Friends of the Shawnee National Forest relies on its active board members who help shape the organization and make the National Forest better for everyone. Meet the board.
Retired Chairman & CEO of Jack Lewis Fine Jewelry and a dedicated community volunteer, John is originally from Marion and spends as much time as possible in Southernmost Illinois — also serving with Friends of Giant City, Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge, and the Shawnee Saunterers hiking group.
A lifelong outdoor enthusiast and small-business owner involved in Southern Illinois lodging and tourism since 2016, Steve joined the board in 2020. He loves Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock, but prefers exploring new creeks and hollers looking for bluffs, shelters, and arches.
Aur “da energy mon” Beck is a triple-NABCEP-certified solar pioneer, installing solar since 1999 with Advanced Energy Solutions. A founder of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association, he hosts the weekly radio show “Your Community Spirit.”
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Emily grew up paddling and hiking the Shawnee. She studies Outdoor Recreation at SIU and has spent over five years leading nature-based programs for camps, schools, and outdoor education centers.
A Southern Illinois native who grew up a short drive from the forest, David retired from Toyota in 2020 after a career spanning logistics, safety, and skilled maintenance. Board service brought him back to his childhood playground — the Shawnee.
Trish is the lead organizer of the Shawnee forest school, a homeschool group encouraging year-round risky play, stewardship, and observation of the natural world. You’ll usually find her paddling, walking in the woods, and sharing knowledge outdoors.
Appointed in November 2024, Rod spent 25 years in broadcasting — including seven as WSIL-TV’s 10 p.m. news anchor — before a career at SIU Carbondale. An experienced backpacker and Shawnee Saunterer, he believes proper stewardship is key to the forest’s survival.
