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Meet the Board of Directors
 Judy Acquaro
Passion for Trails: I have children and we live in a
neighborhood that is fairly secluded from the businesses of
Fort Wayne. Having more trails would provide extra mobility
for us, especially for the children. Trails also promote
exercise for people of all ages. Our country faces a growing
concern for overweight children, and trails would integrate
exercise into their daily lives. