocono Mountains observing lakes, streams, forests, meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat. Those experiences fueled her passion to sustain, maintain and share the great outdoors. Linda is a member of Berks Community Hiking Club; and a life member of Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club. She is on the board of BMECC, and is an A.T. section maintainer. She serves as BMECC's Rentschler Arboretum Committee chair, overseeing fund raising, forest management planning, and grant writing for the 34 acre public access preserve and coordinating an exemplary group of volunteers. Working with youth to introduce them to the outdoors and stewardship of the land is an important part of her passion. She served as a KTA Council Representative-at-Large and authored KTA's slogan. As a PA Master Naturalist Linda helps facilitate training programs; she is also a Penn State Master Watershed Steward.
Tony Vigliano, Dillsburg, PA - KTA Board Treasurer
Tony lives in Dillsburg, PA with his wife, dog and cats. He is a certified public accountant and owns a small accounting firm and PennDOT title and tag office. He enjoys working on cars, reading books, exercising, and the spontaneous jaunt into the woods with his wife to get away from it all. Tony has adopted four miles of PA highway with PennDOT’s Adopt a Highway program and cleans litter off the side of the road. Although he’s extremely busy with his businesses, he always tries to make time to hit the trails; Michaux and Pinchot being his favorites.
Tony currently holds the position of Treasurer with KTA. He works alongside Brook (KTA’s Executive Director), the board of directors, and outside auditors to make sure financial records are being kept correctly so the board can make better informed decisions to keep KTA moving forward in a positive direction.
Tony lives in Dillsburg, PA with his wife, dog and cats. He is a certified public accountant and owns a small accounting firm and PennDOT title and tag office. He enjoys working on cars, reading books, exercising, and the spontaneous jaunt into the woods with his wife to get away from it all. Tony has adopted four miles of PA highway with PennDOT’s Adopt a Highway program and cleans litter off the side of the road. Although he’s extremely busy with his businesses, he always tries to make time to hit the trails; Michaux and Pinchot being his favorites.
Tony currently holds the position of Treasurer with KTA. He works alongside Brook (KTA’s Executive Director), the board of directors, and outside auditors to make sure financial records are being kept correctly so the board can make better informed decisions to keep KTA moving forward in a positive direction.
Julie Queen, Harrisburg, PA - KTA Board Member
Julie Queen is a passionate outdoor and adventure educator currently serving as the Manager of the Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, PA. She is an avid backpacker, hiker, biker, paddler, and snowboarder and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder.
Julie received a BS in Environmental Biology from Millersville University before going on to serve in the Peace Corps as a Natural Resource Conservation Volunteer in Ecuador.
She has worked for the PA Department of Agriculture, PA Bureau of State Parks, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Julie thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016 and served as a Ridgerunner in 2017.
Julie Queen is a passionate outdoor and adventure educator currently serving as the Manager of the Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, PA. She is an avid backpacker, hiker, biker, paddler, and snowboarder and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder.
Julie received a BS in Environmental Biology from Millersville University before going on to serve in the Peace Corps as a Natural Resource Conservation Volunteer in Ecuador.
She has worked for the PA Department of Agriculture, PA Bureau of State Parks, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Julie thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016 and served as a Ridgerunner in 2017.
Ezra P. Thrush- KTA Board Member
Ezra is now with the Ridge Policy Group, a bipartisan government affairs firm, based in Harrisburg, also doing work in Washington. Ezra P. Thrush, MPA previously served as a Senior Advisor for PennFuture. In this role, using 15 years' experience, he advocates for strong environmental, energy, conservation, and agriculture policy. Specifically, Ezra leads federal work including the Farm Bill and appropriations, and regulatory, solar, electric vehicles, democracy, and conservation funding issues, among others, in Pennsylvania. He has served in nonprofit and private government affairs, legislative and executive branch, fundraising and donor development, board director, and political campaign roles and holds close relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders from both major parties in both Harrisburg & Washington.
Before returning to PennFuture, Ezra served as the Shapiro Administration’s first Policy Director at the PA Department of Environmental Protection. There, he worked closely with the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro and the DEP executive staff to advance a host of issues including environmental justice, permitting, clean and renewable energy, watersheds and drinking water, mining, the oil & gas program, air quality, PFAS, climate, and infrastructure.
