Distinguished Service Awards
AMC’s highest volunteer honor, recognizing extraordinary, sustained contributions that strengthen our community and advance our mission.
Karen Barsanti — New Hampshire Chapter
For more than two decades, Karen Barsanti has embodied the best of AMC volunteer leadership. A cornerstone of the New Hampshire Chapter, Karen has led trips with NH Excursions, the NH Family Group, August Camp, and Adventure Travel—always with a steady hand, a generous spirit, and a gift for bringing people together around shared purpose. Since joining Adventure Travel in 2014, Karen has led countless trips across Europe, pairing meticulous preparation with a sense of wonder that turns every itinerary into a memorable, meaningful experience for fellow members. Her leadership shines in the moments between the highlights—checking in on participants, encouraging new skills, and ensuring that every traveler feels welcome and supported.
Karen’s service extends well beyond the trail. She served at least five years on the New Hampshire Chapter Executive Committee, including as Secretary from 2008 to 2009, Vice Chair from 2009 to 2011, and Chapter Chair from 2011 to 2013. She joined the Adventure Travel Committee in 2018, and that same year began serving on the Executive Committee as Secretary. She later stepped into roles as Vice Chair and Treasurer before becoming Chair in 2023. In each position, Karen has been the definition of steady and selfless: she steps in where she’s needed most, builds strong teams, and keeps the mission at the center of every decision.
As her final EC term concludes in 2026, Karen looks forward to focusing once again on what she does best—leading AMC constituents on extraordinary adventures around the world. Her ongoing dedication, calm presence, and unwavering commitment to stewardship make her an exceptional leader and a truly deserving honoree.
With gratitude, we are proud to recognize Karen Barsanti with a 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
Elizabeth Ehrenfeld
Elizabeth’s dedication to AMC spans decades and is reflected in a breadth of service that is truly extraordinary. She served as Chair of the Board from 2019 to 2022, guiding us through unprecedented times, and as Vice Chair in two separate terms (from 2010 to 2013 and 2015 to 2019). In addition to her 13 years as a member of the Board of Directors (from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2022), Elizabeth currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors, a role she has held since 2022. She also chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee from 2022 to 2024. Her thoughtful leadership was also instrumental on the Presidential Search Committee.
Elizabeth’s hands-on approach is legendary—she has mapped gravel bike networks in the Maine Woods Initiative, advocating strongly for developing cycling as a way to draw people up to the woods; visited every AMC chapter to listen and gather input for a strategic plan; and is always eager to introduce new friends to the full breadth of AMC’s offerings, leading paddling outings during her time as a Maine Guide and annual ski trips. Her tireless advocacy for AMC’s growth in Greater New York helped chart our current path, and her belief that everyone deserves access to the outdoors—whether on a quick trip to a city park or a multiday adventure in the mountains—exemplifies AMC values. Elizabeth is an avid Nordic skier, cyclist, hiker, and paddler, and her love for the natural world is matched only by her belief in inclusion and access for all.
As Chair of AMC during the Covid pandemic, Elizabeth’s steady leadership and willingness to rally representatives from every level of the club—including by convening the Board for weekly meetings during the early stages of the crisis–ensured AMC weathered the storm with resilience and vision, all while drawing on her scientific background as a microbiologist to help guide us through uncertainty.
For her extraordinary service, steadfast commitment, and transformative impact, we honor Elizabeth Ehrenfeld with the Distinguished Service Award.
Joe Dodge Award
The Joe Dodge Award recognizes members of the AMC community, either staff or volunteers, who exemplify the type of high-quality public service and mountain hospitality that became the hallmark of longtime AMC Huts Manager Joe Dodge.
George Brown — Trails & Storehouse
George Brown keeps the spirit and legacy of Joe Dodge alive every single day through his remarkable dedication to AMC’s people, places, and purpose. Whether he is supporting the backcountry community through his work in the Storehouse—ensuring countless hut crews, trail teams, and staff stay fed and equipped—or crafting and maintaining trail signage that keeps hikers safe, informed, and confidently on their way, George’s impact stretches far beyond what most of us will ever fully see.
