The Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) welcomed Kathy Campbell and David Duehren to the board of directors at their January meeting. Campbell and Duehren, both Sisters residents, bring a wealth of nonprofit expertise to their new roles.

Campbell has a long-standing interest in preserving recreational opportunities with an environmentally conscious approach. She and her late husband, Steve Ponder, had supported STA in various ways, and Campbell was anxious to deepen that commitment by serving as an active and involved board member. Campbell’s journalism background is already being put to good use in support of STA’s email communications, and her many years of experience in planning and producing programs and events will serve the organization well as Sisters emerges from COVID-19 and the Speaker Series and member gatherings restart.

Campbell has been a key figure in the Sisters Science Club, initiating the effort to gain nonprofit status, serving on the board, and acting as the driver behind the highly successful Science Club lecture series. The STA is honored to have her passion and skill set in support of their work.

Vice Chair Catherine Hayden said, “I have the distinct impression that she is a ‘doer.’ Kathy is outgoing and capable of taking on a project and seeing it through. She has good ideas for developing connections to other community

organizations.”

Duehren believes in giving back and, as hiking is one of his primary activities, he wanted to direct his volunteer support where he’s most active and has a great deal of experience. And that would be a recreational nonprofit, a perfect fit for board service with STA. Duehren also has a significant amount of nonprofit board experience having served as a board member of Kiwanis in Sisters and as treasurer of the Tech Catholic Community board at MIT.

His resume is packed with tech experience and he’s already jumped into a project that will enable STA to provide better, more detailed maps for trail users. Duehren has been a volunteer with STA over the years and is anxious to step up to a bigger commitment.

Board member Paula Gallego said, “David has good ideas, is a doer, loves the trails and hiking and is anxious to get involved and be hands on.”

“We are continually amazed at the knowledge, experience, and generosity of folks in Sisters,” said STA Board Chair Rick Retzman. Both Kathy and David responded to our call for new board members with a desire to share their talents with STA, and their skill sets are a great addition to our board. We’re very excited to have them join our team. Our thanks to departing board member Kris Calvin. Kris has contributed above and beyond during his tenure, leading the effort for the new Peterson Ridge Trailhead kiosk, crafting and installing it, among many other accomplishments.”

The STA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people and communities to each other and their natural surroundings. In cooperation with the Sisters Ranger District, the organization maintains nonmotorized trails in the Sisters area including the renowned Peterson Ridge Trail system. The STA produces a free trail map, hosts an annual speaker series, and supports trail-related activities, advocacy, and events throughout the year. The STA relies on volunteers, memberships, and donations to support its work. Anyone interested in getting involved with STA can find more information at

http://www.sisterstrails.org.