Meet The Team

Staff

  • Community Education & Engagement Director

    melissa@thortrails.org

    Direct: (402) 327-1907

    Originally from Lincoln, I moved to Orlando, FL, for six years to work for Walt Disney World and earn a degree in Environmental Studies. I began mountain bike racing in Florida while battling 90% humidity and mosquitos. Believe it or not, there are a few sinkholes with hills around Orlando. I returned to Nebraska and continued working in the environmental industry before moving to sales and education. My husband, David, is my favorite riding partner. Our dream is to buy a Sprinter, travel to cool MTB destinations, ride and explore. We have three children in college. I grew up running competitively for South Lincoln Track Club, rollerskating, bicycling, and camping. I spent three months backpacking the Appalachian Trail and go backpacking any chance I get. I am passionate about growing and supporting the MTB community, good food, and sharing my love for the outdoors with anyone who will listen.  Our community is fantastic! Please feel free to contact me with any community & educational programming ideas! I look forward to seeing you out on the trail!

  • Executive Director

    jason@thortrails.org

    Direct: (402) 225-6564

    Jason Brummels, a THOR Board of Directors member from 2015 to 2021, transitioned into a new role in 2022 as THOR’s Executive Director. His professional journey, characterized by impactful entrepreneurial and executive roles in technology and retail, was always about more than just business- it has been about fostering a sense of community, a mission he continues to champion. Jason’s passion for mountain biking and drive to connect people with nature intersects with his diverse professional experiences as he leads the charge in developing trails across Nebraska and Western Iowa. Jason enjoys traveling, coffee, and mountain bike adventures with his wife and two daughters.

  • Marketing & Communications Director

    chris@thortrails.org

    Direct: (402) 225-0103

    Christopher is a seasoned graphic designer passionate about the outdoors and design. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of projects, including branding, web design, letterpress, and marketing. During his free time, he finds relaxation in mountain biking, quality time with family and friends, and fly fishing. For inquiries regarding communication or marketing, please feel free to contact Christopher.

  • Trail Services Director

    tim@thortrails.org

    Direct: (402) 327-1040

    I grew up in Missouri, where I developed a love for exploring the woods and camping. In high school, I moved to Bellevue, NE, and later attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for engineering. There, I worked as a backpacking instructor, Challenge Course Facilitator, and trip leader at Outdoor Adventures, helping others build their confidence and self-reliance in the outdoors. I was always fascinated by the bonds formed after spending a week in the wilderness with people. 

    After college, I started racing mountain bikes and began my career as a mechanical engineer. I spent nine years in manufacturing and project management, traveling worldwide and working as a liaison between customers and design engineers to ensure the best products for clients.

    It’s a privilege to combine my engineering experience with outdoor education to help others spend more time outdoors with my role at THOR.

  • Trail Crew Director

    eric@thortrails.org

    Growing up on a farm in Northeast Nebraska. I have enjoyed being on bikes since I was 3 years old. It has always brought me joy to ride in unconventional ways. As a young kid, I always found silly ways to catch air. I built sketchy ramps with bricks and plywood, jumped road ditches and started a small track in my backyard. Eventually, I was given access to a loader tractor and a pile of dirt. This is where my love of dirt jump building took off. I have been involved in the Nebraska freestyle BMX scene for over 20 years. I have loved mountain biking for just as long. It wasn’t until about 2015 or 2016 that I discovered THOR. I have been volunteering at various trails ever since. I am excited to be part of the THOR trail team building and maintaining rad trails that get people outside.

  • Trail Crew Lead

  • Jake Hamilton
    Mac Marousek
    Elliot Suing
    Chris Spargen
    James Puls