In October 2006 Janet joined the Council, bringing over 20 years of experience in urban and environmental planning and policy. Previously she served as Director of the San Francisco Bay Trail Project (1998-2004) and Planning Director of the Association of Bay Area Governments (2004-2006).

Janet has worked extensively with public agencies and districts, elected officials, developers and advocates to advance long-distance multi-use trails. She was instrumental in developing the competitive grant program now offered collaboratively by the Ridge Trail and the Coastal Conservancy. The program was specifically structured to target high priority segments and critical gaps, to leverage State funds with matching contributions, and to foster new partnerships and creative design solutions. Janet is an avid hiker and enjoys both up- and down-hill sections, and has a particular affinity for trails that afford Bay views. She also enjoys kayaking and travel. Janet earned a BS in Environmental Policy and Analysis Planning from the University of California, Davis, and a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Eileen joined the Ridge Trail in 2015, with more than 18 years of experience in environmental non-profit fundraising and a passion to help create a legacy for current and future generations of Bay Area trail enthusiasts. She brings prior communication, membership and fundraising experience with the Sierra Club, Coral Reef Alliance, and Diver's Alert Network.

Eileen spends her free time hiking Bay Area trails with her husband and 9-year-old daughter (she has to carry her own pack!) and dreaming of future scuba diving expeditions. She grew up in the green mountains of Vermont and is a member and former Festmeister at the Nature Friends Tourist Club on Mount Tam. She looks forward to becoming a Circumnavigator—completing all developed sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail—and to meeting you on the Ridge Trail.

Marie joined the Ridge Trail in 2020 and brings over twenty years of experience as a leader and innovator in non-profits, educational organizations and social enterprises at the intersection of nature, health & sustainability. Her recent work supported transformative, mission-driven organizations in building their fundraising and programmatic capabilities with leadership roles at Naturebridge and Barnraiser, and strategic consulting for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and The SF Market. She holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from James Madison University and an M.S.Ed in Education from the Bank Street College.

Marie can be found hiking and biking Bay Area trails with friends and family or jumping in the Bay for a swim at the Dolphin Club. She's a board member for the Garden for the Environment, with a passion for gardening and growing food in her spare time. Marie is always looking for a new challenge and is eager to explore new sections of the trail to add miles to her Trail Tracker.

Liz Westbrook joined the Ridge Trail staff in June 2017 and brings experience in trail planning and project management. Before joining the Ridge Trail she worked for the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) helping start their first Regional Trails Program. Before POST, she worked for Campbell Grading, Inc. as a project manager on trail and restoration projects from San Mateo to Sonoma.

Liz graduated from North Carolina State University and has a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from University of Michigan. She enjoys visiting new places both near her home in Oakland as well as continents away. She loves to hike, bike and camp.

Simone joined the Ridge Trail in 2020 bringing experience in trail planning, project management and grants to the team. She started her career working in habitat restoration, environmental education, and guiding outdoor excursions. Simone obtained her master’s degree in environmental planning from Florida State University while working for the U.S. Forest Service National Scenic Trail Program and the Florida Trail. In previous positions, Simone has worked in hazard mitigation, resilience planning, grants management and helping communities recover post-disaster.

Simone is from the Everglades and had her first outdoor jobs in python catching and diving for sponge restoration in the Florida Keys. She loves live music and spending time outdoors hiking, animal tracking, and attempting to surf. She is excited to help dedicate new sections of Ridge Trail for all to enjoy!

Sharon joined the Ridge Trail staff in January 2018.

Philip Joined the Ridge Trail in 2019. He brings 12 years of event coordination, outdoor programs, community engagement, and partnership building with many non-profits, companies, and government agencies throughout the Bay Area. Previously he worked as the SF Bay Area Outdoor Programs and Philanthropy Coordinator for REI Co-op where he guided the Ridge Trail Council through a three-year grant partnership. He also served on the Ridge Trail Council board as the Development Committee Chair for one year until coming on as staff.

Philip is an avid outdoor enthusiast frequently planning adventures on and off the Ridge Trail that push him to his limits. He loves to bike, run, surf, climb and camp while bringing his 2 kids and wife along for the fun. He grew up and resides in San José.

Liz Dembski joined as the Ridge Trail as Development Manager in October 2019. She brings years of nonprofit development and communications experience and a passion for hiking, camping, and cycling. Prior to working at Ridge Trail, Liz developed communications strategies and managed fundraising efforts at Wu Yee Children's Services and La Casa de las Madres in San Francisco.

Liz grew up in Marin County and one of her earliest memories is the sun turning the Open Space hills behind her parents' house golden at sunset. She firmly believes in the John Muir quote, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." Liz received her Master's Degree in Public Affairs and Practical Politics from the University of San Francisco in 2015.

Alex joined the Ridge Trail in 2020 bringing her experience in public engagement and project management to the team. Before joining the Ridge Trail she managed communications projects for a range of local organizations, from water districts to transportation agencies. In 2017 Alex completed a Climate Corps fellowship with Alameda County. The program introduced her to the environmental challenges facing the Bay Area and strengthened her love for its natural spaces.

Alex graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. She grew up in Sacramento enjoying very hot summers along the American River, and now loves exploring trails near her home in Oakland and beyond with her dog, Toby.