Buckeye Trail Association announces new Communications and Development Director

The Buckeye Trail Association is excited to announce that we have hired Nicole Shrestha (pronounced Shresta) as the BTA’s new Communications and Development Director! We had a lot of great candidates and hope to engage all of them in the mission of the BTA, but the hiring team agreed on Nicole as our number one choice.

Nicole is especially passionate about connecting people to nature and preserving that experience for all to enjoy. She begins onboarding this week, and will be working closely with our Development, Membership, and Trail Promotion Committees, as well as our Communications Team, Trail Town program, Chapter Leadership and more.

Meet Nicole Shrestha

Nicole Shrestha serves as the Communications and Development Director for the Buckeye Trail Association, where she leverages over 15 years of expertise in media, storytelling, and nonprofit leadership to connect people with Ohio’s natural landscapes. With a background spanning broadcast production and creative direction, Nicole excels at crafting narratives that inspire stewardship and community engagement. 

Her professional foundation is built upon a bachelor's degree in communications and media studies. Her commitment to excellence in the field was formally recognized in 2017 when she was awarded the Media Hall of Fame award for her work with OMS during the Mastermind Exhibition. A milestone that underscores her long-standing impact in media and creative communication. 

Beyond her work with the BTA, Nicole is an on-air personality for Lake 98 Buckeye Lake Radio, dedicated to amplifying local voices and stories. A passionate advocate for the outdoors, she views nature as a vital source of both refuge and a catalyst for transformation.  

Outside of her professional life, Nicole is a devoted mother to her daughter Nadia and enjoys simple daily adventures with her husband Anup and their two pugs Sushi and Chanel. Her commitment to service extends to her extensive volunteer work with Ohio’s advocacy groups, sanctuaries and rescue organizations, where she collaborates with veterinarians, first responders, and veterans to foster compassionate, community-centered care. 

At the heart of Nicole’s work is a simple belief: when people reconnect with nature, and each other, meaningful change follows.