


Leadership & Financials
Meet the people dedicated to preserving AMC’s mission and championing its vision.
AMC members have a voice in our organization’s governance, including a vote on the Board of Director officers and directors.
Open details in popupSolomon Owayda
Solomon has been a member of the AMC since 2000 and currently is a member of the President’s Society. He loves the outdoors including golf, tennis, soccer (in his younger days), and hiking. Solomon grew up in Beirut, Lebanon and was not exposed to hiking until he met his wife Suzanne, who is an avid hiker. Over the last 33 years, they have enjoyed the many trails and huts of the White Mountains. An inveterate traveler, he and his family have hiked in places like Tibet, Sicily, and Tanzania, to name a few. Solomon currently serves on the Investment Committee of the AMC. His finance career spans over 35 years, starting in banking, then continuing at the California State Teachers’ Pension System, SVG Advisors, and founding Mozaic Capital in 2015, a boutique private equity secondary advisor that merged with Monument Group in 2023. Solomon holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and a BS in Biology from Marquette University.
Solomon Owayda
Solomon Owayda
Solomon has been a member of the AMC since 2000 and currently is a member of the President’s Society. He loves the outdoors including golf, tennis, soccer (in his younger days), and hiking. Solomon grew up in Beirut, Lebanon and was not exposed to hiking until he met his wife Suzanne, who is an avid hiker. Over the last 33 years, they have enjoyed the many trails and huts of the White Mountains. An inveterate traveler, he and his family have hiked in places like Tibet, Sicily, and Tanzania, to name a few. Solomon currently serves on the Investment Committee of the AMC. His finance career spans over 35 years, starting in banking, then continuing at the California State Teachers’ Pension System, SVG Advisors, and founding Mozaic Capital in 2015, a boutique private equity secondary advisor that merged with Monument Group in 2023. Solomon holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and a BS in Biology from Marquette University.
Open details in popupRobert W. Ackerman
Robert has been a member of the AMC for many years, enjoying the huts and trails in all seasons, participating in educational programs and occasionally joining climbing excursions. Following a few years on the Harvard Business School faculty, Robert was drawn into industry, first in paper manufacturing and later in metals, and then onto investing in privately held corporations. Robert is interested in conservation and the responsible and productive use of natural resources; in particular, sustainable forestry and innovative approaches to land use for recreation and wildlife habitat for the long-term benefit of all people and our environment.
Robert W. Ackerman
Robert W. Ackerman
Robert has been a member of the AMC for many years, enjoying the huts and trails in all seasons, participating in educational programs and occasionally joining climbing excursions. Following a few years on the Harvard Business School faculty, Robert was drawn into industry, first in paper manufacturing and later in metals, and then onto investing in privately held corporations. Robert is interested in conservation and the responsible and productive use of natural resources; in particular, sustainable forestry and innovative approaches to land use for recreation and wildlife habitat for the long-term benefit of all people and our environment.
Open details in popupNicole Zussman
Nicole Zussman is President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization, committed to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Nicole is a transformational business leader who combines her professional experience with her personal passion for the outdoors and AMC’s mission.
Nicole Zussman
President and Chief Executive OfficerNicole Zussman
Nicole Zussman is President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization, committed to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Nicole is a transformational business leader who combines her professional experience with her personal passion for the outdoors and AMC’s mission.
Open details in popupBruce Booth
Bruce has been an AMC member for a number of years, and is a keen outdoor enthusiast. He and his family are frequent visitors of the AMC’s trails and huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He is currently a partner at Atlas Venture, an early-stage biotech investment firm, and focuses on helping start new life science companies. He currently serves on the Boards of multiple public and private biotech firms. Prior to Atlas, Bruce was a consultant with McKinsey & Co. He received his D.Phil. from Oxford University in immunology, and his B.S. from Penn State in biochemistry, where he graduated summa cum laude. Bruce splits his time between Wellesley, MA and North Woodstock, NH, where he enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, and trail running. He and his three children have been volunteer ski coaches with New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) for most of the past decade.
Bruce Booth
Bruce Booth
Bruce has been an AMC member for a number of years, and is a keen outdoor enthusiast. He and his family are frequent visitors of the AMC’s trails and huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He is currently a partner at Atlas Venture, an early-stage biotech investment firm, and focuses on helping start new life science companies. He currently serves on the Boards of multiple public and private biotech firms. Prior to Atlas, Bruce was a consultant with McKinsey & Co. He received his D.Phil. from Oxford University in immunology, and his B.S. from Penn State in biochemistry, where he graduated summa cum laude. Bruce splits his time between Wellesley, MA and North Woodstock, NH, where he enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, and trail running. He and his three children have been volunteer ski coaches with New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) for most of the past decade.
