MOUNTAIN TRAILS FOUNDATION

Lora Smith came to Park City in 2002 seeking a family-friendly, outdoor lifestyle. An avid outdoors person, she found her place in the community through trails. She spent years guiding and coaching for Team Sugar, Park City Nordic Ski Club, Young Riders and select outdoor adventure companies. She shares and fosters a love of the outdoors with people from all walks of life.

In 2012, Ms. Smith left a career in commercial real estate to pursue her passion in the nonprofit sector. She joined the team at Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) as the resource manager. In 2021, after an extensive search and interview process, the MTF board of directors tapped her as executive director.

Lora’s vision, leadership style and experience at the helm of the organization ensure that MTF’s legacy and its future are in capable hands. In addition to extensive knowledge of Park City’s trail system and its unique culture, she brings a distinctive skill-set in organizational leadership, grant-writing/fundraising, project management and people skills. During Lora’s tenure, MTF has quadrupled its budget. She continues to cultivate genuine, symbiotic relationships with donors, sponsors, grantors, local government, stakeholders and community leaders.

Lora graduated, summa cum laude, with a degree in communications and organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. She served two terms as an AmeriCorps Volunteer through the University of Utah’s Campus Compact. In 2015 she completed the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence at the University of Utah. In 2019 she graduated from the University of Utah’s School of Business Executive Leadership program. In 2021, Lora was elected to Leadership Park City Class 27 and is currently enjoying the camaraderie of classmates and fellow community leaders.

When she is not working, Lora can be found trail running, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, backpacking, writing and enjoying the company of her four grown sons.