Sam, a native New Yorker, felt an irresistible call to the West Coast in search of greater pursuits, drawn by the allure of Jim Morrison’s words “the west is the best, get here and we’ll do the rest”. Amid vibrant communities passionate about outdoor exploration, he found his true calling in the North Cascades, Oregon’s volcanic landscapes, the Colorado Rockies, the Grand Tetons, and California’s Sierras. Backcountry skiing, ice climbing, rock climbing, ultra trail running, and skating on alpine lakes became his gateways to nature.
With a fervor for documentary filmmaking from his undergraduate days, Sam immersed himself in shedding light on the prison industrial complex and advocating for marginalized communities. On top of that, his journey as a backcountry guide for youth and teaching wilderness and combat first aid in international conflict zones sparked an interest in medicine, leading him to become an ER Paramedic after stints in the medical field. Discovering the healing power of the outdoors through Colorado’s Outdoors Rx report shifted his focus to advocating for healthier lifestyles through outdoor activities and improving urban green infrastructure, crafting impactful policy changes for the state’s healthcare system and growth of the recreation economy.
Transitioning through roles in outdoor brands like Marmot and The North Face working as a community marketing manager and conducting philanthropic efforts, Sam found mentorship in policy-making and climate change under the director of Oregon’s Office of Outdoor Recreation. This led to pivotal positions in Colorado’s Policy Chair for the American Alpine Club and spearheading ESG initiatives for major industries on the western slope. Pursuing a Masters in Environmental Policy at CU Boulder further fueled his career, now aligned with Protect Our Winters, where he’s stoked to make a lasting impact.