Open details in popupJoshua Carter
Joshua David Carter is husband and father to four amazing children and grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren. He is a citizen of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, the world’s largest Native American Museum. Previously, Mr. Carter served as the Director of Tribal and Native American Relations, Manager of Tribal & Native American Preference, and Manger of Training & Organizational Development for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Mr. Carter has been an avid backpacker for decades, enjoying the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont particularly. He comes from generations of land and water protectors. The deep understanding of the interdependence of all of creation is what the Pequot Nation holds most dear.
Joshua Carter
Joshua Carter
Joshua David Carter is husband and father to four amazing children and grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren. He is a citizen of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, the world’s largest Native American Museum. Previously, Mr. Carter served as the Director of Tribal and Native American Relations, Manager of Tribal & Native American Preference, and Manger of Training & Organizational Development for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Mr. Carter has been an avid backpacker for decades, enjoying the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont particularly. He comes from generations of land and water protectors. The deep understanding of the interdependence of all of creation is what the Pequot Nation holds most dear.
Open details in popupScott Barringer
A Massachusetts native and Connecticut resident, Scott Barringer has been a member of the AMC for seventeen years and the President’s Society for twelve years. He served on the AMC Board of Advisors for eight years prior to his election to the Board of Directors. After graduating from Harvard College, he worked at Goldman Sachs for 23 years, retiring as a partner and subsequently joining Shelter Growth Capital Partners in 2015. Scott was introduced to the AMC and the White Mountains by his father-in-law, Jim Hamilton, with whom he made many exploratory trips to Maine as part of the early stages of the Maine Woods Initiative. The Hamilton Anglers Annual Maine trip continues to this day. Scott enjoys hiking and fly fishing in the White Mountains with his wife, two children (volunteer trail crew!) and dog, using their cabin in Jackson, NH as base camp. Scott also currently serves on the Board of the Cos Cob Archery Club.
Scott Barringer
Scott Barringer
A Massachusetts native and Connecticut resident, Scott Barringer has been a member of the AMC for seventeen years and the President’s Society for twelve years. He served on the AMC Board of Advisors for eight years prior to his election to the Board of Directors. After graduating from Harvard College, he worked at Goldman Sachs for 23 years, retiring as a partner and subsequently joining Shelter Growth Capital Partners in 2015. Scott was introduced to the AMC and the White Mountains by his father-in-law, Jim Hamilton, with whom he made many exploratory trips to Maine as part of the early stages of the Maine Woods Initiative. The Hamilton Anglers Annual Maine trip continues to this day. Scott enjoys hiking and fly fishing in the White Mountains with his wife, two children (volunteer trail crew!) and dog, using their cabin in Jackson, NH as base camp. Scott also currently serves on the Board of the Cos Cob Archery Club.
Open details in popupRichard Batiuk
An AMC member for many years, Rich has been the Potomac Chapter Treasurer, served on the Potomac Chapter Executive Committee, as the chapter’s Paddling Committee chair, and is an AMC certified paddling and hiking leader. Prior to his retirement, Rich was the Associate Director for Science, Analysis, and Implementation at the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office located in Annapolis, Maryland. There, he led the integration of science into multi-partner policy-making and collaborative decision-making. Rich is a co-founder of CoastWise, providing pro-bono help with development and implementation of collaborative watershed management strategies to over 65 agencies and organizations all around the world. Rich is an active member of Chesapeake Conservancy’s Board of Directors and serves as the vice chair of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Black Bass Fisheries Advisory Committee and as a member of the Bay Journal’s Scientific Advisory Committee. Rich received his B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1984 and M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from American University in Washington D.C. in 1985. Rich lives in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife Susan, and enjoys fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, backpacking, bird watching, trail building and maintenance, and traveling.
