Kingdom Trails Names Abigail Long as Executive Director

On Friday, after vetting nearly 100 candidates, the Kingdom Trail Association (KTA) named Abigail Long as the new Executive Director.

Long is currently the Executive Director of the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation. She was one of three finalists who participated in a series of community forums organized by the KTA in December.  Long will formerly join the team in February.

She brings nine years of experience in administrative, fundraising, capacity building, and program implementation in the nonprofit sector. She holds a B.A. in Public & Community Service from Providence College in Rhode Island and a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management from the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Abby has accepted our offer to join the KTA team,” said Matt Langlais, President of the Board of Directors. “She brings a wealth of translatable experience and fresh perspective from her tenure with the Leadville Race Series and Legacy Foundation, as well as her community work in Lake County.”

Long is excited to return to New England, where she is originally from. She says she’s ready to immerse herself in the Northeast Kingdom community, and dedicate herself to the mission of the Kingdom Trail Association.

“It’s an honor and thrill to join such a solid staff, Board of Directors and welcoming community,” Long said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this amazing Organization. I thank them for their confidence in me. I look forward to making a home and career in the Burke area, and committing to the future of Kingdom Trails.”

Long has participated in service work all over the country and world. Most recently, she was the Executive Director for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation, a charitable trust in Leadville, Colo.

Long brings extensive knowledge of the ultra-running and mountain bike race industry. She worked as the past Athlete Service Manager for the Leadville Race Series, a world-renowned endurance event series. She also served on the board of Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail system, an all-season, non-motorized trail. The trail system allows the Leadville community to preserve its mining history, highlight its scenic values, and provide recreational opportunities for all—similar to the mission of the Kingdom Trail Association.

Brandon Mapes, her husband, will join her as she transitions into her new position. Mapes works as a teacher for blind and visually impaired students. Together they look forward to exploring all their new community has to offer.