Rising Leaders with a Shared Passion: GVLT’s NextGen Advisory Board
By Ali Chipouras, NextGen Advisory Board Member
As our community continues to grow and evolve, the need to conserve open spaces, expand trail networks, and foster a deeper connection to our land has never been more urgent. GVLT is dedicated to turning this vision into reality, but it can’t be achieved alone. Whether you’re an avid trail user, a casual walker, a farmer, an outdoors enthusiast, new to Bozeman, a multi-generational Montanan, or simply someone living in the Gallatin Valley, GVLT’s mission impacts everyone in our community. The magic behind GVLT’s work lies in understanding the goals and needs within our community, aligning efforts to support them, nurturing partnerships, and embracing a collaborative mindset.
Building Bridges: The Role of the NextGen Board
Nine years ago, the NextGen Advisory Board was founded as a way for GVLT to listen and learn from rising leaders in the community. These individuals, ranging in age from 21 to 45, bring fresh perspectives to the table that are not traditionally represented by the Board of Directors. NextGen plays a unique role by bridging the gaps between GVLT’s Board of Directors, the work of the GVLT team, and the Gallatin Valley community. Beyond contributing their own insights, NextGen members serve as ambassadors for GVLT, bringing new voices into the conversation and creating opportunities for engagement through events and community outreach designed to meet people where they are. Over the years, the focus of the NextGen Advisory Board has evolved with each cohort, adapting to the changing needs of the community and the perspectives of its members.
The true strength of the NextGen Advisory Board is the diversity of its members. These are not all seasoned conservationists or trail experts; each member brings a unique perspective from various professional and personal backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the Gallatin Valley and a desire to make a positive impact. As EJ Porth, GVLT’s Associate Director, notes, “NextGen represents so many corners of our community we historically don’t hear from as much. Their ability to be a sounding board and advisors is worth gold to us!”
But it’s not just about supporting GVLT; it’s also about cultivating future conservation leaders, building a sense of community, and forming meaningful connections. As NextGen member Loy Maierhauser reflects, “I have learned SO MUCH on the NextGen Advisory Board and have gotten to have some really incredible experiences along the way. Not to mention the amazing crew of new friends I’ve made!”
NextGen Advisory Board Applications Open September 1
Each year, the NextGen Advisory Board opens applications to welcome new members as current members complete their terms. The application will be open from September 1 to October 1. Board terms are three years long, with the option to step down at the end of each year. We encourage young professionals with a passion for trails, conservation, and community service to apply. If you’re eager to make a tangible impact on the future of the Gallatin Valley, this is your opportunity to get involved. Learn more about GVLT’s NextGen Advisory Board.
NextGen in Their Own Words: Q&A with NextGen Members
What do you think is NextGen’s “superpower”?
“Passionate young professionals volunteering. Damn.”
–Whitney Caldwell
“Being able to tap into the next generation of Gallatin Valley is extremely important in an organization’s longevity—being able to hear from the voices that will carry GVLT into the future is critical to continuing to fulfill the mission!”
–Loy Maierhauser
Why were you interested in joining the NextGen Advisory Board?
“As I’ve gotten to know the Bozeman community over the last 15 years, the contribution of GVLT’s work to trails and open space in the Gallatin Valley is impossible to overlook. I deeply appreciate GVLT’s success in preserving the valley’s natural character, supporting our local farmers and ranchers, and strengthening our community by creating and promoting trails. I was interested in sitting at the table to learn more about the issues and opportunities facing our open lands and community, and to contribute towards GVLT’s creative solutions for improving trails and furthering conservation in the Gallatin Valley.”
–Mark Portman
“Joining the NextGen board was an opportunity to make a positive impact within the community, by lending my voice, perspectives, and energy to important discussions, decisions, and awareness initiatives around the future of land use, biodiversity, and quality of life in the Gallatin Valley and beyond.”
–Jackson Bolstad
“I wanted to give back to the community and volunteer with an organization I felt was affecting an urgent need in our community but also planning for the future of our region. Plus, I am so grateful to live in a community with an extensive trail system to play and commute. SO cool! Why wouldn’t I want to support that?!”
–Whitney Caldwell
GVLT focuses on land conservation and trails, yet the NextGen Board is made up of individuals from a wide range of different career backgrounds, many of whom joined with limited experience in conservation or trails work. How do you think this input strengthens GVLT’s mission?
“I think an organization is truly the sum of its parts, and having a diverse NextGen Board helps GVLT weigh as many angles as possible when working to fulfill its mission. Going back to longevity—I think a diverse group of individuals like NextGen is a key piece to ensuring GVLT’s work into the future.”
–Loy Maierhauser
What has been one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on as part of the NextGen Board?
“Getting people to care about their local community and the future of land use requires them to have a connection to the land they inhabit. A strong connection requires an understanding of the history, usage, and socio-demographics of the land and community. To help educate new and old residents of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley and build stronger connections to the land, our outreach committee partnered with local breweries, tap rooms, and bars to host local trivia, which tested trivia-goers’ knowledge of local geography, history, economics, biodiversity, etc.”
–Jackson Bolstad
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of NextGen?
“I think we’re seeing the NextGen Advisory Board bridge a lot of gaps between GVLT staff, GLVT’s Board of Directors, the community—and I think there’s a lot of exciting things that can come of that collaboration.”
–Loy Maierhauser
Anything Else?
“I’m so honored and humbled to serve with such a thoughtful, considerate, and passionate group of peers. If this is the next gen to participate and lead in southwest Montana, I am so lucky to be here!”
–Whitney Caldwell