Board of Directors

Eric Wilson, President
Eric has made his home with Karen in the NEK of Vermont for over 30 years, and is very thankful to live in such a special, supportive community.  He loves outdoor activities including alpine and nordic skiing, biking, hunting and fishing.  His greatest joy in life has been watching his children Moriah and Matt grow up and chase their passions.  He spent many years coaching alpine skiing before changing course to pursue a career in the brokerage industry. 

Matt Wilson, Vice President
Matt lives in East Burke, Vermont, where he coaches U16 ski racers at Burke Mountain Academy. He studied English Literature at Colby College and Middlebury College, graduating from the latter in 2022. He’s passionate about skiing and biking, writing, and making an impact in the community he calls home.

Gunnar Shaw, Treasurer
Gunnar is a believer in sport to change lives. A Vermonter currently living in Northern California, Gunnar grew up as a ski racer in New England with a sweet tooth for anything maple (creemee, syrup, candy, etc). He now works in the financial services industry and fills his free time biking, skiing, and eating burritos with friends.”

Ellie Thiele, Secretary
Ellie is a Bay Area native who has lived in the UK and Kenya but continues to return and call California home. Trail running and the community around it is core to her life. Outside of running, she fills her time painting, attending concerts, reading, and gathering her friends around good food and wine.

Finley Cobb
Finley was born in New York and grew up in Peacham, Vermont. His family includes seven humans and seven dogs and calls East Burke home. He loves biking, snowboarding, art, music, nature, and spending quality time with friends. Finley currently studies law at Washington University in St. Louis (Class of ’26).

Betsy Welch
Betsy works as a journalist with Outside’s cycling group, reporting on off-road racing, culture, and personalities. When she’s not writing about riding, she is riding, usually on a mountain bike near her home of Carbondale, Colorado. She also adores travel, cooking, crossword puzzles, and exploring the outdoors. Betsy has always worked in community-minded fields — before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a registered nurse in public health and before that, a Spanish teacher. She is thrilled to honor Moriah’s desire to have a positive impact on youth and cycling community through the work of the foundation. 

Karen Wilson
Karen is incredibly grateful to have called the Northeast Kingdom her home for the better part of her life where she has enjoyed the beauty, outdoor lifestyle and caring community. She’s worked in education, hospitality, and as a mountain bike guide and instructor. Raising Moriah and Matt here has been her greatest joy. She is on a lifelong journey of spiritual growth as she trusts the power of love, faith, and hope in all circumstances.