LEAVE NO TRACE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
- Direktor Ng Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager Ng Team Programs
- Senior Manager of Team Programs
Dana Watts joined the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics after its incorporation in May, 1995. She has been the Executive Director for 22 years and manages the staff of 24 in Boulder, CO and also serves on the Board of Directors. Dana began her career working on the Hill and for the public affairs firm Ogilvy Adams and Rinehart in Washington, DC. She moved to Boulder in 1993 and since that time has focused largely on public lands and conservation.
Job Titles:
- Director of Corporate Development
- Direktor Ng Corporate Development
Dean is the Director of Corporate Development at the Leave No Trace organization, where he manages the Corporate Partnership program. His focus is on ensuring the active participation of each Corporate Partner in advancing Leave No Traces' mission. He helps businesses educate their customers about minimizing their impact on natural environments.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Training
- Manager of Training and Programs
- Tagapamahala Ng Pagsasanay at Mga Programa
Elise is the Manager of Training and Programs and leads our Citizen Science initiatives, Youth Education, State Advocates, and other educational programs. Elise graduated from Michigan State University in 2017. When not in the office, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and photographing new places.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Education Programs
Erin Collier manages multiple Leave No Trace programs including youth education, Citizen Science, Spotlights, and Gold Standard designation. Erin has a BA in Education from Great Basin College and an MA in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno. Erin spent four years on the road as a Subaru/Leave No Trace Team member, and before that worked for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management in visitor information and education.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- Tagapamahala Ng Marketing
As Marketing Manager, Jason brings over a decade of experience in marketing and digital strategy. With a strong background in executing successful digital campaigns and managing end-to-end marketing operations, Jason is committed to amplifying Leave No Trace's mission through impactful storytelling, brand growth, and audience engagement.
Job Titles:
- Director of Education and Training
- Direktor Ng Edukasyon at Pagsasanay
JD Tanner is the Director of Education and Training. JD manages the long-term, strategic organizational education and training initiatives. With over 23 years of experience as an outdoor educator and administrator, JD brings a perspective from over 17 years in higher education and previous experience as a Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer, State Advocate, and Course Provider. JD has a BS in Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University, an MS Ed in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, and is a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership at Southern Illinois University.
Job Titles:
- Subaru / Leave No Trace Travelling Team
Job Titles:
- Manager Ng Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
- Manager of Sustainable Tourism & Partners
- Manager of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
Kimberly Ramsawak is the Manager of Sustainable Tourism & Partnerships and works with Leave No Trace on a range of strategic planning projects across the tourism industry regarding stewardship and sustainability. With a 20+ year history in the tourism industry, her experience has ranged from tourism marketing for America's largest department store, to sales, management and operations for cultural attractions, museums, tour operators, domestic and international destination marketing organizations, as well as adjunct teaching across colleges and universities. She holds a B.S. in International Business from Widener University and a M.S. in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Temple University. When she's not working, you can find Kimberly watching and reading all things horror and true crime and traveling throughout Florida with her husband and son.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance & Operations
Kurt Achtenhagen, CPA (inactive) oversees the accounting, financial reporting, IT, human resources and sales of educational materials for the organization. Additionally, Kurt works with the Center's Board of Directors, the Board Treasurer, and the Audit Committee on all significant financial issues affecting the organization. He has 30+ years of corporate and nonprofit accounting and finance experience, including currently serving as the Board Treasurer for a national climate change organization and two prior roles as a nonprofit Board Treasurer.
Maria Caiola helps manage the Membership Program, collaborating across teams to cultivate a vibrant community of responsible outdoor enthusiasts. Whether she's attending events, coordinating campaigns, or providing direct member support, Maria prioritizes fostering connections and exploring new ways to expand Leave No Trace's impact and reach. With an Environmental Sociology degree from Colorado State University and experience as a USFS Recreation Ranger and AmeriCorps affiliate, Maria recognizes the profound impact individual efforts can have in driving collective change.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
Job Titles:
- Manager Ng Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
- Manager of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Corporate Development Manager
- Tagapamahala Ng Pagpapaunlad Ng Kumpanya
Peter Murry is the Corporate Development Manager. He is a part of the development team, working with the corporate partnership program. Peter graduated from Luther College with a B.A. in Political Science and History.
Job Titles:
- Education Operations Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Office and Program Coordinator
Since 2001, Leave No Trace's Deputy Director Susy Alkaitis has led partnership, international programs, communication, strategic and brand initiatives for the organization. Additionally, she oversees the organization's Traveling Trainer program that brings custom Leave No Trace educational programs to communities across the United States. Prior her work with Leave No Trace she was with The Access Fund, a national outdoor advocacy organization focused on climbing and mountaineering.