Who We Are

Trek for Trevor was formed to honor the life of Trevor “Microsoft” Laher who died on March 27, 2020 in his attempt to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail; a 2,652-mile trail which spans from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.

Mission & Vision Statements

Mission

We promote safe hiking and exploration through preparation, awareness and education.

Vision

We aspire to create a culture in which hikers are empowered to explore safely, ensuring that every adventure becomes a journey worth remembering.

Our Values

  • Safety: We celebrate the spirit of adventure, but prioritize safety above all else, ensuring that every hiker has the knowledge to return home unharmed.

  • Compassion: We will not judge - we approach our mission with compassion and empathy, recognizing that every hiker's journey, education, and knowledge is unique and deserving of support and understanding.

  • Courage: We celebrate courage in the face of adversity, inspiring hikers to “Hike Their Own Hike” and take ownership of their own self-interests and preservation of safety.

  • Collaboration: We prioritize the combined impact that collaboration with other stakeholder groups can have on our community, placing the benefit to the hiking community above the interests of the foundation.

  • Decision-making: We are committed to making a framework of decisions which represents the best interests of our community (even when unpopular), as a cornerstone of our commitment to the difficult decisions hikers must make every day while on Trail.

  • Respecting the Environment: We respect nature and the beauty it holds. We believe in the principle of “Leave no Trace”. Valuing wildlife and the environment reinforces safety.

  • Education: We are committed to the promotion of hiker safety and trail etiquette education as this is a requisite for safe recreation of the outdoors.

Hand drawn illustration of Trevor Laher out for a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail

“…I hope this experience was greater than anything that you could have ever imagined.”

Trevor (Microsoft) Laher

Meet the Team

  • Professional head shot of Doug Laher

    Douglas Laher

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Doug and his wife Karen are co-founders of Trek for Trevor. Doug is an experienced non-profit executive and oversees the administrative functions of the foundation.

  • Professional head shot of Dave Laher

    David Laher

    PRESIDENT

    Dave is retired with extensive non-profit experience serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way in Wooster, OH. He and his wife Marilyn enjoy retirement in Peoria, AZ.

  • Headshot of Russ Hepton while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

    Russ Hepton

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Russ is an award-winning Digital Product Designer and avid long-distance hiker. He lives in the Lake District in the UK. Russ thru-hiked the PCT in 2022.

  • Professional head shot of Joan Hazlett

    Joann Hazlett

    SECRETARY/TREASURER

    Joann is an Administrative Assistant at Oberlin College in Ohio. Joann worked closely with Trevor’s mother; Karen to start “Trevor’s 100 Day Trek” - a 100-day celebration of Trevor’s love of hiking.

  • Professional head shot of Brian Schneider

    Brian Schneider

    DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

    Brian Schneider is a banking analyst living in Olmsted Falls, OH. He is an avid cyclist who has cycled over 1,000 miles through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Most recently he spends time on the local disc golf courses.

  • Professional headshot of Chris Nelson

    Christopher Nelson

    DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

    Chris is a career non-profit executive serving in local, state and national United Way CEO roles for 42 years. His specializations include resource development, grant writing, public policy, crisis preparedness and response.

  • Sherry Babic

    DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

    Sherry is a Respiratory Therapist and friend of the Laher family. She serves on the Ohio Respiratory Care Board. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy visiting zoos, and exploring local parks.

Contact us