Board Spotlight: Chuck Ritter
We’re thrilled to welcome Chuck Ritter to the NatureBridge family. Chuck joined the Olympic Board in January 2019 and we recently sat down with him to learn more about him and his connection to nature.
When I think about the intersection of the mission of NatureBridge and the current state of our world climate, it’s critical that we not only take immediate actions in this decade before us, but instill a sense of urgency and priority among our younger generation to do a far better job of loving our planet.Chuck Ritter
Tell us about your professional career. #
I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Regent on the South Dakota State Board of Regents. As a governor-appointed board member, it was fulfilling to give back to the state that had invested in my education and to provide stewardship in a field I feel so strongly about.
My experience co-founding a startup, learning through mistakes, working with extraordinary people and having good fortune along the way made me a better leader and person. Most rewarding was contributing to the construction of a company that has been able to give so much professional opportunity to a great group of people.
After 22+ years of consulting, I’m exploring my next opportunity. I served as President of Point B for four years, a Fortune magazine #1 best place to work, and I’m excited to find the next leadership opportunity which allows me to lead with heart, develop great leaders and grow a company beyond the future they see for themselves.
Why is serving on the NatureBridge board important to you? #
When I think about the intersection of the mission of NatureBridge—essentially to connect young people to our natural world and build stewards of our planet—and the current state of our world climate, it’s critical that we not only take immediate actions in this decade before us as human beings, but instill a sense of urgency and priority among our younger generation to do a far better job of loving our planet than we did.
Do you have a story of one of your favorite experiences in nature or a national park? #
I remember making an overnight trip through Rocky Mountain National Park when I was just out of college and in the darkness of the night, we found ourselves surrounded by a herd of deer that had just stopped about us. It was a 15–20 minute journey for us to navigate safely, but it was an incredibly peaceful and, oddly enough, quiet experience that really spoke to the wonder of nature.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.