The Board of Directors of the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) announced Ryan Carlson will serve as the organization’s executive director. Carlson comes to the WEA with over 20 years of experience leading, instructing and innovating in the outdoor industry. He began his position on August 1, 2020.
In 2008, Carlson was hired by Camp Merri-Mac and Timberlake to design and launch Black Mountain Expeditions (BME), an adventure company offering custom programs for independent schools, universities and corporate international teams. Prior to that, Carlson directed collegiate wilderness programs at Ohio Wesleyan University and Bethany College.
Carlson also has extensive field leadership experience. Since 2000, he has instructed activities including backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, kayaking, and outdoor leadership. His experience with WEA began in 1999 on his first WEA course as a college student. Carlson has instructed many WEA programs in partnership with affiliate programs.
“The WEA board spent countless hours ensuring executive director candidates met the criteria necessary to boldly spearhead the organization into its next chapter. I am thrilled with the selection of Ryan Carlson,” said Will Hobbs, Ph.D., WEA board president and program coordinator and faculty in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education at Brevard College (NC). “We know Ryan has the entrepreneurial vision and leadership skills necessary to achieve the WEA’s collective goals.”
Carlson has served on the Board of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association and worked closely with WEA affiliate, Coalition for Christian Outreach. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in Montreat College’s Outdoor Education department.
Photos courtesy Wilderness Education Association
