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.

Caroline Canter has been a conservation non-profit professional for over a decade, enjoying everything from trail work in the PNW backcountry to the operational support in the office. Based in SLC, you’ll find her sharing her recreation and conservation passion through teaching courses and exploring mountains, desert and rivers with her community.

Ellen has been with ACE since her graduation from Vanderbilt University in 2017. She grew up in Ohio, but fell in love with the west after her first position as an ACE-Americorp intern, doing resource inventory for the BLM in northern California. Her term with the BLM only strengthened her passion for conservation and public lands, and she pursued another position with ACE as the logistics coordinator for the USFWS National Visitor Survey project, based in Colorado. She has since come on as the Agreements and Project Manager for the USFWS division, and loves helping others on their conservation career path. In her free time, Ellen can be found outdoors – she is an avid hiker and backpacker, and a geologist by hobby.

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.

I’m Jordy Rhea and I’ve been with ACE for nearly two years as a Crew Member, Crew Leader, and now Project Manager. Before ACE, I worked as an outdoor educator in Australia and have held a variety of trade jobs. I love conservation, working outside, and helping others to build their relationship with the outdoors.

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

Keean is a Pennsylvania native who moved out west after college to join ACE as a 6 month Forestry Intern. He fell in love with the work that ACE does and hasn't left since. He has held the position of Crew Leader, Trails Trainer, Project Manager Associate Director and now Director of the Arizona and Utah divisions of ACE. Outside of work he spends a lot of time on his mountain bike or on his dirtbike.

Laura Herrin joined ACE in 2018 as President and CEO. In the time since joining, ACE has grown in size and stature and is recognized as one of the nation’s premiere conservation corps. Laura has introduced three pillars to ACE as the organization strives to be the Program, Partner and Workplace of Choice. Over 20 years, ACE has developed signature programs and worked on a variety of projects in all 50 states and several US Territories. Laura has a long tenure working in the conservation corps arena. Prior to her role at ACE she served fifteen years with the Student Conservation Association, ultimately as its Senior Vice president for Program. During her time at SCA Laura wore many hats including program and partnership development and implementation, risk management and safety, innovation and organizational growth. Additionally, Laura has a strong connection with The Corps Network. As a board and member, Laura was part of the CEO hiring team. Laura has served as the chair of the Corps Council and currently serves on the council in ‘round 2’. Additionally Laura worked directly with The Corps Network supporting fund development and partnerships. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College (MA) and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. She is a certified black belt in Innovation Engineering.

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.

Hi I’m Lily and I’m a crew leader with ACE. When I’m not enjoying life out in the field, I like to go for walks, spend time with loved ones, and eat.

Nikki Jones has worked in conservation and education for twenty years. She got her start in public lands through the National Park Service, where she served in both natural resource management and interpretation roles. Her background in education includes teaching in the classroom, leading cultural immersion semesters abroad, managing an award-winning outdoor science program, and serving as Interim Executive Director for Environmental Educators of North Carolina. Her conservation work has spanned agroforestry, park management, ecotourism, trail building, and habitat restoration. Nikki joined ACE in 2024 as the Associate Director of Operations for the Eastern Division before becoming Division Director for the same region.

Sarah Miggins is the Deputy Director of the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD) and serves on the board of directors for the American Conservation Experience (ACE). With a diverse professional background, she has held key roles such as Chief of Staff at ACE and has contributed to various organizations across California, including Audubon California, Southern California Mountains Foundation, LA Conservation Corps, and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Miggins holds a Master of Management from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Ohio University. Her commitment to conservation and community development drives her work, reflecting her passion for creating sustainable environments and enhancing recreational opportunities for all.

Silas grew up in a small town surrounded by nature in Wisconsin. For the past several years since graduating college Silas has worked as a Park Ranger and Conservation Corps Crew Leader before joining ACE in early 2025. In his free time Silas enjoys hiking, reading, fly fishing, and drinking too much coffee.