Richard Batiuk
Vice Chair & Regional Director, Southern RegionRichard Batiuk
An AMC member for many years, Rich has been the Potomac Chapter Treasurer, served on the Potomac Chapter Executive Committee, as the chapter’s Paddling Committee chair, and is an AMC certified paddling and hiking leader. Prior to his retirement, Rich was the Associate Director for Science, Analysis, and Implementation at the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office located in Annapolis, Maryland. There, he led the integration of science into multi-partner policy-making and collaborative decision-making. Rich is a co-founder of CoastWise, providing pro-bono help with development and implementation of collaborative watershed management strategies to over 65 agencies and organizations all around the world. Rich is an active member of Chesapeake Conservancy’s Board of Directors and serves as the vice chair of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Black Bass Fisheries Advisory Committee and as a member of the Bay Journal’s Scientific Advisory Committee. Rich received his B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1984 and M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from American University in Washington D.C. in 1985. Rich lives in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife Susan, and enjoys fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, backpacking, bird watching, trail building and maintenance, and traveling.
Open details in popupKaren Brace
Karen is a native Mainer who’s actively involved in AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, co-chairing the chapter-level MWI Committee and coordinating volunteer projects that support the property and trails. In recent years, Karen has helped run events at the Maine lodges to introduce groups to AMC’s conservation and research projects, and to the overall MWI experience. Karen has spent her career working with nonprofits and schools in communications, membership, and development. Currently she spends most of her professional time with a Maine organization that partners with the Department of Environmental Protection to mitigate the effects of climate change on lakes and ponds. She lives in the Camden area of midcoast Maine, where she maintains gardens and a blueberry field. In the winter you’ll find her cross-country skiing at MWI or in Rangeley, or alpine touring in the mountains. She’s an active volunteer, having chaired the Maine Women’s Network and the Dartmouth Club of Maine. She looks forward to hiking with her new granddaughter in the years to come.
Karen Brace
Regional Director, North RegionKaren Brace
Karen is a native Mainer who’s actively involved in AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, co-chairing the chapter-level MWI Committee and coordinating volunteer projects that support the property and trails. In recent years, Karen has helped run events at the Maine lodges to introduce groups to AMC’s conservation and research projects, and to the overall MWI experience. Karen has spent her career working with nonprofits and schools in communications, membership, and development. Currently she spends most of her professional time with a Maine organization that partners with the Department of Environmental Protection to mitigate the effects of climate change on lakes and ponds. She lives in the Camden area of midcoast Maine, where she maintains gardens and a blueberry field. In the winter you’ll find her cross-country skiing at MWI or in Rangeley, or alpine touring in the mountains. She’s an active volunteer, having chaired the Maine Women’s Network and the Dartmouth Club of Maine. She looks forward to hiking with her new granddaughter in the years to come.
Open details in popupKathy Campbell
Kathy has been a member of AMC since 2001, and served as on AMC’s Board of Advisors from 2019 until she became a member of its Board of Directors in 2022. She has served as Treasurer for the past two years. In addition to chairing the Finance Committee, Kathy also sits on the Investment, Development, DEI, and Conservation committees. Kathy is also a member of the Potomac Chapter and has served as its secretary, Conservation Chair, and DEI chapter rep. After a 37-year International Finance career with an energy firm that took her around the globe, she became an entrepreneur. In 2017 she started KT Coaching Partners, a leadership coaching firm. She utilizes her cross-cultural team building skills and transition management skills to assist clients in expanding their thinking about what is possible. Kathy loves hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing. She holds a business degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.
Kathy Campbell
Vice Chair & TreasurerKathy Campbell
Kathy has been a member of AMC since 2001, and served as on AMC’s Board of Advisors from 2019 until she became a member of its Board of Directors in 2022. She has served as Treasurer for the past two years. In addition to chairing the Finance Committee, Kathy also sits on the Investment, Development, DEI, and Conservation committees. Kathy is also a member of the Potomac Chapter and has served as its secretary, Conservation Chair, and DEI chapter rep. After a 37-year International Finance career with an energy firm that took her around the globe, she became an entrepreneur. In 2017 she started KT Coaching Partners, a leadership coaching firm. She utilizes her cross-cultural team building skills and transition management skills to assist clients in expanding their thinking about what is possible. Kathy loves hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing. She holds a business degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.
Open details in popupDebra Coyman
Debra Coyman has been an AMC member since 1993 and a President’s Society member since 2003. Prior to joining the Board of Directors by appointment in February 2024, she served on the AMC Board of Advisors for eleven years. She also served on the steering committee for AMC’s Leadership Giving Initiative. Debra built her 30+ year career in the biotechnology sector, leading business development and strategic planning for several entrepreneurial companies. In 1994, she joined the executive team at IDEXX Laboratories, a publicly traded veterinary medical device manufacturer, holding a variety of roles, including chief Human Resources executive. Debra has served as a trustee or advisor for not-for-profit organizations including the BTS Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland Stage Company, the University of Southern Maine, and Jobs for Maine’s Graduates. She also volunteers with local animal welfare organizations and as a counselor with the AARP Tax Aide program. Debra earned a BA in history from Yale College, and an MBA from the Harvard School of Business Administration. Debra enjoys hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and gardening for wildlife. She recently summitted all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers, and has biked the East Coast Greenway from Calais, ME to Key West, FL in one-week segments. She lives in Falmouth, Maine.
