About Us

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Tricia began her journey with National Park Partners in 2016, when she became executive director of the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Soon after, she led the consolidation of FOCCNMP with the Friends of Moccasin Bend which created the new National Park Partners brand in 2018. Prior to joining the community of national park friends groups, Tricia worked for nearly a decade in land protection and non-profit management. She opened the Chattanooga office of The Land Trust for Tennessee in 2007, leading the protection of nearly 10,000 acres in just five years as regional project manager; Tricia then transitioned to development director of the Lula Lake Land Trust, where she oversaw more than three years of steady organizational growth.

Tricia's experience includes working for the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County as a grants and special projects manager for parks and greenways, economic development, and other local government initiatives. She previously taught as adjunct faculty at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in both Environmental Science and Political Science. She holds a M.S. in International Affairs from Georgia Tech, and a B.S. in Applied Economics from the College of Agriculture at Cornell University. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, practicing yoga, and building community, one conversation at a time.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT + EDUCATION

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Jennifer Crutchfield is a Chattanooga native, parent, writer, and community educator. Author of Chattanooga Landmarks, she is committed to connecting kids, community, and success in learning with Chattanooga history. Jennifer manages special projects for National Park Partners focused on educational outreach and community engagement.

DIRECTOR OF LAND PRESERVATION + RESTORATION

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Sarah O'Rear is a Chattanooga native whose education and experience have taken her from Kentucky to Belize and back to Chattanooga. She has almost 20 years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, previously working for The Nature Conservancy and most recently serving as the Director of Stewardship for The Land Trust for Tennessee. Sarah has a B.S. in Natural Resources with a minor in Environmental Studies from Sewanee: The University of the South. She loves hiking, traveling, weekend adventures with her husband & daughter, and eating Mexican food at least three times a week. Sarah oversees all aspects of the lands owned by National Park Partners.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

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Clay Aldridge made Chattanooga his home over a decade ago after falling in love with the city’s unique proximity to beautiful natural places. Artist and nonprofit administration wizard, Clay holds a BFA in Media Arts from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and a Certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits from Cornell University. An avid volunteer, Clay leads free urban birding workshops with the intention of connecting folks to the wildlife living all around them. He is committed to preserving our natural world, and connecting it with our communities through public engagement and artistic practice.