JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) Foundation announced today that Keegan Young, previously the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Mountain Club, will step into the role of Executive Director for the Foundation come Nov. 1.
Young and his wife Brooke will be relocating to Teton County from Golden, Colorado, in the coming weeks. Young will be the Foundation’s second Executive Director, filling the shoes of Stephanie Thomas who led the organization since its inception in 2010. Thomas announced her retirement in May, and Liz King is currently acting as the interim Executive Director.
“I am very excited to join the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation and continue its legacy as a best-in-class nonprofit supporter of a critical service in the community,” Young said. “Working alongside the Foundation staff, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office and the Search and Rescue volunteers, I am deeply committed to the organization’s mission as a volunteer first responder, an avid backcountry user and climber myself. I pledge to support and serve the organization, the staff, our partners and the community with energy, perseverance and creativity.”
According to the Foundation, Young brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit and complex public-private organizations to the role. Young started his career in nonprofit leadership as an accomplished fundraiser with the Tulsa Area United Way and the Tulsa Zoo. He served as Executive Director of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. from 2005 to 2011, gaining valuable experience in public-private partnerships, before joining the American Alpine Club, where he was responsible for Development and External Relations.
Young holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter in Golden.
“Keegan Young brings the right experience at the perfect time for the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation,” said Hugh O’Halloran, Foundation Board Chair. “His background, strategic approach and collaborative nature made him a natural choice as our Foundation continues to grow in sophistication and focus on our mission and the vital direct support we provide our Search and Rescue volunteers and our community through education and outreach. We are thrilled to welcome him to TCSARF and to Teton County.”
