Exciting Leadership News for Pisgah Area SOBRA: Honoring Natalie, Introducing Chris
Honoring Natalie Narburgh
As Board President of Pisgah Area SORBA, I’ve had a front-row seat to the most transformational period in our organization’s history. I’ve watched a passionate, gritty community of volunteers grow into a powerful, professional trail stewardship organization that is increasingly capable, transparent, community-centric, and forward-thinking.
This kind of change doesn’t happen by itself, and it doesn’t happen due to one person who shows up with a grand plan. It happens through exemplary leadership, at the right time. And that’s exactly what Natalie Narburgh has done as our organization’s first paid staff and first executive director.
Natalie stepped into a purely volunteer organization and implemented systems critical to sustained organizational growth. She leaned into the energy, experience, and raw commitment of our volunteers, who work rain and shine, show up with their own resources at trail work days, donate to support the organization, and give otherwise, through whatever means they can. She brought clarity, structure, integrity, and vision, so that all of that could turn into lasting impact. Most importantly, she worked tirelessly to ensure that every voice was heard.
Natalie helped create a strategic vision, hire additional staff, and build solid systems and processes. She led the organization forward, managing the daily onslaught of what it takes to grow an organization—hours of meetings, phone calls, budgets, varying opinions, successes, and, at times, setbacks. Through it all, she led with grace, grit, and strategic patience, never chasing credit or recognition for herself and always pushing forward.
After Hurricane Helene created the worst natural disaster Western North Carolina has faced in our lifetime, Natalie stepped up and led. She organized our volunteers to help those in need in our communities. When the time was right, she empowered our volunteers and staff to quickly, safely, and effectively reopen the trails in our region of Pisgah National Forest to help bring the much-needed physical, mental, and economic stability and well-being that we all know the forest brings.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Natalie for her tireless work, leadership, vision, and commitment to making Pisgah Area SORBA grow the best way possible over the last three years. She has built a foundation in a way that only she could, and through her leadership and the foundation she has built, we are now ready to take our next big step forward.
Meet our New Executive Director: Chris Kehmeier
Today, I’m proud to announce that Chris Kehmeier is joining Pisgah Area SORBA as our second Executive Director — and I don’t say this lightly. It’s a game changer.
If you know trails, you may know Chris. He’s spent the past 15 years at the center of trail advocacy and planning across the globe. His experience includes everything from groundbreaking design work to advising on policy surrounding trails and trail infrastructure. He helped shape modern mountain bike trail standards during his time at IMBA and has consulted with agencies and communities around the world. Chris sees the big picture, recognizing that it’s not just trail systems, but the systems surrounding them that help protect, push forward, and build for long-term success.
Chris brings years of experience in trail design, nonprofit leadership, and community building. Through his career and all of the projects he’s led, his passion has been to build thoughtful, inclusive trail systems while elevating those who bring them to life. His work encompasses projects in over 40 states and 11 countries, including Bike Republic Sölden in Austria, Vee Hollow in Tennessee, and numerous other trail networks that range from rugged backcountry singletrack to greenways, pump tracks, and trail centers around the world.
Chris knows that trails aren’t just for fun, they’re infrastructure for healthy communities, local economies, and mental & physical well-being. He knows that stewardship isn’t just a trend, it’s a commitment to showing up for the places we love with vision and dedication to preserve them while progressing and not being afraid to dream big.
Chris has worked across continents to help communities tap into the transformative power of trails. He’s been a respected voice in national-level conversations about access, equity, and long-term trail stewardship. He brings not just an eye for progressive trail stewardship and design, but also the ability to connect planners, riders, land managers, and policymakers in a way that drives progress. It’s what Pisgah needs.
After spending years designing and developing trails around the country and the globe, we are excited and humbled that Chris is looking to bring his experience and expertise to the community and trails he calls home here in Western NC’s Pisgah National Forest. The PAS Board of Directors and I are confident that Chris will lead us forward, building on the solid foundation that Natalie and everyone else involved with the organization have built in the previous years, and I hope that everyone can join me in welcoming him to lead Pisgah Area SORBA into a completely new and exciting era for trails in Western NC.
- Daniel Sapp, Board President Pisgah Area SORBA
I’m excited to join Pisgah Area SORBA as Executive Director, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for sustainable trails, strong communities, and volunteer-driven stewardship. I’m looking forward to helping PAS grow its impact across Western North Carolina and focus my years of experience at home. It’s an honor to be tapped to lead an organization rooted in purpose, collaboration, and a deep love for the outdoors.
- Chris Kehmeier