Previously, Ezra served as PennFuture’s Vice President of Government Affairs, among several other roles in campaigns, outreach, and advocacy. In 2022, Thrush was instrumental in securing a historic $900 million increase in funding for clean water and energy efficiency investments, benefiting Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. Because of this, Ezra was appointed to the Shapiro-Davis Transition Team and its Energy & Environment Committee where he advised campaign and administration officials. Ezra was named to City and State PA’s 2023 Pennsylvania Government Relations Power 100 List, denoting the most influential lobbyists in the Commonwealth.
Ezra has a widely respected expertise on Pennsylvania's environmental policy, climate, energy, agriculture, and conservation issues. His extensive policy knowledge and understanding of on-the-ground issues have effectively advanced environmental progress across the state, all while forming close working relationships with legislators, executive branch officials, policymakers, and stakeholders of both major parties as well as federal and municipal officials.
Ezra is particularly proud of his background presenting testimony to Congress multiple times, drafting and advancing the REVIVE the CCC Act with Senator Bob Casey, securing clean energy and conservation investments in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and two iterations of the federal Farm Bill. At the state level, Ezra helped pass legislation to establish the Commonwealth’s new Clean Streams Fund, historic increases for the Growing Greener program, alongside numerous clean energy and climate policies and racked up several decisive defensive wins.
Thrush holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University, concentrating in public policy and nonprofit management. Ezra continues to regularly lecture at local and regional colleges and universities on these issues. He is an avid outdoorsman and active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, National Outdoor Leadership School, and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. And for fun, Ezra enjoys fly-fishing, golfing, Orioles baseball, live music & theatre, hiking, camping, and spending time with his rescue dog, nephews, and family.
Kathy Borrell, Cochranville, PA - KTA Board Member
"I've lived in Chester County, PA all my life. Growing up, we were always outside playing. This helped steer me towards getting a degree in Health & Physical Education and working in the field of education.
About 19 years ago, feeling a need to be outdoors more, I joined the Chester County Trail Club. I'm presently their Club President along with being the Wednesday Hike Coordinator. I lead hikes, do trail maintenance, and participate in their Adopt-A-Highway program. I've been the club trail master (most miles hiked in a year), 12 times, and in June 2022, I achieved a club milestone of 25,000 miles. Aside from KTA, I hold memberships in the AMC, ATC, GMC, the Boy Scouts of America (as a scouter and merit badge counselor) and my church.
Hiking has taken me on numerous adventures, here and abroad. Overseas trips have included Ireland, Iceland, Scotland, New Zealand, Austria, Patagonia, but the highlight was going to and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. I've been to many of the U.S. National Parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Olympic, Rainer, Yosemite and others) but my favorite trails have always been the ones in PA.
I've earned 5 of the KTA Hiking Awards and presently working towards finishing the State Forest Trails Award. I've completed the A.T., Long Trail, Susquehannock Trail System, Mid State Trail and numerous other PA trails. Several years ago, I started coming to KTA weekends, and instantly felt welcomed into the fold of like-minded hiking individuals."
"I've lived in Chester County, PA all my life. Growing up, we were always outside playing. This helped steer me towards getting a degree in Health & Physical Education and working in the field of education.
About 19 years ago, feeling a need to be outdoors more, I joined the Chester County Trail Club. I'm presently their Club President along with being the Wednesday Hike Coordinator. I lead hikes, do trail maintenance, and participate in their Adopt-A-Highway program. I've been the club trail master (most miles hiked in a year), 12 times, and in June 2022, I achieved a club milestone of 25,000 miles. Aside from KTA, I hold memberships in the AMC, ATC, GMC, the Boy Scouts of America (as a scouter and merit badge counselor) and my church.
Hiking has taken me on numerous adventures, here and abroad. Overseas trips have included Ireland, Iceland, Scotland, New Zealand, Austria, Patagonia, but the highlight was going to and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. I've been to many of the U.S. National Parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Olympic, Rainer, Yosemite and others) but my favorite trails have always been the ones in PA.
