WWA Staff

The WWA staff is a dedicated group of advocates for our winter wildlands with a wealth of credentials and experience regarding public lands and the environment. Their passion for WWA is fueled by their love of our winter wildlands, which they visit and enjoy.

Get to know the WWA team

Mark Menlove, Executive Director
Mark Menlove is a seasoned backcountry ski guide and outdoor writer. As the former president of the Utah Ski Association and its marketing company, Ski Utah, he led successful legislative, fundraising, promotional and membership campaigns. He also worked in communications positions with Park City Mountain Resort and the U.S. Ski Team and has served on numerous industry boards. He holds an MFA degree in Creative Writing and a BA degree in Mass Communications.

Forrest McCarthy, Public Lands Director
Forrest McCarthy has been a wilderness advocate and backcountry skier for more than 20 years. As Public Lands Director he couples his zest for backcountry skiing with his passion for conservation. Forrest received a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education from Prescott College and a Master's Degree in Geography from the University of Wyoming. He is a senior guide with Exum Mountain Guides and has led expeditions from Alaska’s Mount McKinley to the Central Plateau of Antarctica. Forrest served as a Teton County Planning Commissioner in Wyoming and is on the Board of the Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund. Before joining Winter Wildlands Alliance, he was the Jackson Hole Wildlands Organizer for the Wyoming Wilderness Association.

Lana Weber, Programs Director
Lana Weber brings a range of experience to Winter Wildlands Alliance, and has worked with various non-profits in overseeing organization, development, event coordination and promotional design. She is an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast and carries a commitment to our natural resources, conservation and the communities that surround them.

Shelley Pursell, Outreach and Events Coordinator
Shelley Pursell comes to Winter Wildlands Alliance after spending many years in the Tahoe Basin and traveling the world by boat, foot and bike. Her passions lie with the outdoors, whether skiing the backcountry, hiking or riding bikes down the Pan-American Highway. She has extensive experience putting together community events, directing her own non-profit, Pedal There, and working in the outdoor industry. As the Outreach and Events Coordinator, Shelley embodies the essence of Winter Wildlands Alliance. You might find her skiing through the downtown streets of Boise during snowy winter days and she’s still looking for the best gear rack for her blue Schwinn cruiser.