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Sandra (Sandi) Marra, who has served as President and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) since July 2019, has announced her retirement. Her departure will take effect in January 2026, with Marra remaining in her role throughout 2025 to help ensure a smooth transition.
During her tenure, Marra expanded the Conservancy’s mission beyond routine trail maintenance. Under her leadership, the ATC increased efforts in landscape conservation, ecological restoration, and visitor use management.
The organization also strengthened relationships with partners and volunteers and increased its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. Notably, her work included support for key legislation such as the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, which has helped secure funding and protection for the trail system.
The ATC also weathered the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene under Marra’s leadership. Yet her tenure has not been without controversy. For instance, Marra oversaw the conservancy’s contentious acceptance of nearly $20 million from Mountain Valley Pipeline as part of a voluntary stewardship agreement.
Marra served on the ATC Board of Managers from 1999-2005 and played a significant role in leading the organization through its transition from Conference to Conservancy. Photo: ATC
Looking Ahead
ATC’s Board of Directors has indicated that a search committee will be formed to select her successor. The organization hopes the extended transition period will help maintain operational continuity and ensure that the priorities established under Marra’s leadership are sustained. Future leadership at ATC will likely continue to focus on preserving the quality of the trail environment and balancing conservation with the needs of trail users.
Marra has been an AT volunteer for over 40 years and first joined the ATC’s Board of Managers in 1999. Despite stepping back from her current role, she has indicated that her connection to the trail remains strong and that future hikers might meet her on the trail.
“All these years of volunteering, serving as the caretakers at Blackburn, then having the opportunity to come onboard in this leadership position; it is a true honor and a capstone experience after a lifetime of dedication to the Trail,” said Marra in a press release. “My husband and I are looking forward to traveling in our camper and having the time for me to continue to hike my AT hike — 1,200 miles and counting!”
For more details, refer to the full retirement press release available on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website.
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