Big City Mountaineers (BCM), the nonprofit dedicated to providing transformative outdoor experiences for youth from disinvested communities, has appointed Elizabeth Williams as its next Executive Director. Her leadership comes at a time when BCM is building on several years of program growth, stronger partnerships, and expanded staff capacity.
Over the past several seasons, BCM’s momentum has been fueled by the people at its heart, a committed staff, passionate volunteers, and powerful youth agency partners. Together, they’ve brought more young people into the backcountry, strengthened a culture of care and inclusion on every trip, and proven just how transformative time in nature can be. Thanks to this community, BCM is poised to reach even more youth and deepen its impact in the years ahead.
As Big City Mountaineers looks forward to 2026, the organization remains deeply committed to expanding access to nature for the young people who benefit from it most. Elizabeth Williams will guide BCM into its next era of growth and innovation, advancing the organization’s work to foster youth development, belonging, and transformative outdoor experiences. She will also lead the implementation of BCM’s new three-year strategic plan, approved by the board of directors, which will shape the organization’s priorities and impact in the years to come.
Elizabeth Williams’ career in outdoor youth development began in 2008 as an intern with Big City Mountaineers. She steadily grew up through the organization, eventually leading all youth programs across the country. She departed after nearly a decade with BCM for new roles at Colorado Outward Bound School and SOS Outreach, where she gained valuable experience in organizational leadership and strategic growth.
“I’ve always believed in the power of the outdoors to transform lives,” said Williams. “For decades, I’ve been committed to bringing that belief to life and I can’t imagine a better way to continue that work than being back at Big City Mountaineers. Together, we’re ensuring that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to discover the confidence, connection, and perspective that time in nature provides.”
Elizabeth Williams will start her new role at Big City Mountaineers on January 12, 2026.
About Big City Mountaineers (BCM)
Big City Mountaineers is committed to providing transformative experiences through nature that strengthen life skills and build community for youth from disinvested communities. Working in partnership with community-based youth agencies, BCM identifies and breaks down material, social, and psychological barriers to outdoor access, helping program participants connect with themselves, their community, the natural world, and a deep sense of joy. BCM operates youth programs in five major metropolitan areas nationally: Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; and Seattle, WA.
To learn more, please visit bigcitymountaineers.org or follow BCM on the following social media platforms:
- Instagram | @big_city_mountaineers
- Facebook | @bigcitymountaineers