Debra Coyman
Debra Coyman
Debra Coyman has been an AMC member since 1993 and a President’s Society member since 2003. Prior to joining the Board of Directors by appointment in February 2024, she served on the AMC Board of Advisors for eleven years. She also served on the steering committee for AMC’s Leadership Giving Initiative. Debra built her 30+ year career in the biotechnology sector, leading business development and strategic planning for several entrepreneurial companies. In 1994, she joined the executive team at IDEXX Laboratories, a publicly traded veterinary medical device manufacturer, holding a variety of roles, including chief Human Resources executive. Debra has served as a trustee or advisor for not-for-profit organizations including the BTS Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland Stage Company, the University of Southern Maine, and Jobs for Maine’s Graduates. She also volunteers with local animal welfare organizations and as a counselor with the AARP Tax Aide program. Debra earned a BA in history from Yale College, and an MBA from the Harvard School of Business Administration. Debra enjoys hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and gardening for wildlife. She recently summitted all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers, and has biked the East Coast Greenway from Calais, ME to Key West, FL in one-week segments. She lives in Falmouth, Maine.
Open details in popupCindy Crosby
Cindy is a native Bostonian who, in 2016, decided it was time to slow down, retire, and come home after many years of international work as an executive in the healthcare industry. Today, she is a management consultant and coach who is passionate about helping leaders grow, change, and transition in their careers. Cindy is the past chapter chair of the AMC Boston Chapter, leads hikes, and is a volunteer naturalist at the huts. She is Board Chair at Tailored For Success assisting job seekers gain economic self-sufficiency and as a coach at American Corporate Partners helping veterans transition from military to civilian careers. Cindy holds a B.S. from Suffolk University and is a graduate of Executive and Organizational Leadership Programs. When not working, Cindy can be found hiking and backpacking in New England, in a Pilates studio, or outdoors learning to sketch en plein air.
Cindy Crosby
Regional Director, Eastern RegionCindy Crosby
Cindy is a native Bostonian who, in 2016, decided it was time to slow down, retire, and come home after many years of international work as an executive in the healthcare industry. Today, she is a management consultant and coach who is passionate about helping leaders grow, change, and transition in their careers. Cindy is the past chapter chair of the AMC Boston Chapter, leads hikes, and is a volunteer naturalist at the huts. She is Board Chair at Tailored For Success assisting job seekers gain economic self-sufficiency and as a coach at American Corporate Partners helping veterans transition from military to civilian careers. Cindy holds a B.S. from Suffolk University and is a graduate of Executive and Organizational Leadership Programs. When not working, Cindy can be found hiking and backpacking in New England, in a Pilates studio, or outdoors learning to sketch en plein air.
Open details in popupRamón Cruz
Ramón Cruz is immediate past president of Sierra Club—the equivalent to Chairman of their Board. He served as interim Executive Director of the Sierra Club during a staff leadership transition, until Ben Jealous was appointed as ED in 2022. Ramón has over 20 years of experience intersecting the fields of sustainability, environmental policy, urban planning, energy, and climate change. He currently is a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and serves as a Lecturer in Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, where he is teaching a policy course. He has worked in the public sector in his native Puerto Rico as the Deputy Director of the Environmental Quality Board, the state environmental regulatory agency, and as Commissioner of the Puerto Rico Energy Commission. He has also worked in the non-governmental sector in senior positions at the Environmental Defense Fund, the Partnership for New York City, and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. He has been a consultant for the World Bank, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Ramon received a BA from American University and an MPA from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs.
Ramón Cruz
Ramón Cruz
Ramón Cruz is immediate past president of Sierra Club—the equivalent to Chairman of their Board. He served as interim Executive Director of the Sierra Club during a staff leadership transition, until Ben Jealous was appointed as ED in 2022. Ramón has over 20 years of experience intersecting the fields of sustainability, environmental policy, urban planning, energy, and climate change. He currently is a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and serves as a Lecturer in Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, where he is teaching a policy course. He has worked in the public sector in his native Puerto Rico as the Deputy Director of the Environmental Quality Board, the state environmental regulatory agency, and as Commissioner of the Puerto Rico Energy Commission. He has also worked in the non-governmental sector in senior positions at the Environmental Defense Fund, the Partnership for New York City, and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. He has been a consultant for the World Bank, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Ramon received a BA from American University and an MPA from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs.
Open details in popupBirgitta C. Dickerson
Birgitta has spent the majority of her professional career as a corporate in-house counsel for multinational corporations including Salesforce, The Boston Consulting Group, and currently, Cabot Corporation, where she is Chief Counsel. Birgitta previously served on AMC’s Board of Directors (2006–2012), including as Secretary and a member of the President’s Search Committee. Birgitta currently serves on the Nominating and Governance Committee and the DEI Committee. Birgitta also is a Director for the Victim Rights Law Center, an Honorary Director for Massachusetts Audubon Society, and former Director for the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys. She received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania and BA from Emory University. In Birgitta’s spare time, she enjoys pilates, running, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her husband and three teenaged children.
Birgitta C. Dickerson
Birgitta C. Dickerson
Birgitta has spent the majority of her professional career as a corporate in-house counsel for multinational corporations including Salesforce, The Boston Consulting Group, and currently, Cabot Corporation, where she is Chief Counsel. Birgitta previously served on AMC’s Board of Directors (2006–2012), including as Secretary and a member of the President’s Search Committee. Birgitta currently serves on the Nominating and Governance Committee and the DEI Committee. Birgitta also is a Director for the Victim Rights Law Center, an Honorary Director for Massachusetts Audubon Society, and former Director for the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys. She received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania and BA from Emory University. In Birgitta’s spare time, she enjoys pilates, running, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her husband and three teenaged children.
Open details in popupCynthia Dow
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Cynthia first enjoyed AMC huts and trails in 2015; she enjoys hiking, skiing, adventure travel, and competitive sailing. She leads the Boston office and New England region for Russell Reynolds Associates and also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. She focuses on executive search, succession planning, and leadership development projects for a wide range of organizations from non-profit and social impact organization to public and private companies. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Before joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Cynthia was an assistant general counsel with Cadbury Schweppes, general counsel to a technology company, and an attorney with Baker Botts LLP in Dallas. Cynthia received her BA, with distinction, in government from Cornell University and her JD from the Columbia School of Law, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and an editor of the Journal of Law and Social Problems.
Cynthia Dow
Cynthia Dow
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Cynthia first enjoyed AMC huts and trails in 2015; she enjoys hiking, skiing, adventure travel, and competitive sailing. She leads the Boston office and New England region for Russell Reynolds Associates and also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. She focuses on executive search, succession planning, and leadership development projects for a wide range of organizations from non-profit and social impact organization to public and private companies. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Before joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Cynthia was an assistant general counsel with Cadbury Schweppes, general counsel to a technology company, and an attorney with Baker Botts LLP in Dallas. Cynthia received her BA, with distinction, in government from Cornell University and her JD from the Columbia School of Law, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and an editor of the Journal of Law and Social Problems.
Open details in popupCheryl Duckworth
Cheryl has been an AMC member since 1992 and a member of the President’s Society since 2008. She served on the Investment Committee from 2009-2013 prior to moving to Singapore for five years and rejoined the Committee in 2019 upon her return to the Boston area. Cheryl is a retired partner at Wellington Management, having held several roles across the investment and client teams over the last 30 years. Originally from New Jersey, Cheryl grew up an avid soccer player and skier. However, she credits her husband for getting her hiking and camping. She, her husband, and her two daughters hike, ski, and climb extensively wherever there are mountains, including some very far-flung locations during their time in Singapore, but the mountains they know the best are the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Cheryl Duckworth
ChairCheryl Duckworth
Cheryl has been an AMC member since 1992 and a member of the President’s Society since 2008. She served on the Investment Committee from 2009-2013 prior to moving to Singapore for five years and rejoined the Committee in 2019 upon her return to the Boston area. Cheryl is a retired partner at Wellington Management, having held several roles across the investment and client teams over the last 30 years. Originally from New Jersey, Cheryl grew up an avid soccer player and skier. However, she credits her husband for getting her hiking and camping. She, her husband, and her two daughters hike, ski, and climb extensively wherever there are mountains, including some very far-flung locations during their time in Singapore, but the mountains they know the best are the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Open details in popupMardi Fuller
Mardi Fuller advocates for racial equity through writing, speaking, and community building. A lifelong backcountry adventurer, in January 2021 she became the first known Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in winter. She is a speaker, content creator, and a contributing writer to Outside magazine, SKI magazine, NRDC.org, Melanin Basecamp, and more. She lives in Boston where she organizes hike, ski, and climb events centering Black people and BIPOC. She has 20 years of experience as a marketing communications professional dedicated to persuasive storytelling, brand stewardship, and strategic growth. Watch “Mardi & the Whites” for a peek into Mardi’s relationship with the White Mountains, the great outdoors, and the community that surrounds them. She has led popular Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops and webinars for the AMC community. Mardi is committed to personal and corporate Black liberation and thereby, liberation for all humanity.
