Our Board of Directors

Chelsea Babb – Board Member

Chelsea Babb

My family enjoys hiking and camping, and we were looking for a non-profit that helps local youth experience the outdoors and found Wilderness Works. We began supporting Wilderness Works a few years ago and wanted to be more involved. We met Bill, toured the facility, and we’re even more impressed after learning about all the amazing programs that are available for the children. I am very excited to be a part of the Wilderness Works community and to serve on the board!

Melanie Evans – Board Member

Melanie Evans

The Wilderness Works mission opens up a world of possibilities for the children in our community who need it most. The impact of the work being done continues to have a beautiful ripple effect generations later and I have seen it at work personally. Once you experience the power this organization has to change lives, you feel compelled to be a part of it. I want to do everything I can to ensure that Wilderness Works continues to grow and thrive so that the lives of our children continue to be protected, valued and enriched. Positively impacting the lives of children changes the future for us all. What better way to spend our short time here than by supporting and enriching the lives of our children.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” – Ghandi

Rob Jordan – Board Member

Rob Jordan

I first learned of Wilderness Works from my wife Emily who served on the Board several years ago. We helped organize and host a fundraiser event with live music at our home, and I met Bill Mickler and several of the children.

I was blown away hearing the stories from the campers of how Wilderness Works was completely changing and likely saving their lives. I was also heavily impacted by Bill’s incredible level of commitment and energy directed to the mission he created – and once we bonded on a mutual love of The Allman Brothers, I was in!

I’m now very honored to step into the sizeable, retired board member shoes of my wife and go to work to support this great organization!

Tripper Mansfield

My family and I have proudly supported Wilderness Works and its remarkable effort to uplift disadvantaged Atlanta children for near 15 years. I first discovered Wilderness Works when they provided a presentation to my Kiwanis Club in 2005.
I thoroughly enjoyed Al Roker and the Today Show coming to Atlanta to present Wilderness Works a new van and a myriad of gear and supplies in 2008.
Wilderness Works and its special concept that allows homeless and needy children a chance to visit our national parks – and more, is very popular in Atlanta. I am proud to be part of this tremendous effort.

“Never give in – never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.” – Winston Churchill

Telisha Moore

As a mother raising two sons I was overjoyed when we discovered Wilderness Works when my sons were 8 and 10. As a result my sons grew up with weeks of summer camps Evergreen and Bob, trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Island and years of fantastic City Camp weekends during school season months. Later my sons were able to experience life changing treks in Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Rocky Mountain and other spectacular national parks.

We are believers in the power of allowing youth opportunities to discover wild nature and we are so grateful to Wilderness Works for the impact they have had on my children and so many others.

I am proud to serve on the Wilderness Works board!

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Frank Nelson

In 2017, my wife’s company sponsored a meal for 50 children at one of Wilderness Works’ terrific City Camps. Kim and I brought along our own two children. All the children were amazingly engaged and enthusiastic. We were so impressed with the spirit of the group. We watched the Wilderness Works staff leading the children. We saw such professionalism, but we also clearly saw love and care.
I determined then to get involved and soon joined the Wilderness Works board of directors. My first job was helping deliver a great party: the Wilderness Works annual Oyster Roast fundraiser. What an inspiring and enjoyable organization to be part of!

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” – Babe Ruth

Vincent Tolbert – Board Member

Vincent Tolbert

As a retired educator I’ve always believed that exposure is one of the keys to education. When children are exposed to opportunities, ideas, adventures, challenges and fears, that’s when learning begins. Wilderness Works provides children the chance to EXPLORE, ENGAGE and ENJOY nature in its purist forms. It provides children with hands-on experiences, largely in nature and the outdoors, that they will cherish forever. Wilderness Works is learning made fun! My goal is to continue the Wilderness Works legacy of providing enriching life-long learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

“Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, get wisdom: and in all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7