Sorba Chattanooga, a nonprofit focused on trail access for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, has appointed Sunshine Loveless as its first-ever executive director, according to a news release.
Founded in 2003, Sorba has worked to expand Chattanooga’s trail network, taking it from 7 miles to over 167 miles within 30 minutes of downtown by the end of 2023, the release said. Previously an all-volunteer organization, Loveless’s appointment as the organization’s first full-time, paid executive director is a transformative milestone for the organization, Loveless said by phone.
“My leadership style is helping foster inclusivity, environmental stewardship and sustainable growth in Chattanooga’s trails,” Loveless said of their appointment. “And, I think just sort of serving as a passionate and consistent advocate will help Sorba be poised not only to continue its incredible work but also to evolve into a leading force in making Chattanooga a premier destination for mountain biking and outdoor recreation as a whole.”
(READ MORE: New trails coming to Rocky Face Ridge Park in Whitfield County)
A $50,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation enabled Sorba to initiate the hiring process for the executive director position, according to a June news release. Additionally, the foundation will match every dollar Sorba raises through the end of 2025, up to an additional $50,000, to support the position, the release said.
Professionally, Loveless has previously worked with Outdoor Chattanooga and is the founder of Outshine Adventures, an outdoor recreation company they run with partner Michelle Dunn-Loveless. It was a whitewater rafting trip on the Ocoee River that showed Loveless that outdoor recreation was not only a lifestyle but also a career opportunity, they said. As Sorba’s executive director, Loveless “will focus on enhancing community engagement, expanding volunteer opportunities, securing funding for trail initiatives and advancing Sorba Chattanooga’s vision of making mountain biking central to a healthy, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable community,” the release said.
(READ MORE: New multiuse trail system links Chattanooga to Cloudland Canyon State Park)
“Sunshine’s extensive experience and passion for outdoor recreation and community building make them a great choice to lead our organization into the next phase of growth,” Sorba board President Mike Gehard said in the release. “We are confident that Sorba Chattanooga will continue to thrive and make an even greater impact on our community under their leadership.”
There is not much course correction that needs to happen with Sorba as the organization has a strong foundation that has been built over the past two decades, and the job is to continue building upon that foundation, Loveless said.
“(I) really want to lean hard into community input, helping us figure out what we need to be doing for the community and not us dictating what we should be doing for the community,” they said, adding that this input would come before long-term strategic planning.
Personally, Loveless said they believe that outdoor spaces are healing spaces. If people have access to outdoor recreation, they are healthier and happier, and with greater access comes a healthier community, Loveless said.
Contact Sam Still at sstill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6579.