Mardi Fuller
Mardi Fuller
Mardi Fuller advocates for racial equity through writing, speaking, and community building. A lifelong backcountry adventurer, in January 2021 she became the first known Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in winter. She is a speaker, content creator, and a contributing writer to Outside magazine, SKI magazine, NRDC.org, Melanin Basecamp, and more. She lives in Boston where she organizes hike, ski, and climb events centering Black people and BIPOC. She has 20 years of experience as a marketing communications professional dedicated to persuasive storytelling, brand stewardship, and strategic growth. Watch “Mardi & the Whites” for a peek into Mardi’s relationship with the White Mountains, the great outdoors, and the community that surrounds them. She has led popular Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops and webinars for the AMC community. Mardi is committed to personal and corporate Black liberation and thereby, liberation for all humanity.
Open details in popupShan Soe-Lin Hecht
Shan Soe-Lin, MPH, PhD, is an undergraduate capstone faculty member at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs (2021-2022). She is also a managing director at Pharos Global Health Advisors, a non-profit global health advisory firm based in Boston, MA, that she helped to co-found. Shan specializes in developing solutions to complex strategic, organizational and operational issues affecting global health non-profit organizations, private philanthropies, multilaterals, and US health care payer and provider systems. Through her tenures with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Recon Strategy, Results for Development Institute, and now Pharos Global Health Advisors, Shan specializes in developing forward-looking strategies, resource mobilization approaches, competitive landscapes, and investment cases for organizations and governments focused on nutrition, HIV, TB, and maternal and child health issues. More recently, Shan has advised developing countries and NGOs on Covid control, and published several op-eds in the New York Times, the Boston Globe and Politico on domestic Covid control and return-to-work strategies. Shan also works with her clients to improve their organizational effectiveness and leadership development. Her clients have included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, Unitaid, the Global Fund, Partners in Health, Nutrition International, and Kirk Humanitarian. Shan holds a PhD in Experimental Medicine, and a B.Sc in Microbiology & Immunology, both from McGill University, and a MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Shan Soe-Lin Hecht
Shan Soe-Lin Hecht
Shan Soe-Lin, MPH, PhD, is an undergraduate capstone faculty member at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs (2021-2022). She is also a managing director at Pharos Global Health Advisors, a non-profit global health advisory firm based in Boston, MA, that she helped to co-found. Shan specializes in developing solutions to complex strategic, organizational and operational issues affecting global health non-profit organizations, private philanthropies, multilaterals, and US health care payer and provider systems. Through her tenures with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Recon Strategy, Results for Development Institute, and now Pharos Global Health Advisors, Shan specializes in developing forward-looking strategies, resource mobilization approaches, competitive landscapes, and investment cases for organizations and governments focused on nutrition, HIV, TB, and maternal and child health issues. More recently, Shan has advised developing countries and NGOs on Covid control, and published several op-eds in the New York Times, the Boston Globe and Politico on domestic Covid control and return-to-work strategies. Shan also works with her clients to improve their organizational effectiveness and leadership development. Her clients have included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, Unitaid, the Global Fund, Partners in Health, Nutrition International, and Kirk Humanitarian. Shan holds a PhD in Experimental Medicine, and a B.Sc in Microbiology & Immunology, both from McGill University, and a MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Open details in popupBen Howard
Ben is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and environmental advocate. After spending the better part of the last decade living and working in Asia, Ben reconnected with the AMC on a memorable hut-to-hut adventure. Ben is currently the VP of Sustainability at Bemis, where he is broadly responsible for developing and executing the company’s strategy for improving People and Planet impacts globally. Ben resides in north central MA, where in addition to spending lots of time outdoors with his family, he also serves as Board Chair for North County Land Trust. Ben is deeply committed to developing, supporting, and scaling solutions to address the environmental challenges of our time.
