2024 Board Candidates

Candidates elected by the Individual and B2C/B2B members

Voting procedures for position elected by the Individual and B2B/B2C Members

Voting for these positions will be conducted online, with the voting period lasting fifteen (15) days.  The Voting Period will begin on February 8th, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6) and conclude on February 23rd, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6). Votes will be cast digitally and all members eligible to vote will receive balloting materials to the email address affiliated with their ACCT membership. 

• B2B members may cast one vote per organization for the General Membership seat

• B2C members may cast one vote per organization for the General Membership seat

• Industry Stakeholder/Affiliate Members members may cast one vote per organization for the General Membership seat

• Individual Members members may cast one vote per member for the General Membership seat

If you need clarification on who in your B2B, B2C, or Industry Stakeholder account holds the Primary Contact role and has the rights to cast your organization's vote, please contact us at membership@acctinfo.org.

Voter Eligibility

Must be a member in good standing, including but not limited to

• Dues Paid

Late nominations were accepted up to February 6th, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6) -forty-eight (48) before the beginning of the voting period. Read more info.

Olivia “Stretch” Rowland, Challenge Quest 

Brief Work History:

I was introduced to our industry as a child going to summer camp and I have loved it ever since. I have been a ropes facilitator since 2014 and have facilitated low ropes courses and high ropes courses for youth programming, experiential education, corporate development and everything in between. I have been a ropes course manager, public school teacher and camp director. I have also been a trainer through American Red Cross and USA Archery. Now, my career is with a vendor member and I am the lead trainer and lead facilitator for our company. I am also a builder and inspector. I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of all types of courses, clients, and participants to help broaden my perspective and knowledge of our industry. I am thankful to have been able to experience every aspect of ropes courses from construction to operation both with other industry professionals and the clients we serve. 

ACCT Committee Involvement and Other Volunteer Experience:

I have enjoyed familiarizing myself with ACCT and the incredible work being done. Whether it has been attending conferences, engaging with ACCT members through networking groups or attending committee meetings, I find collaboration to be essential and highly valuable. The women’s affinity group has deepened not only my connection, by improved our industry’s community. I have also been highly involved both regionally and nationally with the American Camp Association, USA Archery, the American Red Cross, and Girl Scouts. My experiences outside of ACCT has helped me better understand who we serve and the expectations, regulations and requirements that our industry must meet.  

I have been fortunate to have a wide variety of experiences that has helped to broaden my perspective of our industry. Beyond ACCT, my former career as an educator and camp director, along with my involvement in nonprofit leadership and other outdoor education and recreation regulatory bodies has shaped my thinking and understanding of our stakeholders. My past experience paired with my current full service work with our industry allows me to consider issues from many perspectives.  

I hope to bring to the board an ability to critically examine our work through a new lens and fresh eyes. I am well versed in ACCT standards as well as other accreditation, certification and regulatory requirements. I am effective at creating, implementing and accomplishing goals through collaboration that is focused on shared vision and support. 

How do you seek to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association for Challenge Course Technology?

To advance our mission, vision and values, we first must ensure that we as individuals embody those shared beliefs. As a member of the board, I aspire to model our mission, vision and values in how I conduct myself and lead others. 

I hope to expand our membership and increase our effectiveness by aligning our work to our mission. Standards are one of the most important ways that we can continue to protect our industry and implement the values we share. I want to help facilitate inclusive engagement of all members and highlight voices throughout our industry to create avenues of accessibility into our community. 

Position Statement:

I am deeply passionate and committed to servant leadership and the promotion of our industry. As a member of the board, I would hope to serve the interests of our organization and dedicate myself to the needs our members find most pressing to best serve our community as a whole. 

However, there are plenty of opportunities for growth. I am passionate about equity and inclusion and creating systems that are efficient and accessible for all. As a leader, I will work towards identifying and removing barriers for all of our members and organization.

I would like to see increased resources for our members, in turn incentivizing expanded membership. I believe in creating more opportunities for professional development and continuing education and more effectively utilizing resources and technology to reduce costs and expand our impact. I also believe there is interest and a need for more consideration of trainer standards and guidelines. 

Another opportunity we have is to explore how to share resources and information more consistently and clearly on our website, between documents and through our other forums. 

