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.

FAQs

Why is CORBA launching an Executive Director pilot program now?

Over the past several years, demand for trails and outdoor recreation across Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, and Barron counties has grown significantly. With that, the workload of board members and other key volunteer roles has also grown making it more difficult to keep these positions filled. To keep pace with this momentum, maintain our existing trail systems, and execute community events, CORBA needs consistent operational capacity. Transitioning from a fully volunteer-run model to introducing dedicated professional staffing allows us to ease pressure on our volunteers, scale our impact, secure major funding, and build long-term sustainability.

What will the new Executive Director focus on during the 90-day pilot?

The primary focus during the pilot phase includes:

• Building long-term organizational infrastructure and operational systems.
• Expanding fundraising, sponsorship models, and major donor opportunities.
• Leading key events and signature races, such as the Coon Fork 40 & the Fall Back Blast, in addition to partnerships, such as Trek’s Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS).
• Deepening partnerships with local municipalities, land managers, and community organizations.

Why was Phil selected as the Executive Director during the pilot?

Philip (Phil) Carlson, who previously served as CORBA’s Board President, brings proven commitment, deep institutional knowledge, strong community relationships, professional leadership experience, and a clear vision for the organization’s strategic growth.

Who will lead the CORBA Board of Directors during this period?

To ensure clear separation between board governance and executive operations, Phil Carlson stepped down as Board President prior to entering this role. At the September board meeting, the Board of Directors elected current Board Member Ryan Urban to serve as Interim Board President. The Vice President role remains vacant and candidates are needed.

How is the Executive Director position being funded?

A primary objective of this pilot program is generating new revenue streams to help offset the board-approved compensation.. The Board is actively seeking new and expanded funding sources, including major donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners to anchor the long-term sustainability of this position.

What happens at the end of the pilot program?

Before the conclusion of the pilot term, the Board of Directors will conduct a formal performance evaluation to determine the program’s success. The board may choose to extend the pilot, transition the position into a permanent contract, or modify the structure to best serve the organization.

Will CORBA still rely on volunteer support?

Absolutely. Volunteers remain the lifeblood of CORBA. Dedicated volunteers built our local trail networks, and they will continue to drive trail workdays, group rides, governance, and community events. Professional leadership is intended to support, organize, and empower our volunteer base—not replace it.

How can members, donors, and local businesses support this initiative?

You can support this strategic expansion by:

• Becoming a Member or Donor: Your financial support directly aids CORBA’s mission and helps build organizational capacity.
• Sponsoring Events or Programs: Businesses can partner with CORBA to sponsor major events or operational growth.
• Volunteering: Join us on upcoming trail workdays, assist with event operations, join a work group/committee, or become a board member.
• Spreading the Word: Share CORBA’s mission and news with fellow riders, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Still have questions? Reach out to info@corbatrails.org and we’ll do our best to address them.