A native of Austin, Todd graduated from Austin High School and the University of Texas at Austin. After working several years in the commercial construction and insurance industries, he served four years on active duty as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He then served as Chief of Staff & Vice President of Corporate Relations at Strategic Forecasting, Inc. (Stratfor). Recalled to active duty military service in 2007, Todd served on a military transition team as an advisor to the Iraqi Army. Returning to Austin in 2008, Todd became Explore Austin’s President and CEO. Todd enjoys running, competing in triathlons, and any other outdoor activity. He has a personal commitment to the community’s youth and has coached little league baseball and Pop-Warner football for several years. Having attended several camps as a child, Todd joined Explore in an effort to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience first-hand all that the outdoors has to offer; regardless of their social, racial, or economic status. In addition to Explore Austin, Todd serves on the Board of Directors of Good Shepherd Episcopal School, the Seton Forum, the LBJ Future Forum, and is a member of the Greenlights for Non-Profit Success 501 Council. He is also an Austin Under 40 Finalist, a NOLS graduate and an Outward Bound instructor.
Mike is responsible for the integrity and operation of all financial, accounting, and compliance activities at Explore Austin, the non-profit that builds leaders through mentoring and outdoor adventure in Austin’s underserved youth. As the former Director of Operations, many of Explore Austin’s operational management duties remain under his purview. Mike joined Explore Austin from the management consulting industry where he found success and significance in both sales and operating functions. An entrepreneur at his core, Mike is challenged by the task of taking Explore Austin to the next level.
In 2009, Mike earned his MBA from the Acton School of Business, a Princeton Review Top-Five MBA Program 6 years running. Before entering Acton’s grueling entrepreneurship program, Mike served as a Senior Sales Consultant and Executive Coach at Culture ROI, a management consultancy in San Francisco. Early in his professional career, Mike’s love for the outdoors led him to launch Climb On Adventures, an adventure guide service specializing in father/son excursions. During one such excursion, Mike ascended one of the world’s “Seven Summits” Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Mike and his beautiful wife Christin were married in 2005 and have an adorable daughter Salem, who was born in late 2009.As outdoor enthusiasts, they both enjoy doing just about anything outside. Mike was raised in Austin by loving parents, and mentored by successful men full of integrity, intelligence, and drive. Mike’s decision to work with youth began as early as 5th grade, volunteering in a kindergarden class as an assistant. This trend carried through High School via PALS leadership and Young Life ministry throughout College. Mike has also taught in a private school and coached flag football for three years. Mike is honored to give back by working with Explore Austin to build leaders in Austin’s inner-city youth using outdoor adventure and mentorship.
Robbie Jane Paup is our Director of Marketing and Communications, and she joined the Explore Austin team in April of 2010. Robbie Jane is also responsible for coordinating our special events and fundraisers for Explore Austin. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2007, Robbie Jane moved to Colorado for 2 years to manage Vail Sports at the base of Vail mountain. She served on the founding leadership team for Vail Valley Young Life and was a freelance writer for the Vail Daily newspaper. Aside from Texas and Colorado, Robbie Jane has also lived in New York and Spain, and she has backpacked through 8 different countries. Robbie Jane has always been passionate about reaching out to children in need. She has served as a volunteer and raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children, Cook Children’s Medical Center, and Invisible Children. Robbie Jane is also an active member of the Young Women’s Alliance, Seton Forum, and All Saints Presbyterian Church.
As Explore Austin’s Program Director, Gergo is responsible for the planning and execution of all of our activities. From logistics to communication with Explorers, parents, and mentors, Gergo makes sure that all Explore Austin events are organized, safe, and effective. Gergo graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Exercise Sport Science and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Recreation Administration. Prior to working with Explore Austin, Gergo has worked for the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Expedition School, and the Austin Rock Gym leading teams and designing experiential education programs. Gergo is an avid rock climber, runner, and outdoor enthusiast who has competed in several ultra marathons, climbed Mount Rainier and Mount Whitney, and has competed in several triathlons. He is EMT certified, is a Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, and is a certified personal trainer.
Shelley is responsible for Explore Austin’s fundraising operations, including major gifts development, corporate and foundation relations. Prior to joining Explore Austin, Shelley facilitated millions of dollars of contributions and thousands of volunteer hours towards improving community conditions with the local United Way’s in both Austin and San Francisco.
Shelley’s dedication to serving youth began in her teens and includes experience as a youth crisis shelter counselor, student health advocate, camp counselor and program director for a therapeutic wilderness camp. Shelley grew up in Georgia, where her love for the outdoors took shape. She can’t imagine a better way to prepare the next generation of Austinites than to join them with amazing mentors in nature’s classroom.
Claire Nelson has recently joined the Explore Austin team as the Girls’ Program Manager in order to organize and execute this exciting new Chapter at Explore Austin. Claire has been involved in wilderness activities for youth beginning in 7th grade, when she embarked on her first backpacking trip in the hills of West Virginia. Inspired by her experience and the positive impact it had on her own life, Claire pursued a degree in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College and devoted the next several years to the facilitation and management of wilderness programs for youths and adults. Claire has worked for guiding and facilitation companies around the country, from California to Maine. She also spent two seasons in the High Sierra of California as a Wildland Firefighter. Claire moved to Austin in 2009, and after learning of Explore Austin felt determined to be a part of the program. She believes that the combination of mentoring and the challenges and joys of wilderness experiences is about as powerful a medium as one can get. Claire feels honored to be a part of the Explore Austin community.
Claire has also personally experienced the longevity of impact that mentors provide. She has been deeply inspired by strong and able women in the outdoor industry and still looks back to those experiences with those women to guide what she does today.
©2011 Explore Austin