Purpose
The purpose of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation is to educate and empower individuals and communities through outdoor education, trail stewardship, and tourism advocacy along the Pinhoti Trail.
We provide in-person and digital learning experiences—including backpacking education, safety and preparedness training, school partnerships, and community events—that promote responsible outdoor recreation, trail sustainability, and the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
Through hands-on trail maintenance and conservation efforts, we help protect the Pinhoti Trail while strengthening the communities it connects by supporting trail-based tourism and local economic impact.
Meet Our Team
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Kimm Wright
“Crew-Hiker”
Executive DirectorAffectionately known as “Kimmhoti,” Kimm brings a strong background in banking, finance, event planning, and office management—skills that keep the PinX team running smoothly behind the scenes.
As the co-founder and owner of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, she is passionate about supporting hikers and creating spaces where the outdoor community can connect. She is also the founder and organizer of the annual Pinhoti Fest, an event that brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and trail advocates to celebrate and support the Pinhoti Trail.
In addition to her work on the trail, Kimm is an engaging speaker who shares practical tips, lessons learned, and real-world insights from both the business world and the hiking world. Her talks encourage audiences to think differently about leadership, resilience, community building, and balancing passion with purpose—whether that’s in the boardroom, on the trail, or somewhere in between.
Kimm serves on the Board of Directors for the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association. If there’s an opportunity to host an event, celebrate the trail, inspire others, or bring people together, you can bet she’s all in.
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Nathan Wright
“Switchback”
Chairman of the BoardNathan’s passion for serving hikers became a reality in 2019 when he co-founded the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, creating a welcoming space for those exploring the Pinhoti Trail. Whether he’s working directly with hikers or collaborating with state organizations to support the Pinhoti, Nathan is always looking for ways to strengthen and protect this incredible trail system.
He currently serves as President of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Vice President of the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Alabama Trails Commission.
An avid long-distance hiker, Nathan has completed both the Appalachian Trail and the Pinhoti Trail, with plans to take on the Benton MacKaye Trail, the Vermont Long Trail, and the Florida Trail in the future.
When he’s not on the trail, Nathan works as a professional project management consultant specializing in telecommunications and voice/data networks.
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Jeff Benefield
"JBen”
Board MemberJeff is an avid Backpacking and Outdoor Enthusiast and a talented Social Media content Creator. You can find his great videos on YouTube and Instagram @jbenhikes. His creative content includes recent adventures, gear testing and reviews. When He’s not spending time with his Family, or working as a sales professional, you’ll find him on an adventure. He is a Long Distance Section hiker including The Appalachian Trail and the Pinhoti Trail as well as has thru hiked the Unita High Trail. He has currently completed 600 miles on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 900 miler map.
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Jason Geise
“10 Buck Sherpa”
Board MemberJason is no stranger to adventure—whether it’s on the trail, on stage, or managing large-scale projects. A dedicated trail runner and long-distance hiker, he continues to push his limits by competing in ultra marathons and exploring new challenges in the outdoors.
His love for storytelling also extends to music, where he has released several original songs, blending his passion for adventure with his creative side.
Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Jason brings his leadership and problem-solving skills to his role as a Project Manager for TOPS Fiber. His ability to adapt, inspire, and tackle challenges head-on makes him a valuable part of the Pinhoti Experience Foundation team.
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Andy Miller
“Metro”
Board MemberKnown in the hiking community as "Metro On The Move," Andrew Miller is a dedicated trail ambassador for both the Appalachian and Pinhoti Trails. Andrew “Metro” is a long-distance Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker, outdoor influencer and content creator on YouTube. With two decades of experience in brand communications, Andrew has been instrumental in the Pinhoti Experience Foundation’s mission since 2021.
Through strategic social media campaigns and creative storytelling, he continues to grow the footprint of the Pinhoti Trail and its premier event, Pinhoti Fest.
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Brad Felton
“Crow”
Board MemberHiker extraordinaire, sleeps on the couch whenever he can. likes to do 3- 20 mile loop hikes for fun and uses an alter ego to do all the crazy things his granny told him he wasn’t allowed to do in public. Crow loves attacking Hawks mid flight, and dancing in the rain. His You-tube channel is entertaining and full of the adventures that no one else has time to go on. When crow isn’t hiking, he’s Batman.
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Tommy Akins
Board Member
By trade, Tommy serves as an executive officer in a technology driven firm and specializes in providing commercial solutions in the communication field. He brings a vast amount of management skills as well as an outside perspective to the table.Tommy, an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, loves spending time in various outdoor with his family and friends.