Our Stories

2025 NCTA Staff Introductions

Valerie Bader, Director of Trail Operations

Val became interested in trails through the youth corps world, through her work with the Student Conservation Association, Southwest Conservation Corps, and Gulf Coast Conservation Corps. This led to staff roles with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and eventually, us! Val represents the entire North Country National Scenic Trail predominantly from her home office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Val’s main focus at the NCTA is agency partnership. She collaborates with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and more than 160 other organizations on agreements, funding, projects, and policy. She manages four NCTA Trail Operations staff, overseeing map development, trail design, construction, and maintenance, and land conservation programs. To further represent our trail, Val is a member of the Trail Leaders Council with the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS). She leads the NCTA Field Grants program, and is active on the NCTA Advocacy Committee.

“Val’s role is critical in maintaining those higher-level partnerships. It allows Regional Trail Coordinators like myself to focus on the grassroots level.” (Kenny Wawsczyk, NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator)

A few things she’s concentrating on this year include the development of a robust volunteer training strategy, route planning for trail gaps with the National Park Service, and updating key handbooks and manuals. Importantly, Val is also staying in close contact with federal land managers to understand the impacts to the trail from funding and staffing cuts, and to create contingency plans.

“Val’s deep experience with National Scenic Trails and volunteers gives her a perspective that has been invaluable in keeping the NCTA aligned with our long-term vision. She has a remarkable ability to thoughtfully balance the flood of new ideas and perspectives that come her way, helping us stay focused on what’s best for the trail and our mission.” (Matt Rowbotham, NCTA GIS Program Manager)