The organization’s board of directors appointed Ronald J. Tipton to lead the ATC beginning in late August.  

Tipton has spent more than 30 years as an advocate for public land preservation and national park protection. With a degree in law, Tipton first worked at the National Academy of Sciences and on the oversight and investigative staff of the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee. 

Since 1978, he has been a part of the advocacy or management team of four non-profit national conservation organizations: The Wilderness Society, National Audubon Society, World Wildlife Fund and the National Parks Conservation Association.

“Ron has the passion, management experience, and advocacy skills that the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking for, plus a strong connection to the Appalachian Trail and the Trail community,” Bob Almand, chair of the board of directors for the ATC, stated.

The ATC currently has more than 43,000 members, a vast network of over 6,000 volunteers and an operating budget of $7.3 million.