WTA Hires New Executive Director

Jill Simmons, WTA's new executive director, on a hike.

Washington Trails Association (WTA) has hired a new executive director. After a six-month search, we are pleased to announce that Jill Simmons will lead WTA into the future of protecting trails and wildlands, inspiring hikers and ensuring the outdoors are accessible for everyone.

“Our mission clearly excites people, because we had 75 candidates from all over the country,” said WTA board president Bruce Burger. “We chose Jill for her passion for trails and her experience converting a vision into action. We’re confident Jill will help us do even more for hikers and help protect even more wild places.”

“I’m thrilled to be the new executive director of Washington Trails Association,” Jill says. "The opportunity to combine my professional skills with my personal passion—hiking—is a dream come true.”

“I am honored to be joining the amazing WTA team, with its committed board, dedicated staff, and passionate volunteers,” she says. “I look forward to working with the entire WTA community to ensure everyone in Washington can get out and enjoy our state’s natural wonders.”

Jill is an avid hiker and long-time WTA member with more than 15 years of professional experience in the public and philanthropic sectors.

Jill comes to WTA from Evergreen Strategic, a sustainability consulting firm she founded to serve local governments, nonprofits and foundations nationwide. Previously, she served under two City of Seattle mayors in the cabinet-level position of director of the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment. In that role, she drew outstanding praise from city and community leaders as a strategic thinker and collaborative leader. While director, Jill managed significant growth of the office’s environmental programs, launching a number of new initiatives to make Seattle a healthier, greener and more vibrant place to live.

“I believe that WTA has a leading role to play in shaping the future of Washington through its work to protect trails and connect the growing number of Washingtonians to the outdoors,” Jill says. “WTA’s bold strategic plan coupled with the enthusiasm and commitment of the entire WTA community, sets the organization on a strong course for its next 50 years.”

We hope you will all join us in welcoming Jill as she starts her new adventure here at WTA. Jill will start work on February 13.