I've earned 5 of the KTA Hiking Awards and presently working towards finishing the State Forest Trails Award. I've completed the A.T., Long Trail, Susquehannock Trail System, Mid State Trail and numerous other PA trails. Several years ago, I started coming to KTA weekends, and instantly felt welcomed into the fold of like-minded hiking individuals."
Shira Blady, Philadelphia, PA - KTA Board Member
Shira Blady first fell in love with the outdoors as a young girl exploring the woods around the Delaware River and its surrounding creeks. But it wasn't until her mid-20's when she began hiking in earnest. After taking her first backpacking trip she was instantly hooked and began spending more and more time on trail.
A Philadelphia native, Shira graduated from Drexel University with a BS in psychology and has been working in clinical research for more than 15 years. Shira is currently a program manager at the University of Pennsylvania where she is involved in projects that focus on improving equity and inclusion in clinical research participation.
Shira quickly discovered trail care after stumbling across KTA's website in 2018 and has been a dedicated member ever since. She has volunteered at over a dozen trail care events and, together with her husband Brian MacNamara, Shira has co-led several trail care weekends on the Bucktail Path, Thunder Swamp trail system, and in Reeds Gap State Park. Whether it's backpacking in Yosemite or Canyonlands, or more locally in Michaux State Forest or Pine Creek Gorge, Shira loves spending time hiking on a trail and rejoicing in the flora and fauna.
Shira Blady first fell in love with the outdoors as a young girl exploring the woods around the Delaware River and its surrounding creeks. But it wasn't until her mid-20's when she began hiking in earnest. After taking her first backpacking trip she was instantly hooked and began spending more and more time on trail.
A Philadelphia native, Shira graduated from Drexel University with a BS in psychology and has been working in clinical research for more than 15 years. Shira is currently a program manager at the University of Pennsylvania where she is involved in projects that focus on improving equity and inclusion in clinical research participation.
Shira quickly discovered trail care after stumbling across KTA's website in 2018 and has been a dedicated member ever since. She has volunteered at over a dozen trail care events and, together with her husband Brian MacNamara, Shira has co-led several trail care weekends on the Bucktail Path, Thunder Swamp trail system, and in Reeds Gap State Park. Whether it's backpacking in Yosemite or Canyonlands, or more locally in Michaux State Forest or Pine Creek Gorge, Shira loves spending time hiking on a trail and rejoicing in the flora and fauna.
Pradip Bhatnagar, Exton, PA- KTA Board Member
"I was born in India in a small town. After finishing my M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, I came to the US and obtained my MS and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Did postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas and became an Associate Research Professor at the University of California San Francisco. Joined Beckman Instrument for couple of years. This company merged with SmithKline Beckman (which is now GSK). The company moved me to the Philadelphia area. After a career of two and a half decades, that included six months of living in Oslo Norway and Linz, Austria, I moved back to India to head research for Ranbaxy and Daiichi Sankyo- India. Retired after 8 years and returned back to my home in Exton, PA. Since my return, I have been trying to get a small biotech company (focused on Brain Tumors) off the ground.
I did not have much opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity during my professional life. However, in 2018 I joined Chester County Trail Club and currently serve on the Board of Chester County Trail club as a liaison for KTA. Now I am hooked on hiking and backpacking and trail maintenance. Beside hiking on local trails in the south-eastern Pennsylvania, managed to do about 400 miles of AT, 36 miles of End-to-End Brandywine trail, 26 miles of Blue Marsh Trail, Allegheny Front Trail and Bucktail Path, Loyalsock Trail, Old Logger’s Path and trails in Allegheny National Forest. I have assisted in maintaining and fixing Brandywine Trail, Horse Shoe Trail, Mid-County Trail, Struble Trail and Marsh Creek State Park trails.
I have been living in Exton, PA for the last 36 years. I am lucky to have a wonderful personal life with my wife Pat and two daughters (grown up now) Priti and Pooja. I am proud to say that my older daughter Priti had been a test pilot for the US Navy for twelve years and currently flies for National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and my younger daughter is a dedicated Occupational Therapist helping senior citizens and special-need children in overcoming complexities in their lives."
