ATA Board of Directors & Staff

Board

 

Erik Schutz - President

“I live in Norwich Vermont but find myself riding my bike more often than not on the Ascutney Trails.  Once a 14-year resident of Brownsville, VT and active volunteer in the town and on the trails, I still travel south to ride with friends.  I ride a black Spot Mayhem full suspension mountain bike.  I'm on the Board of Directors because I'm proud of the trail system we've developed over the years and want to contribute to the vibrant trail community in Vermont.”

 

Mike Anderson - Treasurer

"15 years ago I bought a small 2nd home/rental in Brownsville so that I could be closer to Killington for Winter skiing.  To my surprise, I quickly learned that there was an active group of local mountain bikers who were growing and maintaining a network of trails on and around the mountain.  Spending more time in the area, I quickly fell in love with the beauty of the mountain, surrounding lakes and rivers and year-round opportunities to connect with nature. In 2019 we moved here full time, which enabled me to devote more time to build, maintain, and share all Ascutney has to offer with others.  All of our guests gets a guided tour to several of my favorite local waterfalls, regardless of the time of year! I look forward to spending all my free time in the woods for years to come and encouraging others to do the same."

 

Aaron Day - Director: Winter Trails Committee Chairperson

“As a kid in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I would  build trails for my 1974 Schwinn Stingray in a section of woods that had grown up over an abandoned dump. I didn't know it then but this strange habit was about to get a name... Mountain Biking. Over the years the bikes have changed but my love for cycling has not.  My family and I live on Ascutney Mountain and ride its network of trails as much as we can.  I became involved with Ascutney Trails Association through volunteer days and Tuesday Night Rides.  Being a member of the ATA board helps to ensure that our community will be able to enjoy this amazing trail network for many years to come.”

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Tim Banker - Director

"I live in Ludlow, VT, but make the trek over to Ascutney Trails for the terrain and sense of community. Growing up in small-town NY hiking ravines and riding the Taconic Skyline trail or racing at Holiday Farm in the Berkshires, I learned the importance of contributing to the outdoor community. You can find me hiking with my wife or riding my black and red Felt Edict Nine 60 (or older gray and red Trek 6000 hardtail when things break!). I got involved with (formerly STAB) and ATA through Tuesday Night Rides and volunteer days, and am excited to help continue the great work the organization has done to bring the best of Ascutney to nature and outdoor enthusiasts."

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Robert J. Knight - Director

"Mt. Ascutney has always been a big part of my life. Born and raised in Windsor. Monthly summer picnics on the mountain were a staple of my childhood, along with hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. I've been an active member of the Ascutney Trails Association (ATA) for twenty plus years helping with trail cleaning, maintenance, helping lead hikes, and putting on the annual Memorial Day picnic at the stone hut site. I look forward to helping guide the expanded organization into the future!"

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Isaac Robison - Director

"Having been a Weathersfield resident for most of my life I was raised with Ascutney being a large part of my recreational experiences. I have learned to value the unique nature of Ascutney's snowsports, mountain biking, hiking, and historical significance. These activities have immense importance to me and my family. I have always enjoyed helping the trails in any way I could through class projects or volunteering and I hope I can use this position to keep Ascutney the gnarly mountain it is. "

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Darius Long - Director, Summer Trails Committee Chairperson

"I came to the Upper Valley in 2013 and have lived in Brownsville since 2020.  I have been hiking the Greens and Whites for years, and more recently have become an avid mountain and gravel biker. I am deeply grateful to have found a home near Mount Ascutney and the surrounding trail network. They are an endless source of recreation that offers adventure, fitness, and natural beauty year-round. I often pause on our trails and marvel to myself that 'this is heaven!' And so I selfishly want to do whatever I can to help keep these trails awesome. The trail-minded community here has been incredibly welcoming and inspiring. I have previous volunteer experience with the Upper Valley Rugby Club and have served on its board as Field & Equipment Manager and Vice President. So if you see someone biking around Brownsville in a rugby jersey, it's probably me!"

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Matthew Pronovost - Director

"Most of my friends call me Matty. After a long hiatus, I'm back in VT and live in Weathersfield with my wife, our two dogs, and cat. I am a career welder with most of my work over the past 15 years being spent in the bicycle industry. It has been a pleasure to connect with others in the community about trail building and advocacy. As a board member, I look forward to taking a more active role in further shaping an already incredible network of trails."

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Staff

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Jim Lyall - Trail Manager (Former Board Member)

“I’m involved with ATA because they won’t let me stop building trails.  I was an original founder of STAB in 2005, along with Erik, and have been serving as Trail Manager.  A Brownsvillain for over 40 years, I’ve been backcountry skiing Ascutney and biking these hills for much of that time.”

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Avery Mornis - Trail Builder (Former Board Member)

"Growing up in Reading Vt and residing there again now, I have a passion for building community through trails and outdoor recreation.  I trail build for Sinuosity Flowing Trails and am a boot fitter for The Boot Pro ski shop. My favorite Ascutney trail is Corts Jester and my go-to Brownsville Butcher meal is the Falafel wrap."