Board of Directors
Pete Carter
President and Snow Machine Club Liason
Pete grew up in the Canadian Rockies, spent a decade exploring New Zealand, and has been in Alaska since 1998. He’s also the founder of the Alaska Avalanche Information Center! He always knows what phase the moon is in, loves the rain, and finds his happy place on the Sound.
Benjamin Rush
Vice President and PWSC Liaison
Benjamin came to Valdez in 2019 as the professor for the Outdoor Leadership program at Prince William Sound College, and has a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Risk Management. Prior to moving to Valdez he was a professor at Northern Vermont University in the Outdoor Education, Leadership and Tourism Department for 4 years. While there he served on boards for The Outing Club, and the Lyndon Town Walk and Fitness Committee. Before Vermont, he was living and working in Taiwan and developing outdoor programs in different universities and colleges in Asia. He has a deep and international perspective on outdoors.
Robbin Capers
Secretary and Event Coordinator
Robbin grew up way down south and headed far north and west in 2010. She does more trailbuilding than hiking these days and loves a nice view and being on the water, whether in liquid or crystalline form. Robbin has an ecology background and loves the frequent wildlife encounters and observations she gets to make in Valdez.
Carla Sparks
Carla has lived in Alaska for 45 years, and in Valdez for 18. Carla has spent most of her free time outdoors her whole life. She got involved with VAA because we were “visibly doing great things here in Valdez,” which fits with her goal of working for the betterment of her community.
Whitney Root
Whitney's love of travel and adventure first brought her to Alaska in 2001. Wandering around the state only deepened her appreciation for the Far North, and she would eventually spend several seasons as a park ranger in Gates of the Arctic National Park. She now spends part of her time in Valdez and part travelling the Lower 48. Her favorite activities include hiking, travel, photography, and volunteering.
Karen Ables
Community Business Representative
Karen has lived in Valdez more than 30 years and has owned and operated The Fat Mermaid for more than 12 years, among other businesses. She has also served two terms on the Valdez City Council. She “believe[s] strongly in the mission of Valdez Adventure Alliance. I am proud of the economic and other benefits this organization brings to our community. I am always happy to support such a vital non-profit in any way I can.”