Beyond the Miles: The Ohio to Erie Trail’s Next Chapter
A president’s reflection on growth, Trail Towns, and the leadership moment ahead
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026.
I’m Tom Bilcze, President of the Ohio to Erie Trail. As I walked through Ariel-Foundation Park on the Heart of Ohio Trail, I wanted to share some news, upcoming changes, and opportunities for our trail and community.
As a trail leader, it’s hard not to reflect on how far this trail has come. The Ohio to Erie Trail has grown into something bigger than a diagonal line across the map of the state of Ohio. It’s a place for adventure, health, and well-being. It’s an escape. It’s where people bike, walk, think, reconnect, and sometimes even change life’s direction. It’s become a vital part of the communities it runs through.
Why Leadership Matters Now
Recently, our Board announced that we’re searching for our next full-time Executive Director, and I want to share a little about what’s behind that decision.
In my years of non-profit leadership, I’ve seen that the strongest organizations share three core pillars.
They provide a tangible benefit. In our case, it is a trail experience that creates a direct, meaningful connection between the outdoors and the people who visit us.
They are supported by a community that cares. Our trail brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including visitors, advocates, and local partners who all share a deep investment in our mission.
They are led by a passionate board and staff who see the organization’s mission as a vital part of their own lives. Our Board of Directors and Executive Director don’t just lead. They live the mission, working hands-on to ensure the trail remains a premier outdoors destination.
In mid-2025, our executive director decided to take a sabbatical at the end of 2025. That prompted the Board to reevaluate and restructure the role. With 92% of the trail now on trail, increased visits, new businesses, and strong community support, the work has grown beyond a part-time position.
Last year, during the trail’s year-end Board retreat, we took a step back and asked ourselves some honest questions. Where are we now? Where are we headed? And what do we need to get there?
One thing became clear: the trail has grown, and the role supporting it needs to grow too.
The position will become full-time, allowing the Executive Director to work closely with the Board, communities, businesses, and regional trail partners to implement our strategic goals.
Today, we’re at another pivotal moment in the trail’s evolution. While completing miles remains important, the work now extends well beyond the trail itself. This next chapter calls for leadership that understands growth brings new responsibilities and new opportunities for greater impact.
Guiding the Next Chapter
We’re seeking a leader who can turn vision into action. As the Board prioritized goals in our strategic plan, it became clear that the Executive Director plays a central role in moving ideas off the page and into real-world impact, across the trail, businesses, and communities that connect them.
This role requires an understanding that the work goes beyond building miles. After more than three decades of progress, the Ohio to Erie Trail has reached a turning point that calls for guiding partners toward completing the remaining 8% of the trail, strengthening connections, and fully realizing the trail’s potential to unite a broader community.
At the same time, this position must embrace a broad, evolving view of the trail, one that includes outdoor tourism, the outdoor economy, and helping communities fully embrace what it means to be a Trail Town. This person will work alongside local governments and businesses to strengthen amenities, foster a welcoming environment, and cultivate a shared sense of pride.
This leader must recognize the transformative power of trail–community partnerships. In central Ohio, MORPC’s Trail Town pilot along the Ohio to Erie Trail offers a promising model for broader impact. The Executive Director will guide the team in bringing these ideas to life in ways that resonate with communities across the state.
A Renewed View of the Trail
This is a moment of transformation for the Ohio to Erie Trail. It’s no longer about cycling or hiking on the trail from Cincinnati to Cleveland. It’s about everything you experience along the way. The people you meet. The places you stop. The stories that stick with you.
That’s the vision our Board holds, and that’s what we’re asking our next Executive Director to carry forward with passion and purpose.
If this speaks to you or to someone you know, I invite you to check out the job posting on our website and social channels, explore our strategic plan, and consider applying or sharing the opportunity.
Thanks for joining me on this walk today. Here’s to a great year ahead on the trail and beyond. Please take a few minutes to watch the video where I reflect and share the same thoughts.