Our people

Staff

Andrew Bashaw, Executive Director of the Buckeye Trail Association

Andrew Bashaw became the executive director of the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) in 2010 after serving as the North Country Trail Association’s regional trail coordinator for Ohio and Pennsylvania. Previously, he had spent several years as an AmeriCorps Vista member focused on sustainable forestry in Appalachian Ohio, and with the Student Conservation Association at the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and National Park Service NE Regional Office.

Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental geography from Ohio University and a Master of Science in geography from Oklahoma State University, and served as an adjunct instructor of sustainable trail design at Hocking College. He has helped build trail in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, assessed trail in El Parque Nacional La Tigra in Honduras, and studied the development of the Ozark Highland Trail through designated Wilderness areas in Arkansas.

Andrew’s work with BTA and beyond, such as supporting the growth of the Ohio Trails Partnership and the development of the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus, earned him an Outstanding Trail Leader award from American Trails in 2017. His career has been focused on the development and use of trails to protect land, connect people to the landscape, and connect communities to each other. Andrew lives and hikes in the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region in southeast Ohio with his wife Claudia and their children.

Email: director@buckeyetrail.org →

Alexys Nolan, Volunteer Program Director

Alexys Nolan is the volunteer program director for the BTA, bringing eight years of experience in the ecological sciences to the role. She’s passionate about connecting people with nature and has led countless field crews and volunteer groups throughout her career.

Before joining the BTA, Alexys worked as a conservation practitioner with MAD Scientist Associates ecological consulting, and as a restoration ecology program associate at The Wilds, where she gained hands-on experience in a variety of areas. Her skill set includes field and tool safety/training, logistical planning and budgeting, grant writing, data analysis, and GIS mapping. She is also certified as an Ohio Prescribed Fire Manager.

Whether she’s out on the trail, organizing projects, or helping volunteers gain new skills, Alexys is dedicated to building a welcoming community of trail stewards who care for Ohio’s wild places.

Email: alexys.nolan@buckeyetrail.org →

Buckeye Trail Association Trustees

Mark Augenstein – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2025-2028)

Email: mark.augenstein@buckeyetrail.org →

Mark Augenstein, a native of Marietta, Ohio, lives with his wife Erin and daughters, Nora and Josie, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Mark currently serves as executive vice president of operations for Peoples Bank, where he has worked for 24 years. Mark is dedicated to caring for the natural and cultural resources on the trail, and enjoys hiking the BTA with his family.

Caitlin Edwards – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2024-2027)

Email: caitlin.edwards@buckeyetrail.org →

Caitlin Edwards’ experience in business administration and technology risk management has prepared her to offer leadership and strategic insight to the Buckeye Trail Association. Caitlin serves as chair of the Hiker Experience Committee, where she has guided the creation of a personalized finisher patch and is developing a Trail Angel program to support hikers on the trail. Professionally, Caitlin is an Internal Audit Manager at Wendy’s, and a licensed CPA with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. She also contributes to her community as treasurer of Global Gifts and as a transformation team member with Home for Families.

Valerie Gardner – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2020-2027)

Email: valerie.gardner@buckeyetrail.org →

Valerie Gardner brings extensive experience in event planning, membership engagement, and fundraising to the Buckeye Trail Association. She serves as vice president of Friends of Findley State Park, leading its largest annual fundraiser, and has a strong record of streamlining operations, managing budgets, and coordinating large-scale projects. Valerie is also active with the American Chemical Society, Ohio Wetlands Association, and Black Swamp Conservancy. She holds degrees in marketing management, biology, and environmental policy and management, with a certificate in Fish and Wildlife Management, and is passionate about conservation, ecological stewardship, and community building.

Nancy Hoffner – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2024-2027)

Email: nancy.hoffner@buckeyetrail.org →

Nancy Hoffner is a dedicated hiker and trail angel, offering support to many long-distance hikers. She serves as a member of the Finance Committee, where she brings years of professional experience to analyzing and refining organizational best practices.

Sophie (Huss) Llenos – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2025-2028)

Email: sophia.huss@buckeyetrail.org →

Sophia (Huss) Llenos is a Ph.D. candidate in Earth and Environmental Science at Michigan State University, where her research leverages community-engaged approaches to improve practices in extractive industries. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, she has hiked more than 300 miles of the Buckeye Trail. She serves as assistant chair of the Buckeye Trail Association Development Committee, is a 2023 BTA Scholarship recipient, and has contributed to BTA advocacy at the Ohio Statehouse.

Elyria Little – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2024-2026)

Email: elyria.little@buckeyetrail.org →

Elyria Little is a hiker, trailbuilder, poet, and small business owner who brings years of experience in environmental education, nonprofit development, and community-based conservation to the Buckeye Trail Association. Professionally, Elyria works as a grant writer and fundraiser with the nonprofit Student Conservation Association (SCA). They have led programs in Chicago and Cleveland focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, trail maintenance, workforce development, and urban forestry, and hold a Master’s in Environmental Management. When they aren’t out digging in the dirt, Elyria serves as chair of BTA’s Strategic Planning Committee, member of the Development and Board Resources Committees, and doubles as expert cat furniture, often at the same time.

Jill Moorhead – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2024-2028)

Email: jill.moorhead@buckeyetrail.org →

Jill Moorhead is a seasoned marketing, communications, and advocacy strategist who helps mission-driven organizations build systems that clarify their voice, strengthen their brand, and connect with partners to support long-term growth. Through her agency, Big Trek Works, she specializes in internal and external communications strategy, public relations, fundraising campaigns, advocacy, and website and brand development. Jill is a Leadership Columbus graduate and was named a Greater Columbus Arts Council Emerging Arts Leader in 2015. She plays a key role in guiding the BTA’s communications, development, membership, and advocacy. Jill’s expertise and dedication has made her instrumental in modernizing the BTA website.

Tim Murphy – Trustee, Buckeye Trail Association (2023-2026)

Email: burton@buckeyetrail.org →

Tim Murphy is a retired equipment operator and crew leader, and was the chief steward of the Operating Engineers Union 18S for four years. Tim has been building trail in Burton and Bedford since 2007 in various roles, and was a key driver of the Rapid Road Reroute project, which relocated close to 10 miles of the Buckeye Trail off-road. Tim completed his Buckeye Trail Circuit hike in 2022. If you’ve hiked the Buckeye Trail through Grand River, you’ve passed Murphy Street, named for Tim’s family, who once farmed there. Tim has also served on on the Board of Directors for the Painesville Credit Union for the past 12 years.