Board of Directors

The Sheltowee Trace Association is managed by a volunteer 21 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 is supplemented by seven (7) active teams of board members and volunteers, including:

  1. Administrative and Staffing;

  2. Development (Funding and Revenue);

  3. Land and Legal;

  4. Marketing and Communication;

  5. Membership and Volunteers;

  6. Outdoor Recreation; and

  7. Trail Management.

Our volunteer teams are open to all members of the STA, not just board members.

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

Bylaws

Board meeting minutes

Board nomination form

 
 
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Executive Director – Steve Barbour

Since the founding of the Sheltowee Trace Association, Steve Barbour has served as the Executive Director overseeing the growth and operations of the organization. The STA Executive Director answers to the Board of Directors.

Steve retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years including time with airborne infantry and over 18 years in the military broadcasting / public affairs community. Steve 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 and Staffing

The Administrative and Staffing Team is responsible for:

  • Recruiting and recommending new members for the Board of Directors;

  • Making recommendations pertaining to the hiring of full-time and/or part-time positions of the Association; and

  • Identifying Team Leaders.

In coordination with the Executive Director, this team also:

  • Manages and executes member and volunteer activities;

  • Oversees and supports the training of volunteers participating in a program leadership role; and

  • Recommends individuals for volunteer recognitions and awards.

 

Development

The Development Team plans, executes, and steers the STA’s annual fundraising and revenue strategy. The Development Team, in conjunction with other teams, is responsible for the planning, management, and execution of activities related to:

  • Revenue development;

  • Fundraising events;

  • Project and program funding;

  • Product development;

  • Sales;

  • Recruiting new Corporate Partners; and

  • Establishing member benefits for each level.

 

Land and Legal

The Land and Legal Team is 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;

  • Managing legal and insurance matters necessary to protect the Association's interests; and

  • Working with the trail management team to develop land acquisitions for the trail system.

 

Marketing and Communication

The Marketing and Communication Team builds awareness and works with other teams to promote the trail and work of the Association. In coordination with the Executive Director, the Marketing and Communication Team is responsible for:

  • Developing and producing marketing campaigns, banners, flyers, backdrops, training videos, and other promotional materials;

  • Attending and promoting the Association at community events;

  • Soliciting potential corporate sponsors, partners, and members;

  • Developing and maintaining an inventory of items sold through the online store;

  • Leveraging social media channels;

  • Maintaining and updating the Association’s website; and

  • Producing a quarterly member newsletter.

 

Membership and Volunteers

The Membership and Volunteers Team is responsible for:

  • The development and execution of strategies for membership recruitment and retention;

  • Conducting member surveys;

  • Maintaining member databases; and

  • Maintaining volunteer databases.

In coordination with the Executive Director and Administrative and Staffing Team, this team also:

  • Oversees and supports the training of volunteers participating in a program leadership role; and

  • Recommends individuals for volunteer recognitions and awards.

 

Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Recreation Team oversees member and volunteer recreational activities undertaken by the Association. The Outdoor Recreation Team’s goal is to provide participants with access to nature in the environment of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and involving some level of intentional physical exertion. The Outdoor Recreation Team, in coordination with the Executive Director, is responsible for:

  • Planning and executing the Hiker Challenge, an annual 11-month program for those wishing to hike the entire Sheltowee Trace NRT, including coordinating shuttle transportation for hikers, identifying sites for overnight camping, providing pre-hike safety briefings, coordinating “Trail Magic” opportunities, and collecting Hiker Challenge fees; and

  • Executing and developing 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.

 

Trail Management

The Trail Management Team is responsible for:

  • Planning, development, management, execution, and quality assurance of the Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program, Trail Custodian Program, and Trail Standards;

  • Planning, development, management, execution, and quality assurance of the Association’s Hiking and Parking, Mapping & Information Services, and Trailhead and Community Signage projects; and

  • Providing leadership and training to trail crews.

Join Us

 

Are you interested in serving on the Board? Please contact Dale Morton at dale.morton@sheltowee.org​.
Visit the links below to gain additional insight into what the board's function is and what it means to be a board member.

 
Become a Board Member