PARK CITY, UT (April 27, 2021) — Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF), a Park City/Summit County nonprofit, has named a new executive director to replace outgoing Charlie Sturgis. MTF announces Lora Smith will take the reins from Sturgis in June of this year.
Ms. Smith, who has worked for the organization as the Development and Resource Director, has been instrumental in the success and growth of the organization since 2012. Along with deep institutional knowledge, she brings the leadership, fundraising and professional experience necessary to seamlessly move the organization into the future.
The board of directors performed an exhaustive search for a new executive director receiving over 30 highly qualified, extremely talented applications. From the outset, Smith set the bar for excellence.
“We were blown away at the interest and talent among the applicants for the ED position at MTF,” said Steve Perkins, board chair. “But Lora’s experience, energy and knowledge were uncontested and unequaled.”
“I am committed to building on MTF’s legacy of success and look forward to expanding the organization’s influence in the trails industry, both locally and regionally,” said Ms. Smith. “Worldwide, Park City is looked to as a model trail system and that is due, in large part, to the hard work and experience of MTF’s crew. My goal as ED is to enable the MTF crew and expand trail access throughout the region.”
Smith is an 18-year resident of Summit County, has raised four sons and is an avid trail runner, mountain biker and cross-country skier. “When I was raising my kids, immediate access to trails and open space made outdoor recreation a way of life,” Ms. Smith reflects, “they kept us healthy and bonded us as a family. I am honored to have a hand in creating an amenity that brings happiness to so many people.”
