PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula Trails Coalition has hired its first executive director.
Ann Livingston, 51, will begin working for the PTC in October.
“I’ve had a lifelong passion for spending time outdoors, in particular biking and hiking,” Livingston said. “It’s driven all of my work and we also just love the Olympic Peninsula. Where else do you get ocean, mountains and rainforests all in one place?”
Livingston is currently the interim executive director of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network of Ashville, N.C. She also has worked as a climate advisor for the Natural Resource Defense Council of St. Petersburg, Fla., sustainability administrator for the city of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., program manager for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project of Boulder, Colo., sustainability coordinator of Boulder County, Colo., and director for Communities by Design for the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C.
“Throughout my career, almost every position I’ve held, I’ve been the first in the position or brought in to help revitalize a program,” Livingston said. “That also felt like it was a good fit with my career so far. I’m very comfortable with innovation and building programs. It’s something I have a strong track record with and enjoy.”
The PTC announced in July that it would be hiring an executive director through a search conducted by KC Upshaw of Kinship HR based in Port Townsend. The move was designed to bring new leadership and energy to its work, PTC President Rich James said at the time.
“Ann has the experience and background to elevate our organization to the next level of success in fulfilling our mission and goals to construct, maintain and advocate for completion of the Olympic Discovery Trail and ensure its connections to other regional, state and national trail systems,” James said in a press release announcing Livingston’s hiring.
Livingston earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Florida and a juris doctorate at the University of Colorado with an emphasis in Natural Resource Law and American Indian Law.
Livingston has been to the Olympic Peninsula a few times, she said, and she’s excited to live here.
“It really felt like the place we wanted to be next,” she said. “When we were out there, we visited the trail a number of times and it is clear the community loves the trail and engages with the trail. That’s really exciting to me. Having something in the community like the Olympic Discovery Trail is pretty unique. I think that’s a testament to the work the coalition has done so far, and I look forward to taking that into the future.”
The PTC’s board of directors decided in 2021 that its all-volunteer operating model was no longer sufficient to keep up with the growth of both the Olympic Discovery Trail and the PTC.
The PTC has more than 10,000 volunteers, members and supporters.
“In conversation with the board, I know there’s a lot of focus on bringing in younger individuals and increasing collaboration with the tribes, and I’m sure I’ll learn more when I’m on site,” Livingston said. “I think the coalition has already made a big impact.”
Livingston plans to move to the Peninsula in November, she said.
“I am really excited to arrive in Clallam County and begin engaging with the community and with those who have been and continue to support the coalition,” she said. “I look forward to getting out there with my bike.”
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
