Leadership Transition Bolsters Wilderness Education Mission in Lander, Wyoming
New Leadership Announcement
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), founded in 1965 in Lander, Wyoming, announced on September 2, 2025, six new Board of Trustees members and John Babcock as the new chairperson, with terms beginning September 1, 2025. Babcock, a partner at Rustic Canyon/Equidate and NOLS graduate (1991 Fall Semester in the Southwest, 1992 Mexico Sailing, Wilderness First Aid), succeeds Dr. N. Stuart Harris, who chaired for three years. NOLS President Sandy Colhoun praised Babcock’s steady partnership and the new trustees’ diverse expertise in business, finance, outdoors, and law, stating, “This is a moment of change, gratitude, and momentum.” Babcock expressed honor in the role and excitement for collaboration. The board guides NOLS’s mission: leading wilderness skills and leadership education serving people and the environment. For similar outdoor initiatives, see Teton Science Schools’ Murie Awards.
New Trustees’ ProfilesThe six new trustees, serving three-year terms, bring fresh perspectives:
- Bill Carr: Former Amazon VP of Digital Media (15+ years), launching Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Studios; co-author of “Working Backwards” and co-founder of Working Backwards, LLC. NOLS alum (1992 Wind River Wilderness); serves on Worldreader board. BA from Colby College, MBA from Emory University.
- Joyce Choi: 25+ years in finance; NOLS alum (2013 Italian Dolomites, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Bhutan, India). BA in Economics and French from University of Virginia (1999).
- Neil Fiske: Brand President of Black Diamond Equipment (2023); former Marquee Brands CEO (13 brands). Avid mountaineer with expertise in outdoor/apparel innovation.
- David Lee: Tesla in-house counsel (2018), focusing on direct-to-consumer EV sales. Former NOLS Mexico Branch Director (200+ field weeks in backpacking, kayaking, sailing); teaches Wilderness First Aid. BA Economics from UC Berkeley, JD from Boston College; 2000 Himalaya Mountaineering graduate.
- Deane Malott: NOLS Advisory Council member; 46-month father-son monthly skiing streak rooted in 1990s Wind River backpacking course. Committed to expanding NOLS access for future leaders.
- Ethan Meers: Co-founder/Managing Principal of Kinship Capital (real estate investment); former Related Companies and Telesis Corporation. NOLS instructor (Rocky Mountain/Teton Valley); graduate (1994 Adventure, 1998 Semester in Rockies, 2001 Instructor Course); former Advisory Council (2010-2015) and Trustee (2015-2021).
Five retiring trustees—Dr. Harris, Jimmy Chin, Jane Fried, Griffin Myers, and George Phipps—are thanked for their service. Two emeriti—Herbie Ogden, MD, and Greg M. Avis—were named for exemplary contributions. This transition coincides with NOLS’s 60th anniversary and state of the school address.
NOLS Mission and Impact
NOLS, impacting 300,000+ students since 1965, offers 350+ annual courses in wilderness expeditions, medicine, and custom programs across 16 global campuses and 40 countries. It emphasizes leadership through 16 core outdoor skills. The new board strengthens this, aligning with Teton County’s outdoor ethos, like Jackson Hole Bike Park closing. For courses, visit nols.edu or call 800-710-6657.
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