Leadership

Lauren joined the Trust as the director of development in February 2021, from Boston, where she most recently served as Executive Director of the Brookline Arts Center, a visual arts center committed to bringing the community meaningful experiences in the arts. She has over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and became the Trust president and CEO in April 2023. Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from The Institute for Nonprofit Practice at Tufts University. Lauren returned to West Virginia, where she grew up exploring the C&O Canal at Lock 38. She lives in a 120-year-old home in Charles Town, with her husband and daughter. Lauren enjoys learning about native plants and landscaping, and is deeply passionate about the arts, education, food, and nature.

Aidan has been the Director of Programs and Partnerships since March 2020, overseeing the implementation and function of programs, volunteer service projects, and events in the Park. Originally from Michigan, Aidan has a background in outdoor education and facilitating programs with youth, non-profit, and corporate groups. They also spent nearly two years teaching English in Taiwan. They have a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, good books, and campfires with friends. They live in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Charissa joined the Trust in April 2022. A lifelong Marylander, she began her career with the National Park Service after graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism-Public Relations. She worked in a variety of Marketing and PR leadership roles in Maryland’s tourism industry for nearly two decades before launching her own successful marketing and copywriting business. Charissa is an avid hiker who frequently leads group hikes and nature connection hikes. She advocates for the healing power of nature and getting kids outdoors. A wife and mother of three, she calls Williamsport, MD home.

Robyn joined the Canal Trust in April of 2023 as the Director of Development. She oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts and develops relationships with donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Robyn recently left the Washington County Historical Society as the Executive Director, where she cultivated an understanding of the nonprofit landscape and the unique challenges that come with fundraising for a cultural institution.

In Robyn’s spare time, she enjoys hiking, water skiing, gardening, and reading. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors or tending to her plants, she loves spending time with her twin grandchildren. Being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys in life, and she cherishes every moment she gets to spend with them. She’s  an avid reader and loves getting lost in a good book. Robyn finds that reading helps to broaden her perspective and gain new insights into the world around us. Another passion is meeting new people. Robyn always enjoys making new connections.

Jane came to the Trust with more than 25 years of experience coordinating business processes in the manufacturing industry. She earned a degree in Information Technology from Hagerstown Community College where she graduated with top honors. Her skills span a wide array of business functions that include network administration, database administration, and accounting. In her free time she enjoys biking the canal and gardening at her home in Boonsboro.

Tymber joined the Trust in April 2020. She is a freelance writer and editor with a specialization in nonprofit communications. A graduate of Antioch College, Tymber has a B.A. in Literature and the Human Condition. She has previously worked with Tecumseh Land Trust in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Moonstone Arts Center in Philadelphia where she created social media content and organized community events. In her spare time, Tymber enjoys hiking, reading, and playing with her cats, Theo and Franklin.

Jacob began working with the Trust in July of 2022. A native to Washington County, MD, Jacob comes to the Trust with a background in Public Recreation & People-oriented programming. Previous roles have included work at a variety of nonprofit organizations, grant-funded student-development programs, student/family life in the world of higher education, as well as outdoor-experiential programming. Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Recreation & Parks Administration from Shepherd University in West Virginia. He is a firm believer in the power nature holds to build and empower communities, teach reciprocal relationships, and heal individuals. Jacob enjoys hiking, reading  good books while sipping hot cups of tea, and basking in the joys of human connections (hanging out with friends).

Kalina joined the Trust in February 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Hood College and a master’s degree in Communication Studies from Shippensburg University. Kalina brings eight years of experience in grant management, non-profit fundraising, event planning, and program administration. She loves to learn new things and is a strong proponent of lifelong learning. As an outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys walking, biking, and hiking at various parks in the tri-state area with her husband, Chris. Together they live on a farmette with their horses and cats.

Grace joined the Trust in January of 2023. She is a recent graduate of Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication and a minor in Graphic Design. While at Shepherd, she worked with the Student Success Center hosting events, crafting social media posts, and assisting students new to the center. In her free time she enjoys going for walks in the Park, special effect makeup, and staying up-to-date on recent media trends.

Justin joined the development team in January of 2023. Currently living in Frederick, MD, he comes to us with over a decade of nonprofit management and fundraising experience. After graduating from Christopher Newport University with a B.S. in Biology, Justin spent many years working with Fairfax County Park Authority, Boy Scouts of America, and various other nonprofits in the D.C./Metro area. Justin is an avid life enthusiast, outdoorsman, and mountain biker interested in exploration, education, and community enrichment. You’ll likely find him in the garden or on his bike, coaching or riding when he’s not at work. He’s a big believer in community action and loves to dream big.

Don became involved with the C&O Canal Trust as a volunteer quartermaster for the Canal Quarters program in 2016, and was hired as Canal Quarters Operations Coordinator in October 2021. He previously served as a volunteer with the C&O Canal Bike Patrol and the Maryland City (Anne Arundel County) Volunteer Fire Department. In his role as CQ Operations Coordinator, Don handles maintenance issues and visitor concerns for the seven historic lockhouses in the Canal Quarters program, coordinating with National Park Service Maintenance, volunteer Quartermasters, and other service providers. He also responds to after-hours problems reported via the emergency hotline and assists with other Trust programs. Don is an avid gardener, woodworker, tinkerer and outdoors enthusiast, and is very active with local sustainability efforts in his hometown of Poolesville, Maryland. He retired from the Federal government in 2017 after 27 years of military and civilian service.