Executive Director

Josh has a B.A. from Johnson State College and an M.A. from Ohio University, both in the fields of Outdoor Education and Recreation. He worked for NOLS as a Mountaineering Instructor in Alaska and as a Climbing Guide in the Northeast for a number of years. He also served as a professor of Outdoor Education at Sterling College for 6 years. Most recently, prior to coming to Maine GearShare, he served as Associate Dean of Work-Experiential Learning and chaired the college's Risk Management Committee. Josh was involved in the design of Maine GearShare through committee and consulting work prior to joining the staff. He brings many years of experience in the outdoors, equipment rental operations, gear repair, and administrative management to his role as Executive Director.

What is your weirdest/most niche skill?
I am an expert-level pickle maker. It’s true.

Advancement Manager

Emily brings her background as an outdoor educator and Registered Maine Guide to her work as Advancement Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and an M.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education from UMaine Farmington, where she focused her research on the benefits of allowing young children to take risks. She lives in Portland and grew up on Matinicus Island, a childhood which lent itself to community activism, a can-do attitude, and a love of boats. Emily and her husband spend all of their spare time in the woods or on the water, asking each other the question “how about just one more mile?”

What is your oldest, favorite, or most trusted piece of gear?
This little metal cup that’s gone on all my overnight adventure for years. I’ve used it for campfire cooking, storing tiny treasures in kayak hatches, and catching spiders in tents.

Gear Technician

Maggie brings her lifelong love of sewing to her role as Gear Tech to repair anything you throw at her. She has a background in community-building and youth work at summer camps, after school programs, and as a youth minister, which has taught her the value of empowering people to do things they've never done before, especially adventuring outside. When she's not fixing zippers or packing sleeping bags at Maine Gear Share, you can find her making art as a printmaker at Pickwick Indie Press in Portland, or hiking, swimming, and skiing around Maine. 

What is your oldest, favorite, or most trusted piece of gear?

I've had the same backpack (an LL Bean Lily 18) for over ten years and it's been everywhere with me! 

Assistant Gear Technician

Bethany is currently attending Plymouth State University for a BS in Adventure Education, where she also works as the student manager of the Outdoor Center Gear Library. She grew up in Topsham Maine where she plans to stick around for a bit. If she’s not working somewhere she absolutely loves to paddle any type of watercraft and just enjoys doing things outside with friends. 

What is your favorite/oldest/trustiest piece of gear?
I have a pair of sunglasses that refuse to hit the can. They have been dropped, stepped on, shoved in the bottom of backpacks, and gone for multiple swims as seen in the photo).

Senior Leadership

Originally from Ohio, Topper has been working in the outdoor industry for 9+ years. From western ranches and bike shops to eastern institutions of higher education, Topper brings to Maine GearShare a strong moral belief that everyone should be outside more, and ideally be a dog.

Intern

Obie is just happy to be here.