Our Stories
An Important Update from the NCTA Board President
Hello, trail community.
Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director, has chosen to step down from her role with the North Country Trail Association on January 15, 2026, having accepted another professional opportunity. Andrea has laid a strong foundation for our future, and I am sincerely grateful for her leadership, dedication, energy, and vision.
Andrea began her tenure with the NCTA as Director of Trail Development. She built strong partnerships with land management agencies and expanded volunteer capacity through training and online resources. For the past nine years, as Executive Director, Andrea has led the organization through periods of significant change, guided strategic planning efforts, and launched the trail protection program, all while cultivating meaningful relationships at the local, state, and national levels.
Through her work, Andrea has helped build a strong and capable team that will continue advancing our mission. NCTA operations, plans, and strategic priorities will continue uninterrupted, supported by highly skilled staff, an engaged Board of Directors, and a steadfast commitment to building the forever route.
To ensure continuity during this transition, the board has appointed Cheryl Kreindler as Interim Executive Director. Cheryl currently serves as Vice President of the board. She brings extensive experience and institutional knowledge to the role, and will work closely with the staff and board to maintain momentum and operational stability. She will take a leave of absence from the NCTA board until a new executive director is hired.
At the same time, the board is initiating a comprehensive search for our next executive director. The transition presents an opportunity to build on Andrea’s legacy while continuing to advance the mission of the North Country Trail Association.
As Andrea embarks on her next chapter, we remain grateful for your trust, partnership, and investment in the work ahead. We look forward with confidence to the next chapter of the North Country Trail’s work.
Sincerely,
Jan Ulferts Stewart, President, NCTA Board of Directors
