Inside AMC’s 2024 Annual Summit

The outdoors community can be a funny thing. We see the passion of our fellow adventurers everywhere, from trails built by volunteers to land preserved through collective advocacy. But often we walk those trails alone or in small groups. 

That’s why it’s so special when our community comes together in one place. For 148 years, AMC’s Annual Summit has provided such an occasion. AMC members, volunteers, and staff gather each year to discuss organizational business, learn new outdoor skills, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.  

This year’s Summit took place on January 20 in Norwood, Massachusetts. Couldn’t make the event, or want to relive the day? From history lessons to a look ahead at AMC’s future — plus a room full of waving bandanas — we break down the action. 

8:45 am 

Business in the front, party in the back. 2024 Summit kicked off with AMC’s 148th Annual Business Meeting. 

All current members were welcome to attend the Business Meeting and vote for the organization’s Board of Directors and officers. Virtual ballots were also available to members who couldn’t make the meeting. Board of Directors Chair Yvette Austin introduced the proceedings by highlighting some of the past year’s accomplishments, including: 

• The contributions over 2,000 volunteer leaders, more than the annual total before the COVID-19 pandemic; 
• AMC chapter, staff, and volunteers hosted over 5,300 activities; 
• AMC’s collaboration with DEI Outdoors to identify opportunities to advance DEI in AMC’s workplace, activities, community, and advocacy; 
• AMC Trail Department’s continued partnership with AmeriCorps to offer work and education opportunities; 
• The campaign to acquire the Barnard Forest in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness; 
• A successful first year on the job for AMC’s President and CEO, Nicole Zussman. 

Austin emphasized the way each of these accomplishments was a stepping stone to greater goals. 

“The focus of 2023 was on building the foundation of AMC for the next 150 years,” said Austin. 

12:00 

After a morning of breakout sessions and educational talks, it was time for a well-earned lunch. Entering the hotel ballroom, attendees may have been surprised to find a sea of forest green. These were the bandanas placed on every seat. Each was embroidered with a pattern, illustrated in-house by Junior Designer Marissa Wandrey, showcasing the mountains we all love and AMC’s six core values: collaborative, integrity, inclusive, bold, resilient, and, at the center of it all, joy.

After some time to eat, AMC President and CEO Nicole Zussman took the stage. Her speech reflected on both her first year at AMC and the organization’s goals for 2024 and beyond. She ended by thanking the people who make it all possible, the organization’s volunteers. Fifteen volunteer awards were handed out during the luncheon, celebrating members who impact their communities in 2023. From trail crew leaders to youth educators, this year’s recipients exemplify the full scope of AMC’s mission. Volunteering is never easy. Each of these winners not only gave their time but also their energy and passion. Thank you from all of us at AMC! 

This year’s award winners are: 

• Alexandra Molnar: Volunteer Leadership Award, Worcester Chapter 
• Bill Belben: Volunteer Leadership Award, Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter 
• Greg Bernet: Volunteer Leadership Award, Delaware Valley Chapter 
• Jose Ibarra: Volunteer Leadership Award, Delaware Valley Chapter 
• JT Lenoch: Distinguished Service Award, Educators Outdoors 
• Kevin Garcia: Volunteer Leadership Award, Narraganset Chapter 
• Kim Schroeder Steward: Joe Dodge Award, AMC Staff 
• Ladda “Bug” Kosaketh: Educators Outdoors and Worcester Chapter 
• Laura Stinnette: Volunteer Leadership Award, Western Massachusetts Chapter 
• Lisa Kent: Volunteer Leadership Award, Information Volunteer 
• Lois Rothenberger: Distinguished Service Award, Delaware Valley Chapter 
• Paul Berry: Volunteer Leadership Award, New Hampshire Chapter 
• Paul Brooks: Volunteer Leadership Award, Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter 
• Phil Coyne: Volunteer Leadership Award, Maine Chapter 
• Sacha Amry: Volunteer Leadership Award, Educators Outdoors 

1:30 pm 

With the cake eaten and the awards handed out, it was time for another round of breakout sessions. Options for the first afternoon block included discussions of decision-making under pressure in the outdoors, building a trans-affirmative community, and stories from AMC’s lodging and hospitality staff. 

In a packed conference room, AMC Science Communicator Gabriella Gurney prepared to present. You may know Ella’s work from AMC’s social media and the pages of this blog. At Annual Summit Ella explained her approach to turning complex science into engaging narratives. Then she turned it back to the group: Participants picked a scientific issue, from climate change to declining moose populations, identified a message, and the audience that needs to hear it.  

At AMC, we don’t just enjoy our time outdoors, we’re advocates for its protection. Ella’s session gave attendees a new set of tools to do that work. 

4:30 pm 

And finally, it’s time for a well-earned beverage. Attendees gathered to clink glasses and regale each other with tales from the trail. What will they accomplish before Annual Summit 2025? Stay tuned to find out.