Dedicated individuals working together to advance our mission
Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is brought to life by the dedicated, talented individuals whose contributions help paddle the organization forward. From staff and board members to Outdoor Leaders, our team creates opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to experience the transformative power of the outdoors.
Interested in joining our passionate, mission-centered team?
Erika Rivers
Executive Director
As Wilderness Inquiry’s Executive Director, Erika provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the organization and the broader Wilderness Inquiry community.
She oversees the annual budget, staff team, and seasonal employees – a team that connects nearly 40,000 people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to the natural world through day programs, near-nature experiences, and extended adventures on local, state, and national waterways and public lands.
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Prior to joining Wilderness Inquiry, Erika worked for nearly two decades in the field of conservation and outdoor recreation, and most recently served as Director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. She believes that quality of life is improved immeasurably when people spend time in nature.
Wilderness Inquiry programs and adventures provide important connections to the natural world, and those connections are an essential element in fostering healthy communities and the next generation of conservation stewardship.
A lifelong learner, Erika holds a Ph.D. in conservation biology, a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Russian studies, and a certificate in equity and diversity, each from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Additionally, she has completed Lean Six Sigma green belt certification and the National Conservation Leadership Institute fellowship.
In 2025, Rivers was awarded the Reuel Harmon Lifetime Achievement Award by the Minnesota Parks and Trails Council.
Administration
Elena Giannetti
Executive Assistant
Cyri Tjaden
Organization Effectiveness Senior Manager
Operations and Finance
Maggie Brakke
Staffing & Training Coordinator
Kyeh Demba
Finance and Human Resources Manager
Nell Holden
Finance & Operations Director
Evan Jones
Programs & Staffing Manager
Bryan Karban
Operations Senior Manager
Justin Mortenson
Operations & Logistics Manager
Connie Simes
Sea Kayak Program Manager
Nicole Tupy
Operations Coordinator
Strategy and Programs
Shannon Blackmer
Adventure Sales & Marketing Manager
Trevor Delamater
Extended Adventures Program Manager
Amy Hadow
Senior Manager of Near Nature and Extended Adventures
Christine Rettler
Day & Youth Programs Senior Manager
Carly Rhodes
Day Programs Manager
Anne Strootman
Participant & Volunteer Engagement Manager
Shelby Swan
Day & Youth Program Manager
Willy Tully
Strategy & Programs Director
Development
Julie Edmiston
Special Campaigns Senior Development Officer
Melany Luce
Institutional & Corporate Development Manager
Shannon Lundquist
Senior Manager of Development
Sheila Swift
Development Director
Outdoor Leaders
The individuals who lead our programs, guide our trips, and paddle alongside you to provide safe and unforgettable experiences, while sharing their knowledge of the natural world.
Board of Directors
Advocates and champions who care deeply for our mission and help guide the vision and strategy of our work.
Officers
Chair
Louis Lambert, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, APi Group
Vice Chair
Mikisha Nation, Executive Director, Teach for America
Treasurer
John Hinck, President & CEO, Sawmill Trust Company
Secretary
Jaime Stilson, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Immediate Past Chair
Cecile Bedor, Chief Real Estate Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Members
Kerry Bundy – Vice President of Legal, General Counsel, Great Clips, Inc.
Kelly Drummer – President, MIGIZI
Pat Eveland – General Manager, Government Legal Markets, Thomson Reuters
Laura Forero – Owner, 1204 Consulting, LLC
John Grady – Retired, President, Partner, Owner, IRS Records-Nashville
Rachel Hamlin – Lawyer and Strategic Advisor
Mary Hanley – Retired, PR & Communications Consultant
Paul Kasbohm – SVP Advertising/Chief Revenue Officer, Star Tribune Media Company
Bill McLaughlin – Retired, President, The Orvis Company, Inc.
Craig Peterson – Principal, Marathon Real Estate
Alison Spencer – Travel Writer & Consultant
Rob Wudlick – CEO & Founder, Adapt Design Works, LLC