I want to see more existing projects completed and previous goals met. We need to identify top priorities and maintain focus to successfully achieve goals for long term success. Overall, I personally hope to help increase consistency, clarity and communication throughout ACCT and among members.  We need to be an inclusive community of resources to our members that eases the ability for life changing work for all. 

Lauren Stover, NCSU 

Brief Work History:

I have been fortunate to be in the industry for over a decade which has allowed me to manage courses, work as a trainer, provide advice as a consultant, an operation reviewer, and more.

-ACCT Approved Operation Reviewer 2023
-Ropes Course Manager - NCSU 2017 - Present
-Ropes Course Manager - GA TECH 2015 - 2017
-Experiential Education Adjunct Professor - Syracuse University - 2016 - 2017
-Ropes Course Manager - Syracuse University - 2015 - 2017
-Facilitator - Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School
-Environmental Educator and Facilitator - Camp Don Lee
-Challenge Course and Adventure Trips Intern - UNC Charlotte
-Challenge Course Facilitator and Program Assistant - East Carolina University

ACCT Committee Involvement and Other Volunteer Experience:

I have been volunteering for ACCT since 2016 including working as Chair, secretary, and liaisons to other committees. I have been apart of:
Accreditation and Certification Committee (ACC)
Vendor Accreditation Redesign Task Force (VARTF)
Updated ACCT Inclusion Language
Women of ACCT Affinity Group
Trainer Credentialing Task Force
Practitioner Certification Task Force

How do you seek to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association for Challenge Course Technology?

In both my professional roles and my volunteer positions within ACCT I strive to uphold all Association values and raise the current standard. In the past I helped update our Statement of Value on Inclusion to language that better reflects the true values of the ACCT members. I will continue this in my role within the board by reflecting on our practices and opening myself to the community.

Position Statement:

I intend to actively contribute to resolving ongoing issues and goals, including recent initiatives concerning bylaws and a seat at the table for our Accredited Operators, vendor accreditation, and standards. Recognizing the importance of pushing these projects forward, my determined attitude positions me to ask insightful questions and comprehend past decisions. My commitment extends to fostering future progress and continuing to elevate ACCT, a commitment I aim to demonstrate through my work as a board member.

Candidates elected by the Professional Vendor Members (PVM’s)

Voting procedures for positions elected by the Professional Vendor Members (PVM’s)

Voting for these positions will be conducted online, with the voting period lasting fifteen (15) days.  The Voting Period will begin on February 8th, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6) and conclude on February 23rd, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6).  Votes will be cast digitally and all members eligible to vote will receive balloting materials to the email address affiliated with their ACCT membership. 

• Accredited Professional Members may cast one vote for each seat representing PVMs for a total of 2 votes. Two votes may not be cast for the same candidate

Voter Eligibility

ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL VENDOR MEMBERS

Must be a member in good standing, including but not limited to

• Dues Paid

• Annual Report Submitted 

• Review requirements complete

Late nominations were accepted up to February 6th, 2024 at 2:30PM CT (GMT -6) -forty-eight (48) before the beginning of the voting period. Read more info.

Alicia Bourke, ABEE

Brief Work History:

I have been in the Challenge Course and Zip Line Tour industry for more than 15 years. Early in my career I worked on a variety of educational courses and commercial tours as a facilitator, lead guide, and course manager. For the past eight years I have been working for ABEE, a Professional Vendor Member of ACCT, training operators and inspecting and designing courses.

ACCT Committee Involvement and Other Volunteer Experience:

I served as a member of the Vendor Accreditation Panel for seven years. I worked on the Vendor Accreditation Design Task Force to create the new program. I currently serve on the leadership team for the Women of ACCT Affinity Group. One of our most exciting initiatives this year was an Inspector Certification Exam (ICE) study group. It has provided a space for discussion and education for women taking the upcoming exam and those interested in expanding their general inspection knowledge.

Skills or Experience I Bring to the Board:

I have a comprehensive understanding of ACCT governance and the programs ACCT offers. I recognize Vendor’s needs and their contributions to the Association. From my experiences in multiple facets of the industry, I acknowledge and value the distinct perspectives our various members have - all of which are vital to consider during the decision-making process. I am proficient at document editing and prepared to invest the necessary time expected of Board Members to review, edit, and update documents. I will be an advocate for positive and strategic change within ACCT.

How do you seek to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association for Challenge Course Technology?

