Purpose
The Purpose of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation is to teach outdoor education through in-person and electronic classrooms, school partnerships, and events, that focus on hiker safety and preparedness, trail maintenance and sustainability, and the 7 Principles of Leave no Trace. The Foundation will serve as an advocate for tourism in the communities surrounding the Pinhoti Trail.
Meet Our Team
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Kimm Wright
“Crew-Hiker”
Executive DirectorKimm brings a strong background in banking, finance, event planning, and office management—skills that keep the PinX team running smoothly.
As the Co-Founder and Owner of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, she’s passionate about supporting hikers and creating spaces where the outdoor community can connect. She is also the founder and organizer of the annual Pinhoti Fest, an event that brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and trail advocates to celebrate and support the Pinhoti Trail.
Kimm serves on the Board of Directors for the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association and the Alabama Hiking Trail Society. If there’s an opportunity to host an event, celebrate the trail, or bring people together, you can bet she’s all in!
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Nathan Wright
“Switchback”
Chairman of the BoardNathan’s passion for serving hikers became a reality in 2019 when he co-founded the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, creating a welcoming space for those exploring the Pinhoti Trail. Whether he’s working directly with hikers or collaborating with state organizations to support the Pinhoti, Nathan is always looking for ways to strengthen and protect this incredible trail system.
He currently serves as President of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Vice President of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Alabama Trails Commission.
An avid long-distance hiker, Nathan has completed both the Appalachian Trail and the Pinhoti Trail, with plans to take on the Benton MacKaye Trail, the Vermont Long Trail, and the Florida Trail in the future.
When he’s not on the trail, Nathan works as a professional project management consultant specializing in telecommunications and voice/data networks.
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Randy Anderson
“Chuck Snorris”
Board Member
Randy has been active in the hiking community since his 2007 Appalachian Trail hike. He has hiked approximately 8,000 combined miles, on the AT, Pacific Crest Trail, Florida Trail, and Israel National Trail.
His service to the hiking community includes co-founding and serving as an officer of the Florida Trail Hikers Alliance (FTthruHike) for eight years. Randy served on the Board of Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) for four years and was Assistant Coordinator for an additional two years. Randy was the founding manager of Laughing Heart Hostel, on the AT in Hot Springs, NC.
Randy was a business owner for 20 years, and also served as President of his HOA, with 700 members and a million-dollar budget.
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Jeff Benefield
"JBen”
Board Member
Jeff is an avid Backpacking and Outdoor Enthusiast and a talented Social Media content Creator. You can find his great videos on YouTube and Instagram @jbenhikes. His creative content includes recent adventures, gear testing and reviews. When He’s not spending time with his Family, or working as a sales professional, you’ll find him on an adventure. He is a Long Distance Section hiker including The Appalachian Trail and the Pinhoti Trail as well as has thru hiked the Unita High Trail. He has currently completed 600 miles on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 900 miler map.
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Tommy Akins
Board Member
By trade, Tommy serves as executive officer in a technology driven firm and specializes in providing commercial solutions in the communication field. He brings a vast amount of management skills as well as an outside perspective to the table.
Tommy, an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, loves spending time in various outdoor with his family and friends.
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Jason Geise
“10 Buck Sherpa”
Board Member
Jason is no stranger to adventure—whether it’s on the trail, on stage, or managing large-scale projects. A dedicated trail runner and long-distance hiker, he continues to push his limits by competing in ultra marathons and exploring new challenges in the outdoors.
His love for storytelling also extends to music, where he has released several original songs, blending his passion for adventure with his creative side.
Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Jason brings his leadership and problem-solving skills to his role as a Project Manager for TOPS Fiber. His ability to adapt, inspire, and tackle challenges head-on makes him a valuable part of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation team.