George is also a beloved presence at Pinkham Notch, where his willingness to sit down with anyone—over lunch, during a coffee break, or in those in-between moments that build community—helps make Pinkham the warm, welcoming gathering place it has always been. His easy conversation, generous spirit, and deep reservoir of AMC history make newcomers feel at home and long-time members feel connected to something enduring.
With many years of AMC volunteering behind him, George has become one of the quiet engines that keeps this organization running. His stewardship, kindness, and unwavering service embody the very essence of Joe Dodge’s legacy: community, care, and a commitment to the mountains that bring us all together.
Volunteer Leadership Awards
The Volunteer Leadership Awards are given in recognition of AMC’s outstanding volunteer leaders who demonstrate the desire to share their time and expertise in pursuit of the mission.
Steven H. Smith — White Mountains/A.T. Committee
Steven H. Smith has long been one of the White Mountains’ most reliable and knowledgeable volunteer leaders, dedicating countless hours to the stewardship and protection of the Appalachian Trail corridor. As a pillar of the Adopt-a-Trail program, Steven brings consistency, deep trail knowledge, and a commitment to safety and sustainability that directly strengthens the hiking experience for thousands of AMC members and visitors each year.
Steven’s leadership spans several critical roles within the A.T. Committee, where he serves as NPS Corridor Boundary Coordinator, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Cultural Resources Coordinator. In these roles, he works tirelessly to maintain and protect the Trail’s environmental and cultural integrity—mapping boundaries, safeguarding sensitive ecological areas, and helping ensure that the A.T. remains not just accessible, but resilient.
Thoughtful, steady, and deeply invested in the future of the Trail, Steven embodies the best of AMC volunteer leadership. His work preserves not only the land itself but the legacy and experience of all who walk these iconic miles. We are proud to recognize him for his exceptional service and far-reaching impact.
Mark Warren — Boston Chapter
For more than 25 years, Mark Warren has shaped the outdoor experiences of AMC members through a remarkable breadth of leadership, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes service. A four-season leader, Mark has guided hundreds of participants through safe, welcoming, and educational experiences in every kind of weather the Northeast can offer. His longstanding service includes five years as Harvard Cabin Coordinator, 17 years coordinating the Spring Hiking Program’s Beginner Backpacking Experience, and orchestrating the three-year Long Trail Series, during which several participants completed the entire trail through a combination of day hikes and backpacking.
Mark’s investment in professional development and safety training reflects his commitment to excellence: he earned his Registered Maine Guide patch in 2025, completed Wilderness First Responder training at SOLO, and has supported countless leaders as a facilitator for Boston Chapter leadership training for 12 years. He has led 198 AMC trips since 2000, contributed skillfully as a sighted guide for New England Ski for Light, and even helped plan a 2026 canoe trip for blind outdoor recreationists. His service to the AMC community extends well beyond the trail. Mark hosts Boston Chapter meetings and major program events at the First Baptist Church in Medford—ensuring continuity when traditional spaces became unavailable—and has kept the HB Leader community thriving as the long-time emcee of the HB Leaders Recognition Dinner.
With humor, humility, and unmatched dedication, Mark has built a legacy of leadership that has shaped generations of AMC volunteers. We are honored to celebrate his enduring contributions.
Jeanine Libby — Maine Chapter
Few volunteers bring as much heart, energy, and high-impact leadership to AMC as Jeanine Libby. A constant presence in the Maine Woods, Jeanine is one of AMC’s most active trip leaders and volunteer naturalists—guiding participants through landscapes she knows intimately, always with a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and joy.
Jeanine is a creative problem-solver who stepped up during a period of chapter transition, helping rebuild leadership pipelines through a new leader training pathway grounded in AMC’s Outdoor Leadership Fundamentals. She supports emerging leaders with encouragement, local knowledge, and opportunities to learn by doing—strengthening the foundation for years of future programming. Her partnership with AMC staff has resulted in some of the organization’s most successful recent programs. Jeanine played a pivotal role in developing and executing signature gravel cycling events in the Maine Woods, identifying ideal routes, strengthening community partnerships, and working persistently to bring the right people together. Her efforts led to sold out programs, the training of new gravel leaders across several chapters, and expanded outdoor opportunities at Maine lodges.