"I was born in India in a small town. After finishing my M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, I came to the US and obtained my MS and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Did postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas and became an Associate Research Professor at the University of California San Francisco. Joined Beckman Instrument for couple of years. This company merged with SmithKline Beckman (which is now GSK). The company moved me to the Philadelphia area. After a career of two and a half decades, that included six months of living in Oslo Norway and Linz, Austria, I moved back to India to head research for Ranbaxy and Daiichi Sankyo- India. Retired after 8 years and returned back to my home in Exton, PA. Since my return, I have been trying to get a small biotech company (focused on Brain Tumors) off the ground.
I did not have much opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity during my professional life. However, in 2018 I joined Chester County Trail Club and currently serve on the Board of Chester County Trail club as a liaison for KTA. Now I am hooked on hiking and backpacking and trail maintenance. Beside hiking on local trails in the south-eastern Pennsylvania, managed to do about 400 miles of AT, 36 miles of End-to-End Brandywine trail, 26 miles of Blue Marsh Trail, Allegheny Front Trail and Bucktail Path, Loyalsock Trail, Old Logger’s Path and trails in Allegheny National Forest. I have assisted in maintaining and fixing Brandywine Trail, Horse Shoe Trail, Mid-County Trail, Struble Trail and Marsh Creek State Park trails.
I have been living in Exton, PA for the last 36 years. I am lucky to have a wonderful personal life with my wife Pat and two daughters (grown up now) Priti and Pooja. I am proud to say that my older daughter Priti had been a test pilot for the US Navy for twelve years and currently flies for National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and my younger daughter is a dedicated Occupational Therapist helping senior citizens and special-need children in overcoming complexities in their lives."
Joanne Heimer, Jersey Shore, PA - KTA Board Member
Joanne Heimer is a retired French teacher who, after retiring in 2016, discovered the LOVE of being in the forest!!! Adding that to a life-time love of travel, she has organized dozens of groups of students and adults for hikes and international tours. She is an end-to-end or circuit hiker on many Pennsylvania trails, including the Mid State, Laurel Highlands, Donut Hole, West Rim, Allegheny Front, and STS, and has also hiked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail and hiked the Hyner View Trail Challenge countless times. For KTA, Joanne organized the 2022 fall hiking program and has volunteered at numerous trail care weekends and initiated the TC on the Elk Trail. She has coordinated Volunteers for several local events such as Clinton County's "Frozen Snot" race in February, an Aid Station for the Eagleton Trail Challenge and the 2023 USCA Canoe & Kayak Nationals. Appreciating cooler weather, Joanne's A.T. trail name is "Three Seasons" --"and it ain't summer!"
Joanne Heimer is a retired French teacher who, after retiring in 2016, discovered the LOVE of being in the forest!!! Adding that to a life-time love of travel, she has organized dozens of groups of students and adults for hikes and international tours. She is an end-to-end or circuit hiker on many Pennsylvania trails, including the Mid State, Laurel Highlands, Donut Hole, West Rim, Allegheny Front, and STS, and has also hiked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail and hiked the Hyner View Trail Challenge countless times. For KTA, Joanne organized the 2022 fall hiking program and has volunteered at numerous trail care weekends and initiated the TC on the Elk Trail. She has coordinated Volunteers for several local events such as Clinton County's "Frozen Snot" race in February, an Aid Station for the Eagleton Trail Challenge and the 2023 USCA Canoe & Kayak Nationals. Appreciating cooler weather, Joanne's A.T. trail name is "Three Seasons" --"and it ain't summer!"
David "Cyril" Quatrone, Center Valley, PA - KTA Board Member
Cyril is an avid hiker based in Pennsylvania. As a boy scout, he enjoyed hiking and earned the rank of Eagle. However, as an adult, he struggled with weight gain and did not hike much until about 10 years ago when a former student took him to Ricketts Glen. Cyril fell in love with hiking again and started exploring different trails in the Philadelphia area, completing 48 hikes from a book of 50 hikes.
He has also been doing trail maintenance and hopes to become more qualified to do certain things in the region. Cyril is currently trying to hike every mile of every trail on the KTA map as well as the entire A.T. He is a member of the KTA Board of Directors and the event coordinator for the Allentown Hiking Club.
