LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – For months, staff members of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) have been resigning from their positions, along with some board members, leaving many concerned about the direction of the beloved organization.

On Friday, the association leadership announced they have appointed Sam Donnelly as its acting executive director, effective October 1.

“Sam brings a wealth of experience to this role from his service as TRTA’s Director of Trail Operations,” said Board President Mary Bennington. “His deep knowledge of the trail system, his close working relationships with our staff and volunteers, and his firsthand understanding of our programs position him exceptionally well to lead the organization with continuity and confidence during this period of transition.”

In his August 2026 resignation letter, board member Rishi Batra said, “Beginning in May of this year, I received unsolicited formal complaints from several staff members describing a workplace culture of fear, inconsistent and inequitable treatment, and an executive director who had lost the confidence of the people she was supposed to lead.”

Interim TRTA Board President Anna Lijphart resigned in September, TRTA Board Secretary Dori King resigned shortly after.

Employees who left over the last few months spoke with South Tahoe Now about the organization they were passionate about, but concerned on the direction it was taking. They left not only because of leadership, but also what they felt was a board of directors that wasn’t taking appropriate actions for the good of TRTA.

In the announcement, Bennington said Lindsey Schultz is no longer serving as the organization’s Executive Director.

“Over her years with TRTA, Lindsey demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for the trail and the community it serves. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Bennington.

The TRT is a continuous, roughly 165- to 171-mile single-track loop that circumnavigates the Lake Tahoe Basin through California and Nevada.