“In my role as the Executive Director, I have the opportunity to affect positive change on recreation in the Lake Tahoe Basin and help to make great ideas become reality.”

Morgan Steel, executive director of Tahoe Rim Trail Association, is the latest honoree of our 40 under 40. Her work ethic, humble demeanor, and determination to make Tahoe’s renowned recreation available to all are what make her a shining example of our 40 under 40 recipients. Congratulations Morgan!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

By some miracle, I ended up with the dream position of Executive Director at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA). The TRTA is the primary steward of the 200 mile Tahoe Rim Trail System. We work to build and enhance the trail and inspire stewardship so everyone can experience the incredible recreation that Lake Tahoe has to offer. In my role as the Executive Director, I have the opportunity to affect positive change on recreation in the Lake Tahoe Basin and help to make great ideas become reality. While I work for a trail organization, I spend the majority of my time at my desk (it’s a standing desk at least). I coordinate with our Board of Directors, manage our finances, add capacity to staff projects, and manage the less exciting behind the scenes work like coordinating our database conversion or completing audits and taxes. Most importantly, I try to keep an eye on how the TRTA can better serve our community and the myriad of different projects, developments, legislation, and trends that will impact the Tahoe Rim Trail. I also get to work with the greatest people on the planet!

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

Seeing the recognition the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Association has received in the last year has been fantastic! The Tahoe Rim Trail was the first Blue Ribbon awardee to receive an award twice when it received the Tahoe Chamber’s Blue Ribbon Award for Geotourism in 2017. The Geotourism award was given to our organization for providing an authentic Tahoe experience to local and visitors alike.

The TRTA was also inducted into the California Parks and Recreation Society’s Hall of Honor as a Regional Treasure. This program recognizes exceptional leaders who exemplify the outstanding principles and values of the recreation, park and leisure movement.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?

Stay positive and keep the big picture in mind. As someone who may have a slight issue with being a workaholic, it’s important for me to try to keep things in perspective. I’m not doing brain surgery and at some point, it’s okay to go home and finish tomorrow. Sorry brain surgeons!

What was your first job?

When I turned 16, I joined the family business and worked at Sears. Both my parents worked retail at Sears for years, over half a century combined, so I had a bit of an in. I worked at Sears until I left for college and learned about all of the insane things people do at department stores while shopping. I also learned impressive shirt folding skills.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

Like so many others, I moved to Tahoe to ski. While I thought the initial move was temporary, after experiencing the amazing recreational opportunities the region provides and the wonderful people who call the South Shore home, I decided to stay and make this my community. I’m inspired by the variety of non-profits on the South Shore and the amazing people in our community that give so much of their time and passion to make this an incredible place to live.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I’ve had many different volunteer roles in the past. The most prevalent include some form of helping out on trails around the region. I’m also participating in the Chamber’s 2018 Leadership Lake Tahoe program, which identifies and develops current and future leaders through a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing our region.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Generally, if it happens outside, I’m on board. I love skiing as well as biking and hiking (preferably to an alpine lake). I’m also a big fan of traveling, game nights, cooking, a good night’s sleep, and occasionally vegging out at home. All of which are better with husband and dog!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work and where is your favorite South Shore stomping ground?

I spend a lot of time on the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) and the connecting trails between Kingsbury and Big Meadow. The trails along this section exemplify everything that is amazing about Tahoe Basin recreation: alpine lakes, easy access, high peaks, technical downhill, expansive views, and fantastic trail connectivity! From either my office or my home, I can access world-class trails for an afternoon or a weekend. I can take a lunch break and ride the Van Sickle Trail or take a long way home and ride to Star Lake then down the Star Lake Connector. The loop from my house includes trails like Corral and Incense Cedar. That is not something you get just anywhere. This is the stuff dreams are made of (at least for obsessive outdoorsy folk like me). Bonus, I almost always run into a friendly face that I get to catch up with.

Get in touch with Morgan today:
Tahoe Rim Trail Association
775.298.4485
morganf@tahoerimtrail.org