![](https://highlands-trail.org/sites/default/files/styles/board_member_image_style/public/Josh%20Howard%20-%20staff%20-%202023.jpg?itok=2XmmSiEl)
Executive Director
Josh joined the Trail Conference in 2002 (as Josh Erdsneker) in the position of Volunteer Projects Director. He went on to serve as Director of Membership & Development before being named Deputy Executive Director in 2008. He was appointed COO in March 2019, and Executive Director in October the same year. Josh graduated in 2000 from the University of Miami with an MBA and concentrations in international business and leadership. He spent five years working for the University of Miami as a computer trainer and help desk administrator. The highlight of Josh’s outdoor adventures began on July 14, 2001, when, from atop Mount Katahdin in Maine, Josh embarked on a five-month and five-day southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. During his 2,168-mile odyssey, he rediscovered his passion for the outdoors. His experiences along the A.T. motivated him to become more involved in protecting and maintaining the trails and trail lands he had just hiked through. These days, Josh can be found enjoying hiking and trail running with his family.