Dave Bastian has spent the past sixteen years working in the world of youth conservation corps programs. Before his time in the Corps world, Dave was Director of Operations at Save Our Canyons and the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at the Utah Rivers Council. Dave was a founding member of the Utah Youth Corps Collaborative and has served on numerous steering committees, including the Western Collaborative Conservation Network and the Utah Trails Forum. He studied graphic design at the University of Utah. In his spare time, he rows rafts, skies, rides bikes, plays guitar, and chases his young daughter around the Public Lands of the Four Corners region.

Elyse Cogburn is a passionate outdoor professional with over 15 years of experience bringing people and the planet together. She’s currently helping lead outreach and partnership development at American Conservation Experience. When she’s not connecting and building partnerships or empowering the next generation of changemakers, you’ll probably find her outdoors, chasing sunshine and good stories with her 4 legged sidekick, Doug Fur.

Adam serves as the National Director of Crew Programs where he oversees all regional Crew Divisions. With a degree in Zoology and a minor in Spanish from Oklahoma State University, Adam’s deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation began long before he joined ACE. After graduating, Adam served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama, focusing on community-based environmental conservation projects. Since joining ACE in 2009, Adam has held several roles across the country, gaining a wealth of experience in program management and leadership. His passion for the environment and professional development for young adults has fueled his career and inspired people along the way. When not working, Adam enjoys activities like hiking, camping, snorkeling, diving, and playing soccer. He cherishes time spent with his family, including his spouse, Mari, and pup, Cypress.

Meet Evan! Raised in Bear Delaware, Evan’s first job in the outdoor world was as a Naturalist at Delaware State Parks . From there he became a volunteer leader of Outdoor Afro, a national organization whose goal is to celebrate black joy and create moments for black people to experience nature together. Evan served a year with ACE in 2022 as a Public Programming Intern at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse with the BLM, and loved his experience. With some stints here and there working with Grand Teton National park and City Kids Wilderness Project in Wyoming, his current role is that of an Expeditions Program Director at UrbanPromise where he leads children of color into the outdoors. He enjoys hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, basically everything about the outdoors(minus the allergens). In both his professional and personal life, outdoor recreation and conservation is something that he is intentional about as he realizes during times like these, the only thing that doesn't close is nature. It's still here, it still works, and it's still for everybody to enjoy.

Jeanine Hasty is a former Crew, EPIC, and ACE staff member. She now works full-time in Marketing in Boone, NC. When she’s not behind the screen, she enjoys hiking. climbing, mountain biking or really anything outside.

Kate served with ACE Mountain West in 2014—a life-changing experience for her. After completing her degrees, she built a career in consulting, working with both public and private sector clients in fields such as public health and conservation. Missing hands-on fieldwork, she later returned to the outdoors as a Crew Leader for an all-women’s saw crew in Idaho. As Kate dives back into consulting, Kate also serves as an Alumni Board Member for American Conservation Experience, helping to support and guide the organization’s mission

Leanne Fisher is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Marketing Director at American Conservation Experience (ACE). She has successfully blended her passion for conservation with her background in leading marketing efforts for nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs (Kansas City) and the YWCA (Boulder County), as well as for-profit organizations. At ACE, Leanne is dedicated to elevating the organization’s mission, inspiring engagement, and connecting people to purpose through compelling storytelling and strategic communications.