LEAP Welcomes New Executive Director, Seth Truby

LEAP Wilderness Programs (LEAP) is pleased to announce Seth Truby as Executive Director, beginning on February 28, 2022. Seth is a seasoned non-profit executive and board member. From 2013-21, Seth was the founding Executive Director at BRAVO Youth Orchestras, an Oregon non-profit providing music education for underserved youth. Prior to BRAVO, Seth was Development Director at Chamber Music Northwest and Fundraising Chair at Portland Village School.

A lifelong backpacker, mountain climber, boater and outdoor enthusiast, Seth is excited to bring his leadership, talent and passion to LEAP.  “Seth’s experience building non-profits and his love of the outdoors aligns with our mission to provide healing and inspiring adventures in nature to those who need them most. Seth’s leadership will enable LEAP to strengthen our relationships with our partners, participants and the community,” said Erik Weiseth, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Trustees.

“LEAP’s thoughtfully designed partnerships and programs impact the trajectory of participants’ lives, and I’m impressed by all they’ve accomplished under the leadership of board and my predecessor, Valerie Pufahl. I know firsthand how stepping away from our routines and overcoming worthy challenges with a supportive community can change and heal people. I’m excited to work with LEAP participants, staff and board at this pivotal moment to decide how best to expand and deepen our relationships with those we serve,” said Truby.

Founded in 2010, LEAP is non-profit which creates and delivers empowering wilderness experiences. LEAP creates opportunities for healing and growth through immersive programs that support people affected by significant health issues, psychological distress, and socioeconomic adversity. We maximize our impact by organizing programs around groups with shared life experiences, enabling them to foster close-knit communities and thrive in an environment of mutual understanding and openness. LEAP works closely with leading partner organizations and their specialists to build relationships and provide continuity within the greater service plan for participants. LEAP partners include LEGACY Oregon Burn Centers, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children, The Dougy Center, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and Edison High School.

Welcome

Co-founder Matt paddling through calm water on a 2016 LEAP program

Welcome to the LEAP Guide Blog for 2017. As a co-founder of LEAP and having been personally impacted by the healing powers of the outdoors, I am very excited about our 2017 programs.  LEAP has grown from a fledgling organization that started with one partner - The Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. The Burn Center is still with us in its sixth year, but LEAP has since grown to ten programs with eight partners in 2017. Two new partners are joining us on programs this summer - Camp Ukandu for children living with cancer and Edison High School, a school for students with learning differences.

Running rivers is what we do and is the essence of our entire curriculum. The guides are the key to making each experience special to our participants. Our LEAP guides are carefully chosen and believe in our mission.  In many cases our guides grow and learn even more than our participants! So I encourage all LEAP guides to contribute your thoughts and reflections to this blog for the 2017 season. May the sun be bright this summer!

-Matt Reimann

LEAP co-founder and board member