Board of Directors
The Sheltowee Trace Association is managed by a volunteer 18 member Board of Directors, divided into three classes of 6. Each member is elected for three years by the membership at the Annual Meeting. Each year, in the Fall, prior to the Annual Meeting, nominations are accepted from the members for election to the board. You may self-nominate and all nominees must be members in good standing of the STA. The board meets at least 4 times a year, and other times as needed to hear reports, monitor activities and programs and make decisions on issue that affect the mission of the Sheltowee Trace Association.
The STA Board of Directors is responsible for governance, strategic direction, and financial performance of The STA. The Board carries out these responsibilities by establishing policies and guidelines, approving the annual budget, and providing management oversight.
Specifically, the Board:
Elects Board officers;
Selects the Executive Director and evaluates performance;
Approves the long-range plan and annual plan;
Approves capital and corporate expense budgets;
Monitors The STA's operating performance;
Determines the distribution and investment of funds;
Monitors the performance of the Sheltowee Trace Association’s investments;
Periodically reviews and updates the STA’s committee and team charters and policies.
The Board of Directors operates with seven active teams, including:
Administrative and Staffing, Funding and Revenue, Land and Legal, Marketing and Communication, Membership and Volunteers, Outdoor Recreation, and Trails Management. Team composition is open to all members of the STA.
An annual meeting of the Board of Directors is held in January of each year for the purpose of electing board officers, and for the transaction of other business as may come before the meeting. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Executive Director, or at the request of two Directors.
The following links provide more information about The STA and Board governance:
Articles of incorporation
Board meeting minutes
Executive Director – Steve Barbour
The Sheltowee Trace Association is lead by an executive director who answers to the Board of Directors of the Association. Since the founding of the STA, for 16 years, Steve Barbour has served as the Executive Director overseeing the growth and operations of the organization.
Steve is retired from the U.S. Army, having spent 22 years, the first years in the airborne infantry, then over 18 years in the military broadcasting / public affairs community. Steve has traveled extensively while in the service and enjoys the peace and solitude of the backcountry. He is a member of the first class of participants in the Hiker Challenge - Class of 2012.
Leadership
Teams
The work of the STA is managed by teams, organized to cover different areas of responsibility. STA members and non-members are welcome to volunteer to join a team and contribute to the STA's work. If you are interested and would like more information or to join a team, contact executive director Steve Barbour at director@sheltoweetrace.org or by phone at 606.308.0625.
Administrative & Staffing
Responsible for recruiting and recommending new members for the Association’s Board of Directors. recommends the hiring of full-time and/or part-time positions of the Association and works to recruit Team Leaders. The team is responsible for coordinating with the Executive Director in the management and execution of all member and volunteer activities related to Sheltowee Trace Association and oversees and supports the training of all volunteers participating in a program leadership role. The team recommends individuals for volunteer recognitions and awards.
Development
Responsible for working with other teams in the planning, management, and execution of all activities related to revenue development, fundraising events, project and program funding, product development, and sales. The team plans, executes, and steers the STA’s annual fundraising and revenue strategy. Responsible for recruiting new Corporate Partners and establishing member benefits for each level.
Land & Legal
Responsible for securing and maintaining the rights-of-way and trail corridor beyond the boundary lines of the Big South Fork NRRA and the Daniel Boone National Forest that are required to protect and preserve the trail. The team manages all legal and insurance matters necessary to protect the Association's interests. Works with the trail management team to develop land acquisitions for the trail system.
Marketing & Communication
Responsible for building awareness and promoting the trail and work of the Association. In coordination with the Executive Director, the team develops and produces marketing campaigns, banners, flyers, backdrops, training videos, and other promotional materials. The team attends and promotes the Association at community events and solicits potential corporate sponsors, partners, and members. Develops and maintains an inventory of items sold through the online store. In addition, the team is responsible for leveraging social media channels, maintaining and updating the Association’s website, and producing a quarterly member newsletter. Works in partnership with other teams to promote activities and events.
Membership & Volunteers
Responsible for the development and execution of strategies for membership recruitment and retention, conducting member surveys, and maintaining both member and volunteer databases. The team recommends individuals for volunteer recognitions and/or awards. The team oversees and supports the training of all volunteers participating in a program leadership role.
Outdoor Recreation
Responsible for all member and volunteer recreational activities undertaken by the Association (other than trail maintenance). This includes working with the Executive Director to plan and execute an annual 11-month program for those wishing to hike the entire Sheltowee Trace NRT (Hiker Challenge). Team coordinates transportation, identifies sites for overnight camping, provides pre-hike safety briefings, coordinates “Trail Magic” opportunities, and collects Hiker Challenge fees. Works with the Executive Director or designated staff/volunteer leader(s) in the execution and development of outdoor recreation opportunities for the Association membership and the general public, including Gear Swaps and other activities designed to engage the hiker community with the STA. A goal of this team is to provide participants with the pleasure that occurs outdoors and generally involves some level of intentional physical exertion and occurs in the nature-based environment of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail.
Trails Management
Responsible for the planning, development, management, execution, and quality assurance of the Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program, Trail Custodian Program, Trail Standards, as well as the Association’s Hiking and Parking, Mapping & Information Services, and Trailhead and Community Signage projects. This team provides leadership and training to paid staff and volunteer trail crews.
Join Us
Are you interested in serving on the Board? Please contact Dale Morton at dgmorton@twc.com.
Visit the links below to gain additional insight into what the board's function is and what it means to be a board member.