Executive Director

Josh has a B.A. from Johnson State College and an M.A. from Ohio University, both in the fields of Outdoor Education and Recreation. He worked for NOLS as a Mountaineering Instructor in Alaska and as a Climbing Guide in the Northeast for a number of years. He also served as a professor of Outdoor Education at Sterling College for 6 years. Most recently, prior to coming to Maine GearShare, he served as Associate Dean of Work-Experiential Learning and chaired the college's Risk Management Committee. Josh has been involved with Maine GearShare for a year through both committee and consulting work. He brings many years of experience in the outdoors, equipment rental operations, gear repair, and administrative management to his role as Executive Director.

What is your weirdest/most niche skill?
I am an expert-level pickle maker. It’s true.

Gear Operations Manager

Jackson comes to Maine GearShare from Patagonia where over the last 10 years he has filled various roles from warehouse operations at the Freeport retail store to most recently marketing operations. Growing up in Yarmouth and then attending Colby College, Jackson has been getting outside in Maine for years. He is excited to help bring the Maine GearShare space and systems to life so everyone can experience the Maine outdoors like he has been able to. When he is not at Maine GearShare he can be found doing his favorite outdoor activities, which vary by season and weather, or attempting to make the perfect pizza. He lives in Portland with his partner Eliza and their wild dog Wylie.

What is your weirdest/most niche skill?
Knowing the lyrics to nearly every single song by The Chicks.
What is your favorite trail snack?
Snickers (preferably the double one).

Advancement Manager

Emily brings her background as an outdoor educator and Registered Maine Guide to her work as Development and Communications Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and an M.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education from UMaine Farmington, where she focused her research on the benefits of allowing young children to take risks. She lives in Portland and grew up on Matinicus Island, a childhood which lent itself to community activism, a can-do attitude, and a love of boats. Emily and her husband spend all of their spare time in the woods or on the water, asking each other the question “how about just one more mile?”

What is your oldest, favorite, or most trusted piece of gear?
This little metal cup that’s gone on all my overnight adventure for years. I’ve used it for campfire cooking, storing tiny treasures in kayak hatches, and catching spiders in tents.