BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jerry spent his career working as a naturalist, biologist and environmental scientist focused primarily on Ohio River water quality issues.  His love for the outdoors started as a young boy catching frogs and snakes and whatever moved in a rural-suburban environment.  Growing up in an out-door family, he spent many summers tent camping, fishing and hunting with his family members.  His passion for nature continues today as he takes every opportunity to help others understand and appreciate nature, our environment and learn from his passion and experiences.  

Jens Sutmoller is a public affairs consultant with over 15 years of experience guiding government, non-profit, and political organizations across Ohio. As the founder of JS Strategies, he has helped dozens of public institutions — including school districts, libraries, hospitals, mental health boards, and others — earn public trust and voter support for critical community initiatives.

Jens has led winning public affairs and levy campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels, representing a wide range of clients from statewide ballot issues and city governments to education and environmental organizations. The Cincinnati Enquirer featured Jens as “the most important man in local politics you’ve never heard of,” recognizing his behind-the-scenes leadership and impact on community success stories.

A graduate of Miami University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics, Jens lives in Walnut Hills with his two sons (Augie & Hugo), partner (Megan), and border terrier (Hachi).

I’m a lifelong adventurer with a deep love for the outdoors and for sharing it with others. I grew up exploring Cincinnati’s parks, rivers, and trails, and today you can still find me running along the Ohio River, swimming in open water, or hiking through Great Parks. My connection to Adventure Crew began with the Bill Keating Jr. Great Ohio River Swim, an event close to my heart and my family. Now, as a board member, I’m proud to help open the door to outdoor experiences for teens across our city.

Additionally, I work at The Kroger Co, serve as a Commissioner on Great Parks of Hamilton County Board and cheer on the Reds! I live in Mt Lookout with my partner, Doug, and our two greyhounds, Ranger & Pete.  See you on the trails! 

Ron Smith is a founding member of the Adventure Crew board, being asked personally by founder Denny McFadden to serve (when it was known as Outdoor Adventure Club). Ron was the original advisor for Robert A. Taft Information High School (Cincinnati Public Schools), a role he enjoyed for several years. Ron has always enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was camping when he was in Boy Scouts, being a summer camp counselor for several years, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, or just getting out on his vintage bike and riding a variety of road trails. Currently, teaching elementary school science and social studies, he can be found going out with The Crew on numerous weekends throughout the year.

I’m an outdoorsman and a river rat! I spent my childhood exploring the South River in Virginia, Buffalo Bayou in Houston and the mighty Mississippi in New Orleans, all within walking distance from my house. In high school I bought a canoe and took friends on paddles and overnight campouts on the Little Miami River. I still do that, and in retirement I enjoy sharing my love for the outdoors with our Adventure Crew teens!

My wife Greta and I live in Sycamore Township. See you outside!

Paula has been a leader at Humana Healthcare for over 17 years. As Senior Sales Manager, she leads a team responsible for growing and retaining Medicare plan membership and serves as the Wellbeing Lead for the Midwest region. With a deep passion for public health and sustainability, she brings extensive experience in building healthier, more connected communities.

Beyond her professional role, Paula finds great joy in mentoring young adults and has spent the past two decades inspiring and supporting youth. She has facilitated wellness programs for high school girls, helped launch a track team, and organized her children’s elementary school’s first-ever walkathon. As a soccer and volleyball coach, she has encouraged kids to embrace teamwork and an active lifestyle. Paula also served on the board of Children’s Hunger Alliance, championing initiatives to combat childhood hunger.

An adventurer at heart, Paula loves traveling the world, hiking, running, exploring national parks, trying new foods, and cheering at sporting events with her family and friends.  She brings to Adventure Crew her passion for exploration, her commitment to community, and her belief in the power of outdoor experiences to transform lives.

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Heather’s lifelong passion for connecting with the natural world through engaging outdoor adventures began early—at age eight, when she won a pony in a Name-The-Pony contest. Learning to ride and care for that pony sparked a deep love of horses and ensured a lasting enthusiasm for great  adventures in the outdoors.

Heather holds degrees in Biology (B.S.), Nutritional Science (M.S.), and Zoology (M.A.), which together reflect her dedication to understanding the living world and promoting healthy, sustainable communities.

Heather excels at planning, creating, and promoting immersive experiences that connect people to nature and to one another. This passion and skill set make her a strong asset to the Adventure Crew Board, where she has served as a trip leader, Board Member, and currently, Board Chair.

When she isn’t in Cincinnati, Heather and her husband Jeff can often be found traveling to visit their three active adult children or exploring new places around the world—continuing to learn, grow, and find inspiration in the beauty and wonder of our planet.

A retired Manufacturing Executive with a career rooted in the insulation and windows industry, I’m a proud University of Cincinnati Chemical Engineering graduate. My wife Michelle, also a UC grad, and I have had a wonderful life together raising two beautiful daughters and now enjoying four grandchildren.

In retirement, I’m active on the finance committee for Adventure Crew, following all UC athletics, exploring the outdoors through hiking and backpacking, snow skiing and fishing/boating. I also enjoy cooking and grilling for family and friends.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Alex has called Cincinnati home since 2012 and now lives in Newtown with her wife, Tara, their son Theo, and their two dogs, Mila and Lilo. With a background in communications and a master’s in Urban Sustainability, Alex has built a career rooted in education, sustainability, and community engagement. She currently leads the Sustainability Department at the University of Cincinnati and coordinates sustainability efforts for PigWorks.

Alex first connected with Adventure Crew through her work in sustainability and was immediately drawn to its mission of connecting teens to nature. As a board member, she brings a strong commitment to equity, outdoor access, and community building. She’s an avid adventurer who enjoys biking, backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing—and she’s especially happy anywhere near the ocean. Alex is excited to help shape Adventure Crew’s future and share the joy of the outdoors with the next generation.

Jeff Spanbauer is an award-winning entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in growing businesses, leading teams, and data-driven marketing. He co-founded Relevate Health, scaling it through four private equity-backed acquisitions and consistent double-digit growth. 

He is also an owner of two minor league baseball teams and serves on multiple boards, including Relevate Health, Revelocity Sports, Launchpad Vision, and True North. Jeff actively gives back as a volunteer board member for Adventure Crew, Man in the Mirror, and Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.

Jeff began his career at Procter & Gamble and Pfizer, holds a BS from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Illinois, and is passionate about culture-driven business success. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, outdoor activities, travel, and live sports.

Meredith Whitehead is a seasoned community development leader with over 15 years of experience driving equitable investment and advancing economic mobility. As the founder and CEO of The Cedric Group, she has led national and regional initiatives that build local capacity, foster collaboration, and expand pathways to opportunity.

Currently serving as Executive Director of Norwood Together, Meredith continues her commitment to creating thriving, inclusive communities through strategic development and resident-centered growth. A Leadership Ohio alum and proud University of Cincinnati Bearcat, she brings both vision and practical expertise to her work at the intersection of community, policy, and economic opportunity.