Whether she’s leading hikes, gravel or mountain bike trips, lodge-to-lodge ski adventures, fly fishing festivals, or chapter planning initiatives, Jeanine leads with positivity, ecological knowledge, safety-first decision making, and an infectious enthusiasm for the natural world. As she prepares to help rally leaders for the AMC 150 Relay Route in 2026, her commitment to community and conservation continues to shine.
Jeanine is a powerhouse volunteer whose impact reaches far beyond her home chapter. AMC is stronger because of her passion and dedication.
David Agneta — Information Volunteers
David Agneta exemplifies AMC’s commitment to education, stewardship, and helping people feel confident in the outdoors. As a backcountry Information Volunteer, David offers hikers practical, safety focused guidance—sharing trail knowledge, gear recommendations, Leave No Trace principles, weather assessments, and route planning support. He is known for his warmth and patience, making nervous first-timers feel welcome and empowering them to enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
David’s leadership extends to AMC’s volunteer training infrastructure. Since joining the Volunteer Steering Committee for Information Volunteers, Volunteer Naturalists, and Evening Speakers, he has played a central role in planning and delivering both online and in person trainings. He has taught sessions on preventative search and rescue, contributed to curricular development, and in 2025 led the creation of a new mentoring program designed to support volunteer onboarding and skill-building.
Kind, encouraging, and deeply committed to AMC’s mission, David is the kind of leader who makes every interaction feel meaningful. His thoughtful approach helps ensure that AMC volunteers—and the hikers they serve—have the tools they need for safe and joyful experiences outdoors.
Frank Polito — Beal Island/Knubble Bay Camp Committee
For more than 30 years, Frank Polito has been a cornerstone of the Beal Island/Knubble Bay Camp Committee (VCC), offering an extraordinary blend of technical skill, leadership, and community building that has strengthened the program across generations. Frank is a rare leader who pairs deep practical expertise—repairing wells, maintaining buildings, navigating safely in dense fog—with exceptional communication, organizational skill, and unwavering kindness. In 2025 alone, Frank contributed over 400 hours of volunteer service. As Committee Chair, he has transformed the VCC’s capacity and visibility. Frank revitalized the Beal Island/Knubble Bay website, expanding public access to program information and showcasing the natural and cultural richness of Georgetown, Maine. His outreach through social media and email has welcomed hundreds of guests and strengthened long-term community engagement.
Frank’s leadership has guided the committee through complex challenges: researching land deeds to clarify facility requirements, negotiating a tax rebate with local officials, collaborating with Maine Island Trail Association partners, and ensuring the VCC remains financially and operationally resilient. His kayak navigation courses, rooted in his Maine Guide expertise, are now among the committee’s most valued offerings—combining clear instruction, hands-on practice, and a deep respect for the marine environment.
Frank is the steady hand, the thoughtful voice, and the mission-driven leader who helps the VCC thrive. AMC is profoundly fortunate to have him.
Scott Redfern — Conservation Program Committee
Scott Redfern brings strategic vision and a deep love for conservation to his extensive volunteer work with AMC. As a member of the Conservation Program Committee and Technology Committee, and through his service on the Board of Advisors, Scott has consistently championed ways to strengthen AMC’s conservation impact and better connect chapters to advocacy and stewardship opportunities.
Scott’s leadership in chairing the Inter-Chapter Conservation Committee helped unify chapter-level conservation efforts, encourage information sharing, and build pathways for volunteers to engage more deeply with AMC’s policy and stewardship priorities. His forward-looking focus—particularly on enhancing chapter conservation chair roles—has positioned AMC to elevate local advocacy, expand volunteer engagement, and center conservation as a shared responsibility across the organization. Scott’s blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and mission devotion has made him an invaluable partner in strengthening AMC’s conservation identity. His efforts help ensure that members and chapters have the tools, structure, and support they need to protect the landscapes we all cherish.