Jason Cooke | Trails Manager

Jason became Trails Manager in 2008 and oversees all trail construction, maintenance and grooming. “It’s great to be part of such a unique project. Trails have always been a big part of my life, whether hiking them or building them. I am fortunate to be part of a team working in some of the most beautiful areas in Maine while building a trails network to be enjoyed for generations to come.” Jason is a licensed forester and a jack-of-many-trades. He spends his non-working hours enjoying the country life with his wife and two daughters. Contact Jason

Nicole Freedman | Executive Director

Nicole is new to MH&T as of April 2012. For the last five years, Nicole has been involved in broad scale community development and recreation as Director of Bicycle Programs for the City of Boston.  Under her leadership as Boston’s Bike “Czar,” Boston has been transformed from a worst cycling city ranking to one of the best bicycling cities in the United States with widespread growing network of bike lanes and bike racks as well as bike share and community biking programs.  A former Olympic team member and three-time national champion road cyclist, prior to her City of Boston role, Freedman founded and directed Boston Sports Management Group, a management company for professional women’s cycling teams. She attended MIT and Stanford, graduating with a degree in Urban Planning. Freedman was named by Boston Business Journal to its “40 Under 40” list in 2011, and is a past Boston Globe Magazine Bostonian of the Year finalist.  Consistent with Maine Huts & Trails activities, she is a cross country skier and mountain biker who won an age group world championship in winter triathlon in 2011. Contact Nicole

David Herring | Development Director & Special Consultant

Dave was the organization’s first Executive Director and has served in that capacity since late 2005 until April 21, 2012. Currently Dave works for MH&T as the Development Director and Special Consultant.  “This has been an amazing adventure for me. To be part of something this meaningful, from the beginning, is a rare treat in life. We’re doing incredibly important work and, yet, it rarely feels like work. This is credit to the fantastic people I work with and for and the beautiful places we work to protect and enjoy.” Dave spends a significant amount of his time on the go throughout Maine and beyond, meeting with various partners, advisors and supporters. Dave was recently honored by Maine Today Media as one of Maine’s Forty Under 40, emerging generation of Maine leaders. When not working, Dave enjoys spending time with his family. Contact Dave

Conrad Klefos | Director of Marketing & Communications

Conrad brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts to his role as Director of Marketing & Communications for MH&T. He spent twenty years at Jay Peak in VT, culminating in the role of VP of Marketing. During his tenure at Jay, annual skier visits increased from 67,000 to 215,000. Most recently, he served as the Director of Marketing and Sales for Saddleback Resort in Rangeley Maine, where he helped increase skier visits by 17% and annual revenue by 37% in a one year period. Conrad and his wife Lisa live in Rangeley. Contact Conrad 

Cayce Lord | Sales and Guest Services Manager

Cayce became the Sales and Guest Services Manager for MH&T in April of 2010 and oversees all reservations, group sales and membership. “It’s incredibly exciting to be involved in such a captivating and rewarding project. Western Maine is such a fabulous place to live and work and play and I’m so happy to be part of something that I feel has such a significant impact and will give so much back to the local communities.” Cayce has a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Maine. Cayce lives in Kingfield and spends most of her non-working hours with her dog, Ruger. Contact Cayce

Barbara Nickerson | Office Manager

Barbara joined MH&T as Office Manager shortly after the ground breaking for Poplar Stream Falls. “Working for a project in its infancy is my idea of a dream job. Having a small, close staff allows everyone to do everything and the rewards are huge. Every day we read the glowing, positive comments from our guests raving about their adventure at our lodges and on the trails. It feels good knowing I am part of a team creating something healthy for individuals as well as the environment.” When not at the office in Kingfield, Barbara might be found kayaking out on Flagstaff Lake, hiking the trails, or attempting to train her dog, Kia, to be a sled dog.  Contact Barbara

Skylar Purdy | Huts Manager

Skylar brings a great deal of hospitality and outdoor experience to the Huts Manager position. Sky has worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for the better part of the last decade and, most recently, he spent the last two winters working at our backcountry huts.  In 2010, he spent the winter at Flagstaff Lake Hut and in 2011 at Grand Falls Hut as the Hutmaster.  Additionally, Sky has completed thru-hikes of both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Contact Sky

Sheryll Walters | Merchandise Associate

Sheryll joined the staff in 2009 and has filled several needs during her time here. “The most exciting part of working for MH&T is being part of a new, innovative organization that shares my love of the outdoors. The most satisfying aspect is meeting past visitors and hearing about the wonderful experiences and adventures they’ve had as a result of our efforts. My favorite way of relaxing, whatever the season, is to head outside with my family and enjoy the amazing natural resources in our backyard.”  Contact Sheryll