Board & Staff
Our Team
American Youth Foundation Team
Anna Kay Vorsteg
President
Liz Marshall
Vice President
Andy Mulcahy
Senior Director of Infrastructure
Romuald Dugue
Information Technology Manager
Carrie Hargreaves Smith
Lead Health Officer
Nancy Wittkamp
Director of Finance
Dawn Hammersley
Finance Manager
Sally Rigney
Human Resources Director
Merrowvista
Amy Simmons
Director of Merrowvista
Steph Dasman
Director of Camp Programs
Dayna Vuksinick
Director of Community and School Programs
Aubrie Boyd
Program Coordinator
Jamie O’Hagin
Client Relations Manager
Julie Stengele
Office Coordinator
Adam Smetana
Facilities Manager
Patrick O’Hagin
Facilities Coordinator/Caretaker
Kim Novotny
Food Program Manager
Jamie Sweetser
Food Program Coordinator
Miniwanca
Griffin Vogler
Director of Miniwanca
Michael Harter
Director of Conferences, Community and School Programs
Paul Kerchberger
Director of Boys Camp
Bethany Wise
Director of Girls Camp
Regan Gibson Wiesler
Four Trails and Staffing Manager
Katana Valle-Sloane
Program Coordinator
Mike Jones
Facilities Manager
Chad Warner
Facilities Coordinator/Caretaker
Nick Blair
Facilities Assistant
John Linke
Facilities Assistant
Judi “Jay” Luptak
Office Coordinator
Erin O’Brien
National Leadership Conference Co-Director
Beth Wilson
National Leadership Conference Co-Director
Jan Strube
Alumni Liaison
Advancement
Jessa Glick
Director of Development
Molly Mulcahy
Advancement Coordinator
Michael Robinson
Development Coordinator
Catherine Klene
Communications Manager
Ambrean Ford
Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion
Holley Young
Director of Adult Programs
Sandra George
Director of Special Projects
DD Danforth Burlin, Esq.
Chair
Patrick West
Treasurer
Andrea Van Cleve
Secretary
Gretchen Butler Clayton
Christopher Danforth
Donald Danforth III
Glenn E. Davis, Esq.
Ayn Dietrich
Charlie Koch
Pat C. Jones
Katie Lemaire
Jeffrey McDonnell, CFA
Deborah Seidel
Kelly Tyson
Board Advisory Committee Members
Directors Emeritus
Kay Bell
J. Patrick Mulcahy
A. Neil Sweeny
Advisory Committee
Chandlee Dickey
John Drew
Shannon O’Toole
Astrid Wielens

Our Core Values
We believe how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value…
Investing in Youth
Empowering youth is the core of our mission. We aim to offer equitable access to outdoor, experiential adventures. We seek to amplify youth voices as they recognize their own agency, articulate their ideas, and act with bold purpose throughout their lives.
Stewarding the Environment
Our programs foster a sense of respect and reverence for the natural world. We commit to using only what we need in order to minimize our impact on the planet. We practice environmental stewardship, conserving resources for future generations and offering the experience of connecting deeply with the natural world
Enkindling Inner Sparks
Each person has inherent strengths and passions that, when ignited, form the foundation of best self and a balanced life. We challenge people to be brave, think creatively, develop wholehearted social connections, and explore their values and beliefs.
Belonging in Community
Our communities are joy-filled, optimistic, hopeful places where each person is encouraged to explore through play and express their own authentic spirit. We aspire to create spaces where all people are included and feel a sense of belonging. In these thriving program communities, diverse perspectives provide a foundation to build greater understanding and foster equity.
Growing Together
Teamwork and collaboration provide essential tools for overcoming challenges. We believe powerful growth happens when we live in community, set boundaries, and take healthy risks. To adventure daringly with the support of others is an opportunity to put our best selves into action.