The World Trails Network (WTN) is delighted to announce the selection of Jackie Randle, Vice President of Operations for Canada’s Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), as its first Executive Director. Jackie will assume the Executive Director responsibilities alongside her current position at the BTC. Transitioning from an all-volunteer-led network of global leaders to a staffed organization reflects an intentional growth strategy that will support the capacity of trails to serve as transformational infrastructure in communities around the world.

Jackie has been a member of the International Board since it began, including being at the very first World Trails Conference, and recently served as the Board Chair. Randle has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s operations, including the implementation of new financial and membership systems as well as providing leadership of the World Trails Conferences in Spain, Greece and Canada. “We are thrilled that Jackie will continue her leadership with WTN in this new capacity,” says Julian Gray, Board Co-Chair. “Her experience, dedication, and vision will help guide the organization as we expand our work connecting trail organizations and leaders around the world.”

This role will provide the WTN with the ability to reach out to more trail organizations and to increase our impact. I look forward to connecting with trail folks at the upcoming World Trails Conference in Perth Australia and continuing on this journey to create opportunities to learn and grow.

Jackie Randle, Executive Director of the WTN

WTN also has new leadership of its International Board of Directors. Kara Wooldrik joins Julian Gray of England’s South West Coast Path as Co-Chairs of the International Board. Kara has been a leader in US conservation and trails organizations for over two decades, focusing on using trails to create healthier people, ecosystems, neighbourhoods, and cities. She currently works with organizations, foundations, businesses and agencies to increase access to and inclusion in outdoor spaces. In Maine, she works alongside land-based organizations and Wabanaki leaders to return land, access, and wealth to Indigenous communities.

In addition, other leadership appointments have been made within our Board of Directors. A leader in Europe and Mediterranean trail spaces, Fivos Tsaravopoulos is the new WTN Board Secretary. Fivos has served on the International Board since 2015. Omar Sakr, Executive Director of the Lebanon Mountain Trail and Co-President of Mediterranean Trails Network, is the new WTN Board Treasurer.