First and foremost, through continued service and dedication to the ACCT.  I am committed to aligning my actions and contributions with the ACCT’s core values; promoting standards development, offering education and professional development, and advocating for our industry, both internationally and domestically. I strongly believe our current Board Chair and new Executive Director have done an incredible job of moving our Association forward in a short time. They have made positive changes to Association-wide communication, transparency, and workflow. I hope to support them in these transformative efforts and foster the positive, productive, and inclusive culture they have created.  

Position Statement:

I believe the ACCT Board has three pressing matters to move work forward on: deciding next steps with our draft standards, updating our bylaws, and implementing the new Vendor Accreditation Program.    

- The core of ACCT’s mission is the development of standards. We have a draft standard that needs a plan of action by this Summer. Our members, AHJs, and the end users rely on the Association to set the bar for a standard of care.

- Bylaws have been undergoing a significant overhaul for a few years now. Some good headway has been made but these changes need to be implemented to better serve our evolving industry, membership, and vested stakeholders. The updating of our bylaws will ensure a diversity of voices are heard and enhance our organization’s ability to create a positive impact within the industry.  

- While the work of the Vendor Accreditation Task Force is finished, there are still administrative components that need to be completed prior to program rollout. It is critical the Board moves efficiently in matters regarding this program in order for vendor audits to resume in 2024; for both existing Accredited Vendors and vendors looking to participate in this program. Most of ACCT’s recent growth has been outside of the United States. This newly enhanced program provides an excellent opportunity to be inclusive of international vendors that are providing quality services within the industry.  

Korey Hampton, Challenge Towers

Brief Work History:

I am the Owner/Operator of French Broad Adventures, a zipline canopy tour that was the first ever ACCT Accredited Operation. I am also the Director of Compliance at Challenge Towers, a Professional Vendor Member (PVM) of the ACCT.

ACCT Committee Involvement and Other Volunteer Experience:

I have volunteered in a variety of places within the Association, mostly within the ACC, but also with TIRE. I am currently on the Board of Directors, serving as the Chair. 

Skills or Experience I Bring to the Board:

The past three years on the Board have given me valuable experience and a clear understanding of where we are and where we should continually aim to be.   

How do you seek to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association for Challenge Course Technology?

I will focus on serving our diverse international community by supporting our standards development process, improving our government relations efforts, and promoting our accreditation and certification programs.

Position Statement:

I believe in collaboration, communication, and kindness. If re-elected, I will continue to encourage transparency, foster teamwork, and promote community within our association.

Tim Prairie, Experiential Systems

Brief Work History:

I began my career in and around the ropes course industry in 1997 working as a facilitator at an outdoor education program in Maryland. I have more or less been involved in the industry ever since. I Worked with Universal Ropes Course Builders for many years as a builder. trainer & Inspector and eventually found my way back into the summer Camp world. Recently, I joined the ESI crew full time as an inspector, builder, and trainer.

ACCT Committee Involvement and Other Volunteer Experience:

Chair of OAP, Member of Compliance/Ethics committee, Member of QCPTF and past member of several other task forces. Outside of the industry I have served on the boards of the following organizations: Solid Foundation Skate Club, Restoration Family Farm, Camp Brett & Camp Shiloh.  

Skills or Experience I Bring to the Board:

My wide breadth of experience in the industry gives me a somewhat rare insight into issues. I've been in the seat of PVM inspector/builder and I've been in the seat of Executive Camp Director. Spent countless hours facilitating courses, training facilitators, building courses and everything in between. I have also served as a board member for several other organizations and have a good understanding of board governance and operation. 

How do you seek to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association for Challenge Course Technology?

I love each of the statements of Values the ACCT has. The two that resonate with me the most are Leadership & Integrity. If we as an industry can guide the industry with integrity and communicate with clear and honest leadership people WILL understand our vision and join our mission. 

Position Statement:

"Education!"- Whether it be a cranky old camp director, a industry service provider our a legislator in an AHJ we need to clearly guide them on the path of understanding what we do and why we do it. when we can help them learn why they should care about what we are doing they will be way more likely to take appropriate action. "Mission Drift" - It is so easy for an organization like the ACCT to be distracted by a thousand different "good things" and lose sight of its "main thing". Within our programs or our standards process getting crystal clear about what we are aiming at and then staying focused on that target is important.