Board of Directors

A young man with short dark hair and a slight beard stands outdoors near a bridge structure. He is wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt and an orange, yellow, and navy blue puffer vest with the logo 'cotopaxi' on the chest. He is smiling slightly and looking at the camera.

President

Josh Carney

When I was four, my parents bought three acres on a lake in northern Wisconsin. Since then, I've felt more at home out in the open than under a roof. The vocational pinnacle of my outdoor aspirations happened when I was fortunate enough to work as a part-time park ranger in Cameron Park during graduate school. This experience made the opportunity to serve on the GTG board a no-brainer.

I currently serve as the chief of staff at the Waco Family Medicine Foundation. As a healthcare professional at an organization that strategically considers ways to help our community overcome the social determinants of health, I can't stress enough the importance of GTG's work.  

In my free time, I play ultimate frisbee, basketball, read, and mountain bike. My wife and I have taken our four children to more than twenty national parks and hope to visit all of them someday.  

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Treasurer

Steven Velasquez

I joined the board of directors for GTG Outdoors because I am devoted to the mental and physical health of underprivileged communities, which aligns with the mission of the company. As a healthcare professional, I have seen young children whose suffering was overwhelming. I connected with these children through sports, teaching them to play basketball and soccer, talking about their favorite sports teams, and seeing them experience momentary spurts of joy. I have seen how impactful it was for them to be outside, doing activities they loved. Interacting with children and watching them cherish their childhood gives me an indescribable feeling of complete fulfillment. As a director of GTG Outdoors, I get the privilege of contributing my perspective to an organization that values promoting individual well-being while nurturing family principles. The organization will have a mutual, meaningful impact on nature and the people in it.

Daniella Devries

I am a Baylor University and Calvin University alumni where I studied electrical and mechanical engineering. Through my background in engineering, I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry, where I’m driven by a passion for improving patients’ lives. It’s important to me that the work I do every day makes a meaningful impact. That same desire to make a difference is what drew me to GTG Outdoors. I first got involved with outdoor advocacy through the TEAMWaco Program, where I worked to support the mental health of athletes. During that time, I fell in love with being outdoors- whether I’m running, cycling, or just taking in nature, it’s where I feel grounded and inspired. I’m honored to be a part of the GTG Board of Directors and to support a mission that encourages kids and families to get outside, stay active, and live healthier lives.

Silvia Gallegos

I love supporting an organization that makes it possible for everyone to experience the outdoors. It’s also a great way to connect with nature, people, and a purpose bigger than myself

Brittany Needham-Arnold

Brittany brings a background in public health, research, and nonprofit program development, with a focus on expanding equitable access to outdoor recreation for women, children, and underserved communities.

She first partnered with GTG Outdoors through her MPH capstone, contributing to program evaluation and successful grant funding efforts. She also has experience supporting organizations focused on health equity, inclusion, and community well-being.

Originally from Washington State, her lifelong connection to the outdoors continues to shape her commitment to ensuring all people can experience its benefits. She supports GTG Outdoors through strategic planning, fundraising, and advocacy.

Jeffry Archer

My journey with GTG Outdoors began on the trail. After participating in three trips to Big Bend National Park and trekking the Eagle Rock Loop with GTG, I saw firsthand the transformative power of these shared adventures. These experiences solidified my belief in the importance of GTG’s mission to foster connection and resilience through the natural world, and I am honored to support that work as a member of the Board of Directors.

Professionally, I serve as the Dean of University Libraries, Museums, and the Press at Baylor University. I remain passionate about creating spaces for growth and community engagement. I believe that spending time in nature promotes a unique kind of self-awareness and confidence that is vital for individual well-being.

In my free time, I stay active through gravel road biking, swimming, and paddleboarding. I also enjoy photography and capturing the rugged beauty of the landscapes we explore