Board of Directors
Don MacKinnon, President
Don was born in Juneau and grew up in Hoonah and Cordova before returning to Juneau as a teenager. A graduate of Juneau Douglas High School he also has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He grew up hiking, hunting and skiing in the woods of Southeast Alaska. Don worked as a volunteer instructor for the Juneau Youth Sailing Foundation. He also has been a swim coach, swimming instructor and skiing instructor. Don operated his own tour boat business from 1993 to 1995. For the past 11 years he has worked as a telecommunication tech for Jeffus & Williams CO. Inc. He moved to Sitka in 2001 when Juneau became to big for him. While in Sitka he has continued to be an avid hiker and back country skier while learning to surf. He can be found most days on one of the trails around Sitka walking his dog.
Don MacKinnon, President
Don was born in Juneau and grew up in Hoonah and Cordova before returning to Juneau as a teenager. A graduate of Juneau Douglas High School he also has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He grew up hiking, hunting and skiing in the woods of Southeast Alaska. Don worked as a volunteer instructor for the Juneau Youth Sailing Foundation. He also has been a swim coach, swimming instructor and skiing instructor. Don operated his own tour boat business from 1993 to 1995. For the past 11 years he has worked as a telecommunication tech for Jeffus & Williams CO. Inc. He moved to Sitka in 2001 when Juneau became to big for him. While in Sitka he has continued to be an avid hiker and back country skier while learning to surf. He can be found most days on one of the trails around Sitka walking his dog.
Treasurer – Roslyn MacKinnon
Ros is an avid hiker and has lived in Sitka since 1981. She is CFO for Samson Tug and Barge Co, Inc. and spends most weekends hiking, biking or running on the Sitka trail system. She holds a BA in Economics from Williams College in Williamstown MA. “I think the improvements in the local trail system are of the best things that has happened in Sitka over the past 10 years. I am very pleased to be a part of the board of the organization that has made so much of this possible.”
Treasurer – Roslyn MacKinnon
Ros is an avid hiker and has lived in Sitka since 1981. She is CFO for Samson Tug and Barge Co, Inc. and spends most weekends hiking, biking or running on the Sitka trail system. She holds a BA in Economics from Williams College in Williamstown MA. “I think the improvements in the local trail system are of the best things that has happened in Sitka over the past 10 years. I am very pleased to be a part of the board of the organization that has made so much of this possible.”
Eric Estrada
Eric is a passionate and active hiker and cyclist with a desire to contribute to hands-on building and maintaining our trails. Originally from San Diego, Eric served on the SD County Bicycle Coalition board and assisted in the creation of the Chula Vista Cyclist Committee. He is also a professional in bicycle repair and shop operation from the United Bicycle Institute. He enjoys bike pack rafting, split boarding.
Eric Estrada
Eric is a passionate and active hiker and cyclist with a desire to contribute to hands-on building and maintaining our trails. Originally from San Diego, Eric served on the SD County Bicycle Coalition board and assisted in the creation of the Chula Vista Cyclist Committee. He is also a professional in bicycle repair and shop operation from the United Bicycle Institute. He enjoys bike pack rafting, split boarding.
Mike Jones, Vice President
Mike recently returned home to Sitka be with family and is eager to support the community through his years of experience in management and sales and sales after a career in Portland. As a manager at Alaska Seaplanes, Mike is actively involved in helping people get around and to the outdoors in Southeast Alaska.
Mike Jones, Vice President
Mike recently returned home to Sitka be with family and is eager to support the community through his years of experience in management and sales and sales after a career in Portland. As a manager at Alaska Seaplanes, Mike is actively involved in helping people get around and to the outdoors in Southeast Alaska.
Yeidikook’áA Dionne Brady-Howard
Yeidikook’áa Brady-Howard was raised here in Sitka. Yeidikook’áa (Dionne) has worked at Mt. Edgecumbe High School since 2000 as a social studies teacher. She will be retiring from Mt. Edgecumbe in May to work full-time at Outer Coast in the fall, where she has been teaching part-time for three years as the Indigenous Studies Lead. When not serving on various boards or leading a Tlingit dance group, she spends time on the Cross Trail, where she finds solace and stress relief.
Yeidikook’áa Dionne Brady-Howard
Yeidikook’áa Brady-Howard was raised here in Sitka. Yeidikook’áa (Dionne) has worked at Mt. Edgecumbe High School since 2000 as a social studies teacher. She will be retiring from Mt. Edgecumbe in May to work full-time at Outer Coast in the fall, where she has been teaching part-time for three years as the Indigenous Studies Lead. When not serving on various boards or leading a Tlingit dance group, she spends time on the Cross Trail, where she finds solace and stress relief.
Lione Clare
Lione was born and raised in Sitka and is an avid hiker, trail runner, and biker who grew up on our trails. As a nature photographer and the Wilderness & Community Engagement Coordinator with Sitka Conservation Society, Lione brings a deep connection to the Tongass and the skills to support Sitka Trail Works in developing better communications.