Ben Howard
Ben Howard
Ben is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and environmental advocate. After spending the better part of the last decade living and working in Asia, Ben reconnected with the AMC on a memorable hut-to-hut adventure. Ben is currently the VP of Sustainability at Bemis, where he is broadly responsible for developing and executing the company’s strategy for improving People and Planet impacts globally. Ben resides in north central MA, where in addition to spending lots of time outdoors with his family, he also serves as Board Chair for North County Land Trust. Ben is deeply committed to developing, supporting, and scaling solutions to address the environmental challenges of our time.
Open details in popupSteve Ciras
Steve is past Chair of the Worcester Chapter and has led educational activities with the Western Massachusetts Chapter. A strong advocate of the Maine Woods Initiative, he is a driver of the Worcester Chapter’s eighteen years of financial support and sweat equity. He is a member of AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative Committee. He was club-wide Conservation Chair, is a member of the 4,000 Footer Club, and a Leave No Trace Awareness instructor. He has been recognized with several volunteer awards, including the AMC Distinguished Service Award. Steve holds an MBA and was Director / Revenue Controller predominately in the software and services industry. He is most proud of his four children and eight grandchildren who all consider the outdoors their playground.
Steve Ciras
Regional Director, Central RegionSteve Ciras
Steve is past Chair of the Worcester Chapter and has led educational activities with the Western Massachusetts Chapter. A strong advocate of the Maine Woods Initiative, he is a driver of the Worcester Chapter’s eighteen years of financial support and sweat equity. He is a member of AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative Committee. He was club-wide Conservation Chair, is a member of the 4,000 Footer Club, and a Leave No Trace Awareness instructor. He has been recognized with several volunteer awards, including the AMC Distinguished Service Award. Steve holds an MBA and was Director / Revenue Controller predominately in the software and services industry. He is most proud of his four children and eight grandchildren who all consider the outdoors their playground.
Open details in popupWilliam B. Tyree
Bill is the Managing Partner of Brown Brothers Harriman, a privately -owned global financial services firm headquartered in New York City, where he has worked for over 38 years. Outside of work, Bill is a passionate advocate for youth services. He is the chairman of the board of the Boys’ Club of New York, a 147-year-old social service organization serving more than 2,000 inner city boys (ages 6-16) through two clubhouses in New York City and a summer camp in Harriman State Park. Bill graduated from Dartmouth College and received his MBA from Wharton. He lives in New York City with his wife, Kathryn, and has three adult children, two of whom work and live in NYC.
William B. Tyree
William B. Tyree
Bill is the Managing Partner of Brown Brothers Harriman, a privately -owned global financial services firm headquartered in New York City, where he has worked for over 38 years. Outside of work, Bill is a passionate advocate for youth services. He is the chairman of the board of the Boys’ Club of New York, a 147-year-old social service organization serving more than 2,000 inner city boys (ages 6-16) through two clubhouses in New York City and a summer camp in Harriman State Park. Bill graduated from Dartmouth College and received his MBA from Wharton. He lives in New York City with his wife, Kathryn, and has three adult children, two of whom work and live in NYC.
Open details in popupNick Wilkoff
Nick Wilkoff is the Chief Marketing Officer at L.L.Bean, having joined the company in 2004. In his current role, Nick is responsible for L.L.Bean’s marketing investments, brand strategy and amplification, creative expression, and is accountable for its Ecommerce channel. Prior to taking on the role of CMO in 2020, Nick held a number of leadership positions across Marketing at L.L.Bean, as well as running its international business in Japan and Canada. After studying Environmental Policy at Middlebury College, Nick began his career working for a Boston-based GIS (geographic information systems) consulting firm, AppGeo. Nick then joined Forrester Research as an industry analyst covering IT trends. A Maine native, Nick currently resides in his hometown of Brunswick with his wife and two teenage children.
Nick Wilkoff
Nick Wilkoff
Nick Wilkoff is the Chief Marketing Officer at L.L.Bean, having joined the company in 2004. In his current role, Nick is responsible for L.L.Bean’s marketing investments, brand strategy and amplification, creative expression, and is accountable for its Ecommerce channel. Prior to taking on the role of CMO in 2020, Nick held a number of leadership positions across Marketing at L.L.Bean, as well as running its international business in Japan and Canada. After studying Environmental Policy at Middlebury College, Nick began his career working for a Boston-based GIS (geographic information systems) consulting firm, AppGeo. Nick then joined Forrester Research as an industry analyst covering IT trends. A Maine native, Nick currently resides in his hometown of Brunswick with his wife and two teenage children.
