The Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure (CORBA) has officially launched an Executive Director pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term viability of professional staffing within the organization.

Following his decision to step down as Board President, Phil Carlson has been appointed to serve as Executive Director for the duration of the pilot, effective August 14, 2026. At its upcoming monthly meeting, the CORBA Board of Directors will move forward with interim leadership.

This pilot initiative marks a significant step forward in building CORBA’s capacity, operational infrastructure, and community impact across Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, and Barron counties. As Executive Director, Carlson will focus on driving organizational development, cultivating key partnerships, expanding volunteer engagement, and providing direct leadership for new initiatives, including inclusive programming.

Key Elements of the Pilot Program:

• Strategic Focus: Priority will be placed on building long-term organizational infrastructure, growing sponsorships, securing new funding streams, and deepening community relationships.
• Financial Alignment: CORBA aims to offset a portion of this direct financial contribution through a fundraising benchmark during the pilot phase.
• Structured Review: Prior to the conclusion of pilot program, the Board of Directors will conduct a formal performance evaluation based on the objectives, priorities, and success indicators established in the approved Executive Director Pilot & Transition Plan. 

Following the review, the Board will determine next steps, which may include extending the pilot, transitioning to a long-term agreement, or concluding the program based on organizational needs and sustainability.

“This pilot program gives our organization an opportunity to test a professional leadership structure while keeping our long-term sustainability top of mind,” said Board Secretary and Personnel Committee member, Kennedy Domerchie. “Phil’s deep connection to the community, CORBA and our mission makes him uniquely suited to guide us through this transition phase.”

“Having served on the board, I know firsthand the passion behind getting CORBA to this point, and establishing a professional staff role is the natural next step in our evolution,” Carlson noted. “We have reached a level of growth where volunteer hours alone cannot sustain our momentum. I am excited to hit the ground running and demonstrate how a dedicated leadership structure can unlock CORBA’s full potential as an inclusive community asset for our region.”

CORBA remains committed to transparency and will keep members, partners, and the Chippewa Valley trail community updated as the pilot progresses.

About CORBA

Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure (CORBA) is dedicated to building, improving, and maintaining multi-use trails and promoting outdoor opportunities and events in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley—including Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, and Barron counties. Supported by dedicated volunteers, partners, sponsors, and members, CORBA works to make local trail systems and events among the best in the state for mountain biking, trail running, hiking, snowshoeing, and outdoor recreation. To learn more or get involved, visit corbatrails.org.