Media Information

Alabama Hiking Trail Society Board of Directors

Joe Cuhaj - President
Our current president just recently elected at our 10th Anniversary at Monte Sano. Joe was the VP of Publicity for AHTS for several years. Joe is a former radio broadcaster and is a freelance writer having penned two outdoor titles for Falcon Books, “Hiking Alabama” (now in its 3rd edition) and “Paddling Alabama”. Joe was also the editor of “Southern Hiker” magazine and is a freelance writer for a variety of national magazines. Joe edits the quarterly newsletter, “Alabama Hiker”, handles all press releases and media contacts, and multimedia for DVD and the internet. Joe was named AHS Volunteer of the Year in 2006.
 
Skip Essman - Vice President of Administration
Skip is the VP of Administration for AHTS. His military and law enforcement background brings solid organizational skills and dedication to the position. Skip is Alabama’s Leave No Trace Advocate and travels the state to teach the public about LNT practices, ethics and how we can minimize our impact on the environment both on the trail and in our everyday lives. Skip is also an instructor and advisor to the Boys Scouts and is an advisor and hiker of the “Philmont 70- miles/10-Days” backpack trip.
Maggie Cuhaj - Vice President of Membership

Erik Douglas - Vice President of Trails

J. Erik Douglas has been involved in shaping the path of AHTS since its inception. A founding member and most recent Past President. Erik was elected as the first Vice-President of Trails and served as President from 2003 to 2004 and was re-elected to the office in 2009 until 2011. He lives in Brewton near both Conecuh National Forest and Little River State Forest, two keys to his vision of a trail system in South Alabama that will connect the Florida National Scenic Trail to the
Conecuh Trail. “If the past is any indication of the future in Alabama, we must be advocates of land conservation and work to preserve Green Spaces not only for ourselves but for generations to come.”
Marie Arnott - Treasurer
Marie has served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer for over 5-years. Marie lives in Mobile, AL, and came to AHTS with solid experience having served as recording secretary on government and private boards and from her career as a bookkeeper. Marie has been strategically involved in all AHTS conferences and organizational projects since the organization’s inception.
Secretary – Open
Scott Summersell - Vice President of Publicity

Alabama Hiking Trail Society Chapter Presidents

Lucas Veverka - Tennessee Valley Chapter (Huntsville)
Lucas always loved the outdoors growing up in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Upon moving to Huntsville in the fall of 2007, Lucas looked for outdoor opportunities in his new home. Lucas discovered that opportunity in the AHTS and had become a member by the end of that year. In March of 2009, with the help of some great friends and volunteers, Lucas created the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the AHTS and still serves as its chair and event coordinator. Lucas spends most of his hiking and trail work time in the Walls of Jericho and looks forward to introducing more people to this wonderful Alabama treasure.
  Billie Thrash - River Region Chapter (Montgomery)
  Joe Cuhaj – LA Hikers (Gulf Coast Chapter)

 

Members of the Media in need of further information should contact the AHTS VP of Publicity on our contact page. If you use any information about AHTS in your publication or electronic media, we would appreciate it if you would let us know so we can post a link to your organization.