Board of Directors

Ron Griswell likes to show up in the world as an explorer on a journey to caring more about his wellness, his community, and the planet. He believes in passionately following your curiosities, living beyond your comfort zone, and in inspiring people to get outside, which is reflected in his work as a content creator with brands such as Ford Bronco, Teva, and Eddie Bauer.

He operates as co-founder and board member for Boyz N The Wood, and as founder and executive director for HBCUs Outside. Outside of his professional capacity, Ron likes to spend time with his son and wife at their home in North Carolina.

Vanessa Miot is a committed advocate for environmental justice, education, and equitable policy. With a strong foundation in environmental education and public policy, she brings a systems-level approach to community engagement and sustainability. Her work centers BIPOC voices in shaping climate resilience, green space access, and inclusive environmental solutions. Vanessa currently serves as Park Pride’s education and advocacy specialist, where she leads efforts that bridge policy, education, and advocacy to advance equity in historically underserved communities. She is passionate about building more just, informed, and connected communities through environmental stewardship and civic leadership.

Chris Jenkins lives in the north Georgia mountains where he has built a life around the outdoors and conservation. He received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in wildlife conservation; he then earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences from Idaho State University. He is the founding chief executive officer of the Orianne Society, and he serves on the board of the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance. He has also been in leadership roles in International Union for Conservation of Nature, Partners for Reptiles and Amphibian Conservation, and Gopher Tortoise Council. 

Chris enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, and fishing in nearby national forests and around the world. His interests in the outdoors and conservation brought him to the board of the Southeast Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, after which he created the Georgia Chapter. Chris currently serves on the BHA North American Board where he is the chair of the fundraising committee, and he has worked with Wildlife Conservation Society, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Massachusetts, University of British Columbia, and National Geographic.  He works with schools, scout groups, and nonprofits, including the Minority Outdoor Alliance, to help people get outside.

Elizabeth Nguyen came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam at a young age, and her journey to discovering the power of the outdoors has been deeply transformative. For over a decade, she has built her passion around rock climbing—each climb a reminder of both her strength and her roots. The outdoors has become her sanctuary, a place where she finds healing and peace, and where she can connect with the earth in a way that’s unlike anything else.

Elizabeth’s love for the outdoors extends beyond just climbing; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging for everyone, especially those who are often overlooked in outdoor spaces. As a bike technician and now a member of the camping department at REI, she is passionate about ensuring that everyone, especially BIPOC individuals, feels welcomed and included in outdoor communities. Whether it’s helping someone find the right gear or sharing her own experiences, she wants to create opportunities for others to experience the healing and transformative power of nature. Through her work, she strives to inspire a more diverse, inclusive, and accessible outdoor environment for all who seek refuge and adventure in the wilderness.

As a Charleston native and nationally certified park and recreation professional, David Bennett’s career with the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission spanned 38 years. David holds a bachelor’s degree in park and recreation management from Mars Hill University and has served as the South Carolina Park and Recreation Association (SCRPA) President and NRPA Programming Branch chair. David began his career at Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission as a part-time Recreation Specialist in 1987. After holding several positions throughout the Recreation Division, he was promoted to associate executive director, chief operating officer, and eventually executive director of the agency. He has served as chair of the Cooper River Bridge Run board of directors, the Lowcountry Local First, and the Bishop Gadsden Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the board for Jenkins Orphanage, Charleston County Parks Foundation, and the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority. He retired from the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission in 2023.

Angelica Juarez is a committed advocate for environmental justice, a passion shaped by her upbringing in Southeast Los Angeles. Growing up in a predominantly Latino community near industrial zones, she witnessed firsthand how pollution and environmental systemic neglect disproportionately impact communities of color—an experience that ignited her lifelong dedication to equity and sustainability.

She earned dual degrees in Molecular Environmental Biology and Environmental Economics & Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, where she developed the tools to tackle environmental challenges through both scientific research and policy analysis. Angelica’s career spans healthcare research, environmental consulting, and DEI-focused program management.

Greg McFadden has been a member of team Canyons since 1994, and he has been enjoying his role as Canyons owner/outfitter since 2010. While he continues to harness his creative skills, he also takes pride in honoring the true foundations of Canyons established by the original owners, Les & Susan Bechdel. The long-standing cornerstone of Canyons is safety.

As a kayaker, a boatman, a professional ski guide, a business owner, a snow safety manager, and a watercolor artist, Greg still manages to find time to guide a trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon each year for Arizona Rafting Adventures. He is often found riverside with his paintbrush, capturing his greatest inspiration: the river itself.

Nicoma Narjett is a former Senior Analyst who found healing in the outdoors after experiencing workplace bullying in corporate America. That journey ignited her passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. As Vice Chair of Events for the BIPOC Outdoor Collective, she works alongside community organizations, volunteers, and outdoor partners to expand access to nature through experiences that build community, promote wellness, and foster a lasting sense of belonging.

With a background spanning nonprofit leadership, ministry, corporate strategy, and communications, Nicoma has spent more than 15 years building partnerships, leading initiatives, and coordinating programs and events that create opportunities for people to connect. 

Nicoma is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Payne Theological Seminary, where her research focuses on building healthier communities by addressing bullying and toxic workplace cultures.

She believes the outdoors has the power to heal, renew, and connect people, inspiring her commitment to ensuring everyone feels they belong outside.