Pennsylvania holds a special place in Cyril's heart, as it is where he fell in love with hiking and where the A.T. runs through. He enjoys meeting fellow hikers and building relationships with them, both through chance meetings on the trail and planned hikes with hiking partners. Cyril believes that hikers are great and that hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and oneself.
Cyril is an avid hiker based in Pennsylvania. As a boy scout, he enjoyed hiking and earned the rank of Eagle. However, as an adult, he struggled with weight gain and did not hike much until about 10 years ago when a former student took him to Ricketts Glen. Cyril fell in love with hiking again and started exploring different trails in the Philadelphia area, completing 48 hikes from a book of 50 hikes.
He has also been doing trail maintenance and hopes to become more qualified to do certain things in the region. Cyril is currently trying to hike every mile of every trail on the KTA map as well as the entire A.T. He is a member of the KTA Board of Directors and the event coordinator for the Allentown Hiking Club.
Pennsylvania holds a special place in Cyril's heart, as it is where he fell in love with hiking and where the A.T. runs through. He enjoys meeting fellow hikers and building relationships with them, both through chance meetings on the trail and planned hikes with hiking partners. Cyril believes that hikers are great and that hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and oneself.
Christian Alexandersen, Enola, PA - KTA Board Member
Christian Alexandersen is the host of the award-winning Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast – which highlights Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. Christian’s love for the outdoors began in 2021 when he ran one mile in all-then 121 Pennsylvania state parks. Since then, he has volunteered for the Keystone Trails Association and the PA Parks and Forests Foundation. Christian was recently named to the PA Trails Advisory Committee as an at-large member.
He participates in a number of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, paddling, camping and trail running and plans to add hunting and fishing to his hobbies. He is also the organizer of the annual PA Outdoor Content Creators Meetup. This annual gathering brings together Pennsylvania-based creators to celebrate our public lands, learn and connect with one another and create relationships in the outdoor recreation industry.
Christian an award-winning former journalist that’s written for publications in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He currently works for the Senate of Pennsylvania. He lives in Enola with his wife Abby and their cats Jack and Walt.
Christian Alexandersen is the host of the award-winning Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast – which highlights Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. Christian’s love for the outdoors began in 2021 when he ran one mile in all-then 121 Pennsylvania state parks. Since then, he has volunteered for the Keystone Trails Association and the PA Parks and Forests Foundation. Christian was recently named to the PA Trails Advisory Committee as an at-large member.
He participates in a number of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, paddling, camping and trail running and plans to add hunting and fishing to his hobbies. He is also the organizer of the annual PA Outdoor Content Creators Meetup. This annual gathering brings together Pennsylvania-based creators to celebrate our public lands, learn and connect with one another and create relationships in the outdoor recreation industry.
Christian an award-winning former journalist that’s written for publications in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He currently works for the Senate of Pennsylvania. He lives in Enola with his wife Abby and their cats Jack and Walt.
Representatives at Large
Joyce Appel, East Brady, PA
Katie Barker, Carlisle, PA
Rita Black, Ford City, PA
Steve Black, Ford City, PA
Polly Chatterton, Beech Creek, PA
Chris Brubaker, Lancaster, PA
Blase Hartman, Lansdale, PA
Patricia Houston, Philadelphia, PA
Thaddeus Ligenza, Lock Haven, PA
Al Chapacharis Wilkes-Barre, PA
Donna Thompson, Millville, PA
Tony Robbins, Watsontown, PA
Joyce Appel, East Brady, PA
Katie Barker, Carlisle, PA
Rita Black, Ford City, PA
Steve Black, Ford City, PA
Polly Chatterton, Beech Creek, PA
Chris Brubaker, Lancaster, PA
Blase Hartman, Lansdale, PA
Patricia Houston, Philadelphia, PA
Thaddeus Ligenza, Lock Haven, PA
Al Chapacharis Wilkes-Barre, PA
Donna Thompson, Millville, PA
Tony Robbins, Watsontown, PA
KTA Bylaws
| kta-by-laws-april-2020.pdf |
