Our Board of Directors

Roderick Brown

I was introduced to Wilderness Works by a former board member and dear friend. After having the opportunity to visit and learn more about the mission of Wilderness Works, I eagerly committed to getting involved. Being a person that enjoys volunteering and supporting community outreach programs, my enthusiasm about working with Wilderness Works was heightened due to their location in the community in which I live.
What an honor to be serving an organization that impacts so many metro Atlanta disadvantaged youth.
I am very excited about being a part of and continuing the legacy of this enriching experiential opportunity for our youth and community.

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

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

Joy Dyess

I spend much of my personal time working with local non-profits and volunteering in the community. I believe that each person owes it to their community to be plugged in and contributing to positive change that serves needs of all our neighbors. In addition to work, volunteer and board service, I enjoy spending time with my husband David and our dog Apple. We enjoy mountain biking, traveling and doing puzzles on Sunday morning! I support Wilderness Works because I deeply appreciate the ability to step into nature and connect with the world around me. All children should have access to enjoy nature and Wilderness Works brings that experience to children.

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

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

Shannon Bower

I was looking for a non-profit that helps children and young people and I was lucky enough to find Wilderness Works! Wilderness Works is the real deal….ground zero, hands on, vital. These children and young people are beautiful, bright, funny, motivated, and genuinely appreciative of the Wilderness Works program. The sense of stability and amazing support and programs offered are invaluable. One young man told me he enjoys pushing himself to goals he suspects are impossible for him. He said his sense of accomplishment through challenging hiking, canoeing, and camping is of what he is most proud. This is a priceless gift to give disadvantaged young people.
I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Wilderness Works and their important work in the inner city Atlanta community.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

Margaret Arnett

I was first introduced to Wilderness Works when I was in college while working on a mission trip with my church. Wilderness Works had some kids come and participate in the mission. What I remember most is that every single person wanted someone from this organization in their group. All of the kids there from Wilderness Works were kind, hard-working, and fun. When I was asked if I wanted to be on the board, I jumped at the opportunity!

What makes Wilderness Works exceptional is that it allows children to have a safe space for years. This provides time for relationships to develop where real growth and development can occur. Wilderness Works takes great kids and helps them realize their full potential and become exceptional adults. I am thrilled to be serving on the board of such an amazing organization.

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Wilderness Works and their important work in the inner city Atlanta community.

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

Taria Brittian – Board Member

Taria Brittian

I have always believed that the most precious gift one can give another is time. Using one’s time and talents for those that need it most, especially children, is one of the most unselfish illustrations of giving. I have always allowed that principle to guide my heart in volunteerism and service, so I was honored when asked to be a part of this dynamic program. As a child I was an annual Girl Scout camper and summer traveler, where I gained a huge appreciation for the great outdoors and how to navigate its natural environment. This has only increased as an adult, as I find new and exciting places to visit, immersing myself in the cultures they offer. My exposure to unique travel and outdoor experiences as a child has helped mold me into the travel enthusiasts I am today, so whatever I can do to assist in making these opportunities available to upcoming generations, I am happy to support.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away” – George Carlin

Bob Bower – Board Member

Bob Bower

I grew up in a small upstate New York town where it was winter nine months of the year and decent job opportunities were nonexistent. I know what it is to not be able to appreciate the outdoors and wonder about the future. Wilderness Works shares the best of nature and opens up the world to these amazing young people. I am proud to be a board member of Wilderness Works and look forward to the future!

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!