Open details in popupPaul Wilson
Paul joined the AMC when he moved to Boston in the early 1980s, and soon found himself leading whitewater trips, and occasionally teaching outdoor leadership skills, for the Boston Chapter’s Paddling Committee. Before being elected to the AMC Board of Directors, he was a long-serving member of AMC’s Board of Advisors, and he has enjoyed expeditioning with the President’s Society to Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and, AMC’s Medawisla Lodge, for cross-country skiing. Paul was recently recalled from retirement to serve again as a judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Paul is a long-time adjunct professor at Boston College Law School, and this year he taught at Harvard Law School. Paul’s second-favorite not-for-profit organization is the American Bar Association, where he serves as the secretary of the National Conference of State Trial Judges, and the chair of the Commission on the American Jury.
Paul Wilson
SecretaryPaul Wilson
Paul joined the AMC when he moved to Boston in the early 1980s, and soon found himself leading whitewater trips, and occasionally teaching outdoor leadership skills, for the Boston Chapter’s Paddling Committee. Before being elected to the AMC Board of Directors, he was a long-serving member of AMC’s Board of Advisors, and he has enjoyed expeditioning with the President’s Society to Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and, AMC’s Medawisla Lodge, for cross-country skiing. Paul was recently recalled from retirement to serve again as a judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Paul is a long-time adjunct professor at Boston College Law School, and this year he taught at Harvard Law School. Paul’s second-favorite not-for-profit organization is the American Bar Association, where he serves as the secretary of the National Conference of State Trial Judges, and the chair of the Commission on the American Jury.
Open details in popupEileen Yin
Eileen Yin has been an AMC member since 1998. She joined as a hiker and soon went on to bike, backpack, climb, ski, and canoe and kayak with the club. Her AMC journey continued as an activity leader, Committee Chairs, and Chapter Chair. She is a past NY-NoJ Chapter Appie of the Year and received the Club’s Volunteer Recognition Award. Eileen is enthusiastic about expanding AMC’s presence in the Greater New York region and strengthening the AMC community.
Eileen Yin
Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic RegionEileen Yin
Eileen Yin has been an AMC member since 1998. She joined as a hiker and soon went on to bike, backpack, climb, ski, and canoe and kayak with the club. Her AMC journey continued as an activity leader, Committee Chairs, and Chapter Chair. She is a past NY-NoJ Chapter Appie of the Year and received the Club’s Volunteer Recognition Award. Eileen is enthusiastic about expanding AMC’s presence in the Greater New York region and strengthening the AMC community.
Open details in popupNicole Zussman
Nicole Zussman is President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization, committed to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Nicole is a transformational business leader who combines her professional experience with her personal passion for the outdoors and AMC’s mission.
Nicole Zussman
President and Chief Executive OfficerNicole Zussman
Nicole Zussman is President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization, committed to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Nicole is a transformational business leader who combines her professional experience with her personal passion for the outdoors and AMC’s mission.
Nicholas Stevens
Chief Financial OfficerJennifer Norris
Chief Development OfficerScarlet Batchelor
Chief Growth OfficerLibbi Cinti
Vice President, People, Community and CultureCrystal Mandler
Vice President, TechnologyHelmut Rueckert
Vice President, Lodging and HospitalitySteve Tatko
Vice President, Land and ConservationHannah Gauthier
Executive Team ManagerNew Hampshire
Selene BerubeSoutheastern Massachusetts
Jeannine AudetBoston
Jesse WaitesNew York-North Jersey
Ed SpirkoPotomac
Peg BarrattWorcester
Wendy DziemianNarragansett
TBD, Seeking VolunteersDelaware Valley
George CagleConnecticut
Jeanine LoughlinWestern Massachusetts
Kathy MartinMaine
Emily BrillAnnual Business
AMC’s Nominating and Governance Committee is dedicated to transparency in its work and strives for a diverse pool of candidates for volunteer leadership positions that reflects our membership, mission, and region. Members are invited to send recommendations for Board of Directors candidates to [email protected] for the committee’s consideration.
2025 Annual Meeting
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s 148th Annual Meeting and election of AMC Board of Directors took place on January 25, 2025, 8:30AM ET at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Norwood, MA. We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors slate was approved.
Financials & Reports
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. AMC's audited financials and annual reports are listed below.