MacLennan named Centennial Trail Foundation head
Brian Walker | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years, 7 months AGO
Ready to hit the trail
COEUR d'ALENE — The MacLennan name is quickly gaining traction in Kootenai County.
Theresa MacLennan, wife of new North Idaho College President Richard MacLennan, started her new job as executive director of the nonprofit North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation on Monday.
"I want to make a positive impact on the community, and my skills and abilities fit the need that the foundation was looking to fill," MacLennan said.
MacLennan is taking over for Greta Gissel, who resigned after a year and eight months on the job because she is moving to Utah for family reasons.
MacLennan brings trail nonprofit experience to the table as she has been executive director for Garrett Trails in Garrett County, Maryland for the past five years. She moved to the area on July 9.
"I have already been using the trail," said MacLennan, an avid walker and hiker.
MacLennan has been job shadowing Gissel this week and will continue to do so next week in the transition.
"The foundation is thrilled to have Theresa on board," Gissel said.
The new leader is hitting the fundraising trail running for the foundation. The nonprofit has a bike corral this weekend during Art on the Green in Coeur d'Alene and is accepting donations and selling tickets to the Ales for the Trails fundraiser at McEuen Park on Saturday, Aug. 13. The Coeur d'Fondo race along Lake Coeur d'Alene and Highway 97 will be held on Sept. 24.
The foundation was established in 1989 to oversee the maintenance, outreach efforts and improvements of the trail. It also assists with the design and expansion of other trails in Kootenai County.
The executive director's office is in the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce building downtown.
The nonprofit plans to launch a $200,000 capital campaign in the near future to expand the 4.25-mile Prairie Trail 1.25 miles from Huetter Road to Meyer.
The foundation has about 140 active memberships.
The annual membership fee, which is tax-deductible, is $36 for individuals and $60 for families.
"I'm excited to be a part of the foundation, living in the Coeur d'Alene area and meeting folks in the community," MacLennan said.
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