This podcast episode was originally released in 12/8/19.
Valerie Beichner, Executive Director, Venture Outdoors: Valerie is a seasoned nonprofit management professional with a background in organizational efficiency and capacity building, fundraising, HR and more. She holds expertise in green building and green building products, sustainable corporate culture, community and economic development, advocacy and organizational leadership.  Prior to joining Venture Outdoors, Valerie served as Executive Director with Friends of the Riverfront working with partners and volunteers to protect and extend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.  Valerie also served at Conservation Consultants Inc. as Director of Operations and Analytics as well as Green Building Alliance as Vice President of Development.  She also formerly worked at Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission facilitating a statewide energy efficiency program supporting municipalities. Valerie earned a BA in Political Science at Clarion University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from RMU.
Valerie’s relationship with the outdoors started in 2014 when she and her husband began running to gain control of their health and wellness.  It was only a few short years later that they experienced a life changing adventure along the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath helping their daughter raise funds for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.  The 11 day journey running from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh evolved their lives and refocused Valerie’s lifestyle, energy and career.  Now, Valerie’s passion is to help others realize the benefits of getting outdoors.
Valerie and her husband, Chris, live in Leetsdale with their four young children, their beagle, Brownie, and two cats; Peanut and Fudgie.
Show Notes: Valerie Beichner, Executive Director, Venture Outdoors, Contact Information:
E-mail: Valerie@ventureoutdoors.org
Website: https://www.ventureoutdoors.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ventureoutdoors
https://www.facebook.com/kayakpittsburgh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ventureoutdoors/
https://www.instagram.com/kayakpittsburgh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ventureoutdoors
https://twitter.com/kayakpittsburgh
Links mentioned in the Podcast:
FitLabPGH Podcast previously interviewed Valerie Beichner when she was Executive Director of Friends of the Riverfront
https://friendsoftheriverfront.org
Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Valerie Beichner and Friends of the Riverfront, released 3/3/19; link:
https://www.fitlabpgh.com/2019/03/03/podcast-919-valerie-beichner-friends-of-the-riverfront/
Oil Creek 100 Trail Runsz
http://www.oilcreek100.org
Jim Skal, Founder, Outdoor Immersion
https://outdoorimmersion.org
Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Jim Skal and Outdoor Immersion, released 4/8/18; link:
https://www.fitlabpgh.com/2018/04/08/podcast-14-18-outdoor-immersion-jim-skal/
Jeff Smith, Co-Owner, Local 5 Longboards
http://www.local5longboards.com