You could say it was a calling, if you will. That public lands and waters, along with recreationalinfrastructure, needed a group to help fund and protect its outdoor spaces.  I grew up with outdoor activities being a significant part of my life.For me, the love of fresh air and the symphony of birds wasn’t just a pastime, but it became a purpose. So, when my career took a turn and I began teaching outdoor ethics - essentially how to behave responsibly amidst nature - I knew I wanted to do something in this space.  From this,  I got involved in a pivotal Great Outdoors study that led to a counter-proposal that emphasized a sustainable revenue stream and a mechanism to manage the great outdoors, considering physical, economic, and environmental aspects.My focus became so clear: to highlight the importance of great recreational spaces and build a legacyfor my children, my grandchildren, and for all people. Therefore, I created The Great Outdoors Fund to create a mechanism solely focused on outdoorrecreation by finding, developing and leading public-private partnerships that enhance, protect andprovide access to the diverse, geographic beauty of North America. In 2017,  I registered The Great Outdoors Fund as a charitable organization dedicated to this mission.Prior to the founding of The Great Outdoors Fund, I spent over 25 years advocating for conservation ethics and leading innovative, cost-effective solutions to the nation's most contentious issues surrounding outdoor recreation and natural resource management. I am a graduate of Duke University's Executive Leadership and Nonprofit Management Program and have worked with and advised many leaders of Fortune 500 companies, nature resource agencies, non-government organizations and special interest groups to create and build partnerships in enhancing outdoor recreational access across the globe.