Resigned Oct. 27, 2000 (now on board)

Jan Hesbon named new Executive Director

After a nationwide search and over 100 applicants, Jan Hesbon—a Conference Life Member and an active volunteer with our Rockland and Orange Counties’ Appalachian Trail Management Committee—has been selected as the Trail Conference's new Executive Director.

Jan’s wealth of fundraising experience, his knowledge of the Trail Conference, its mission, programs and services, and of the regional issues and agency and colleague organization players were key factors in his selection as the Trail Conference's chief operating staff member.

Trail Conference President Gary Haugland summed up the Search Committee's enthusiasm, "I am thrilled that Jan will become our next Executive Director. He will provide the leadership skills and knowledge base to guide the Trail Conference in the directions that JoAnn Dolan began during her tenure. And I know that his passionate love of our trails and intimate understanding of our volunteers will make this organization grow stronger as we face the challenges of the future."

On accepting his new position Jan commented, "Of all my experiences in the non-profit world, my work with hundreds of volunteers, members, and donors has been the most rewarding, so I am very happy to be returning to the work of volunteerism through the Trail Conference. The many challenges faced by the hiking community due to urban sprawl are enormous, and I believe the Trail Conference Board can continue to protect more open space for hikers in the bi-state area."

Jan has been a member of the Trail Conference since 1993. As an active volunteer, he was most recently the corridor manager for the 20-mile-long section of the AT in Orange County, NY. He is also active with the Sterling Forest Partnership: in 1996 he became a board member, and was elected chair last year. He was formerly the Planned Giving Officer at The Nature Conservancy of New York, a job he held since 1998. Prior to that job, he was the first Director of Planned Giving at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For nearly 30 years, he has worked with other non-profit organizations including The Paulist Fathers, The Fellowship of Reconciliation, and the American Red Cross.

Upon reflection, Gary Haugland mused, "It's a strange coincidence that Jan and I started our trail work for the Conference on the Appalachian Trail in Orange County. Both of us were inspired at different times by the view from Mombasha High Point into Sterling Forest. Could this be good karma or what?"