Lione Clare
Lione was born and raised in Sitka and is an avid hiker, trail runner, and biker who grew up on our trails. As a nature photographer and the Wilderness & Community Engagement Coordinator with Sitka Conservation Society, Lione brings a deep connection to the Tongass and the skills to support Sitka Trail Works in developing better communications.
Secretary – Maegan Bosak
Originally headed to Southeast for a one-year adventure, Maegan has been a resident of Sitka for the last eight years and has enjoyed exploring the expanding trail system. She currently works as the Director of Lands and Property Management at SEARHC. Originally from Oregon, Maegan attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Most days, Maegan can be found on the cross trail enjoying nature with her family and dog.
Secretary – Maegan Bosak
Originally headed to Southeast for a one-year adventure, Maegan has been a resident of Sitka for the last eight years and has enjoyed exploring the expanding trail system. She currently works as the Director of Lands and Property Management at SEARHC. Originally from Oregon, Maegan attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Most days, Maegan can be found on the cross trail enjoying nature with her family and dog.
Lee House
One of Lee’s main passions is getting up into the mountains of Sitka. Originally from Massachusetts, with a brief stint as a trail-building crew leader for high schoolers in the PNW, Lee has now found a home in Sitka where he loves to go hiking, snowboarding, hunting, running, or exploring a creative route along the ridges and valleys of the island. When Lee is not getting out, he is working as the Owner and Creative Lead at House Creative. Lee is also a certified wilderness first responder that volunteers with Sitka Mountain Rescue — he cares deeply about the safety, accessibility, and well-being of Sitkans enjoying the outdoors.
Lee House
One of Lee’s main passions is getting up into the mountains of Sitka. Originally from Massachusetts, with a brief stint as a trail-building crew leader for high schoolers in the PNW, Lee has now found a home in Sitka where he loves to go hiking, snowboarding, hunting, running, or exploring a creative route along the ridges and valleys of the island. When Lee is not getting out, he is working as the Owner and Creative Lead at House Creative. Lee is also a certified wilderness first responder that volunteers with Sitka Mountain Rescue — he cares deeply about the safety, accessibility, and well-being of Sitkans enjoying the outdoors
BROOKE RIVERA
Brooke (she/her) was born in Sitka Alaska but has lived in various diverse places within the United States, only for Sitka to call her back. She received her bachelor’s degree in business management and now fulfills the position as the administrative manager at the Sitka Sound Science Center. A nature enthusiast, her heart belongs to the outdoors! Whether hiking, camping, or exploring new peaks with her son Myles, she thrives on outdoor adventures. Brooke is excited for future journeys into the Tongass and to share and embrace the beauty of exploration and connection.
BROOKE RIVERA
Brooke (she/her) was born in Sitka Alaska but has lived in various diverse places within the United States, only for Sitka to call her back. She received her bachelor’s degree in business management and now fulfills the position as the administrative manager at the Sitka Sound Science Center. A nature enthusiast, her heart belongs to the outdoors! Whether hiking, camping, or exploring new peaks with her son Myles, she thrives on outdoor adventures. Brooke is excited for future journeys into the Tongass and to share and embrace the beauty of exploration and connection.
Staff
Ben Hughey, Executive Director
Ben launched his career in natural resources right here at Sitka Trail Works as a crew member in 2006. The vocation suited him and he spent college summers working for the local US Forest Service, before joining the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust to build trail in the Cascades. Ben traded the Pulaski for the pen at the Greenway Trust, supporting regional land management planning and public lands advocacy at the local, state, and federal level for six years. A post-Master’s degree environmental policy fellowship took Ben to the other Washington in 2019, where he served as legislative staff for Senator Cory Booker. In 2020, Ben returned home to Sitka and directed the Sitka Conservation Society’s CARES Act funded transitional employment program, leading out-of-work Sitkans on recreation and restoration projects with lasting community benefit.
Ben joined Sitka Trail Works as staff in December of 2020 and was hired as the Executive Director in November 2021.
Ben Hughey, Executive Director
Ben launched his career in natural resources right here at Sitka Trail Works as a crew member in 2006. The vocation suited him and he spent college summers working for the local US Forest Service, before joining the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust to build trail in the Cascades. Ben traded the Pulaski for the pen at the Greenway Trust, supporting regional land management planning and public lands advocacy at the local, state, and federal level for six years. A post-Master’s degree environmental policy fellowship took Ben to the other Washington in 2019, where he served as legislative staff for Senator Cory Booker. In 2020, Ben returned home to Sitka and directed the Sitka Conservation Society’s CARES Act funded transitional employment program, leading out-of-work Sitkans on recreation and restoration projects with lasting community benefit.
Ben joined Sitka Trail Works as staff in December of 2020 and was hired as the Executive Director in November 2021.
Maria Sakowski, Youth Program Coordinator
Maria is originally from Nebraska where her love of the outdoors and passion for protecting nature began. During her years at Saint Louis University, this developed into a degree in Environmental Science and a job in the Hydrology Lab studying the interactions between humans and the watersheds they rely on. She moved to Sitka in the fall of 2020 and has worked with various organizations for the promotion of access to the outdoors, preservation of the natural environment, and development of environmental education programming. In her free time she can be found on Sitka’s trail system hiking, taking a cold dip in the ocean, painting the landscapes around her, and soaking up any sun there is to be had.Ben joined Sitka Trail Works as staff in December of 2020 and was hired as the Executive Director in November 2021.
