Our Crew

The Stewards of Juneau's trails

"I am really proud to be part of Trail Mix and appreciate all the great work the Trail Mix crews do for the Juneau trail system which allows our community and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors we have in our backyard."
Mark Pusich
Board President

Our Team

Executive Director Ryan O'Shaughnessy
Ryan O'shaughnessy
Executive Director

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ryan (he/him) moved to Juneau in 2015. He also began working for Trail Mix in 2015. Ryan enjoys hiking and kayaking in and around Juneau. Blackerby Ridge Trail, with its steep climbs and breathtaking views, is one of his favorite trails. He began working for Trail Mix as the Trail Program Coordinator from 2015 to 2019. He began his role as our executive director in 2020. Prior to joining Trail Mix, Ryan attended Hocking College and worked for the USFS in Northwest Montana.

Administrative Coordinator Meghan Tabacek skis at Eaglecrest
Meghan Tabacek
Trail Program Manager

Meghan (she/her) moved to Juneau in 2019 to attend the University of Alaska Southeast. She graduated May 2021 with a degree in Environmental Studies. As part of the Outdoor Studies Program at UAS, she became familiar with the trails of Juneau and enjoys using them to ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Meghan has been with Trail Mix since May 2020. She spent the summer shoveling gravel, chainsawing fallen trees, and working with her crew. Now, she spends her time coordinating Trail Mix's crews, volunteers, and trail program.

Board of Directors

Photo of board president Mark Pusich checking off his Hike for a Pint passport on the Horse Tram trail.
Mark Pusich
President

Mark Pusich is a born and raised Juneauite who joined the Trail Mix board in 2015. Growing up on Douglas, Mark had quick access to the Treadwell Ditch trail and the Treadwell Mine Ruins. At a young age, he understood the importance of these trails and what they mean for our community. Mark is an avid trail user, who still considers the Treadwell Ditch to be his favorite trail in Juneau. You can find Mark out on the trails hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing, often accompanied by his wife, kids, friends, and dogs. Mark believes in giving back to our wonderful community and is able to show his appreciation and dedication to Juneau’s world-class trails by volunteering as a Trail Mix board member. As a civil and structural engineer, Mark brings to the team years of experience in trail permitting and design.

Photo of board member Ron Bressette on trail.
Ron Bressette
Vice President

Originally from North Tonawanda, New York, Ron has called Juneau home for the past 47 years. During his career, Ron worked as a Deck Officer with the Alaska Marine Highway System. Ron enjoys exploring Juneau through hiking, biking, and cross country skiing with family and friends. With its sweeping views and great accessibility, Perseverance is Ron’s favorite trail. Ron joined the Trail Mix board in 2017. Ron decided to join our board because of his appreciation for the work that Trail Mix provides for the community and he wanted to get involved in those efforts.

Photo of board member Jill Smith
Jill Smith
Treasurer

Jill Smith moved to Juneau seven years ago, trading in the big skies of Montana for the vastness of Alaska. Jill works as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her expertise and experience make her an excellent Treasurer for our board. Jill has been on the Trail Mix board since 2020. Her deep appreciation of Juneau’s exceptional trails spurred her interest in joining Trail Mix’s board. Jill enjoys hiking and running Juneau’s trails with her trusty companion, Oxford the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Oxford and Jill often explore the Dredge Lakes trail system, where there is plenty of fun to be had for Oxford and plenty of loops and links in the trail to “choose your own adventure.”

Board member Diane Mayer and her dog pose for a photo at Boy Scout beach.
Diane Mayer
Secretary

Diane began her career with the Forest Service, bushwhacking through national forests in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Alaska, went on to lead interagency, environmental reviews of coastal development projects for the State of Alaska, then ran the Southeast Alaska Land Trust. Now retired, Diane “really appreciates Trail Mix for keeping trail access to Juneau’s forests in such great condition, funding its efforts by working across agency lines, and managing it all as a non-profit.” Gracie keeps her out on the trails, rain or shine.

Photo of board member Jack Kreinheder standing at the gravel fly-out site.
Jack Kreinheder

Jack Kreinheder joined the Trail Mix board in 2010. He has lived in Juneau for over 35 years and enjoys hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and cross country skiing on Juneau’s trails. The Treadwell Ditch trail is Jack’s favorite trail. He retired in 2011 from a career with the State of Alaska and now keeps himself busy with volunteering for several nonprofit organizations and doing volunteer trail work.

Photo of board member Alida Bus on Perseverance Trail.
Alida Bus

Alida grew up in Juneau and has always felt a strong sense of place living here. Alida has worked in the tourism industry and holds a degree in recreation with a focus on communications and interpretation. She is passionate about connecting people to the outdoors. You can often find her out on the trails by herself, or with family. She’s also active with the Juneau Trail and Road Runners. Initiatives like Hike for a Pint and the COVID-19 Conservation Corps inspired her to join the Trail Mix board.

Photo of board member Chris Meade on Dzantik'i Heéni loop trail.
Chris Meade

Chris Meade grew up in Jersey and after attending the University of Alaska (Fairbanks and Anchorage), he and his wife joined the Peace Corps. He knew he wanted to come back to Alaska, where the quietude and connection to the land resonated with him. Like many who move here, one of the first things that struck him about Juneau was the trail system, and its trails have become an integral part of his family life. Some of the places they frequent include Under Thunder, Nugget Falls, Brotherhood Bridge, Airport Dike, Twin Lakes, and Point Caroline, a new favorite.

Photo of board member Peggy Cowan on the Auke Lake trail.
Peggy Cowan

While originally from Michigan, Peggy Cowan has called Juneau home for the past 37 years. Living in Juneau gives Peggy access to many different ways to recreate. She enjoys spending her time outside hiking, skiing, biking, running, kayaking, and camping. Peggy’s favorite hike is the scenic Juneau Ridge to Granite Creek. Peggy joined the Trail Mix board in the fall of 2021 to contribute to Juneau being a place with a high quality of life for generations to come. Peggy recognizes that trails provide access to the outdoors, wild places, and beaches for all in Juneau. That access enhances the quality of life of Juneau residents. Peggy particularly likes the partnerships that Trail Mix facilitates and the organization’s emphasis on environmental stewardship.

Photo of board member Rebecca Hall standing on a snowy trail.
Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall has called Juneau home almost her entire life. Rebecca likes to spend her time outside hiking and cross country skiing. Her favorite trail in Juneau is Grandchild’s Peak, a mountain that offers magnificent views. Rebecca works as a financial advisor. She joined the Trail Mix board in 2015 to support recreation that is accessible for everyone and help create a trail system that future generations can enjoy.

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