Maria Sakowski, Youth Program Coordinator
Maria is originally from Nebraska where her love of the outdoors and passion for protecting nature began. During her years at Saint Louis University, this developed into a degree in Environmental Science and a job in the Hydrology Lab studying the interactions between humans and the watersheds they rely on. She moved to Sitka in the fall of 2020 and has worked with various organizations for the promotion of access to the outdoors, preservation of the natural environment, and development of environmental education programming. In her free time she can be found on Sitka’s trail system hiking, taking a cold dip in the ocean, painting the landscapes around her, and soaking up any sun there is to be had.Ben joined Sitka Trail Works as staff in December of 2020 and was hired as the Executive Director in November 2021.
LILLI Y. GARZA, PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
Lilli (she/her) is a proud Mexican American from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She moved to Sitka in the spring of 2022 after completing the RAY Fellowship in Chicago, Illinois. While attending Colby College in Waterville, Maine, she took a deep interest in Outdoor Education and Leadership through the school’s Outing Club and by leading Outdoor Orientation Trips. Lilli is passionate about community led movements and uplifting communities of color. After interning at Latino Outdoors, she has been focused on increasing access to outdoor spaces for marginalized communities. She started at Trail Works as the Youth Program Director and transitioned in the fall of 2023 to the Programming Director role to expand offerings to all ages.
Lilli joined Sitka Trail Works in January of 2023.
LILLI Y. GARZA, PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
Lilli (she/her) is a proud Mexican American from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She moved to Sitka in the spring of 2022 after completing the RAY Fellowship in Chicago, Illinois. While attending Colby College in Waterville, Maine, she took a deep interest in Outdoor Education and Leadership through the school’s Outing Club and by leading Outdoor Orientation Trips. Lilli is passionate about community led movements and uplifting communities of color. After interning at Latino Outdoors, she has been focused on increasing access to outdoor spaces for marginalized communities. She started at Trail Works as the Youth Program Director and transitioned in the fall of 2023 to the Programming Director role to expand offerings to all ages.
Lilli joined Sitka Trail Works in January of 2023.
Trail Crew Co-Lead
From hiking and snowboarding on the traditional lands of the Abenaki in the green mountains of Vermont to trail running and split boarding in the Southeast Alaskan alpine with her two huskies, Emily (she/they) has learned to cultivate joy and community through outdoor recreation. In 2018, she moved to Sitka through JVC NW Americorps to volunteer as a children’s advocate at the local domestic violence shelter: Sitkans Against Family Violence. After finishing her service year, she transitioned to Sitka Conservation Society where she worked as a catalyst for almost four years connecting youth with their environment and community while finishing her masters in Environmental Justice and Policy from Vermont Law School. She has since moved on to seasonal work as an operations manager of Selkie Snorkel Tours, a hiking guide through Alpenglow Adventures, and a trail crew member at Sitka Trail Works learning from the lands and waters of the Tongass National Forest on Lingít Aani. You can find her harvesting through fishing, and foraging during this season of bounty!
Lilli joined Sitka Trail Works in January of 2023.
Emily Pound, Trail Crew Co-Lead
From hiking and snowboarding on the traditional lands of the Abenaki in the green mountains of Vermont to trail running and split boarding in the Southeast Alaskan alpine with her two huskies, Emily (she/they) has learned to cultivate joy and community through outdoor recreation. In 2018, she moved to Sitka through JVC NW Americorps to volunteer as a children’s advocate at the local domestic violence shelter: Sitkans Against Family Violence. After finishing her service year, she transitioned to Sitka Conservation Society where she worked as a catalyst for almost four years connecting youth with their environment and community while finishing her masters in Environmental Justice and Policy from Vermont Law School. She has since moved on to seasonal work as an operations manager of Selkie Snorkel Tours, a hiking guide through Alpenglow Adventures, and a trail crew member at Sitka Trail Works learning from the lands and waters of the Tongass National Forest on Lingít Aani. You can find her harvesting through fishing, and foraging during this season of bounty!
Lilli joined Sitka Trail Works in January of 2023.
HANNAH NELSON, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
A business-driven, entrepreneurial spirit with a love for the outdoors and exploration, Hannah is passionate about contributing to the Sitka community. Since moving to Sitka in 2015, Hannah has worked and operated various small businesses, and is excited to join the Sitka Trail Works team to help fulfill its mission of building, maintaining, and promoting trails.
Hannah joined Sitka Trail Works in May of 2023.
HANNAH NELSON, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
A business-driven, entrepreneurial spirit with a love for the outdoors and exploration, Hannah is passionate about contributing to the Sitka community. Since moving to Sitka in 2015, Hannah has worked and operated various small businesses, and is excited to join the Sitka Trail Works team to help fulfill its mission of building, maintaining, and promoting trails.
Hannah joined Sitka Trail Works in May of 2023.
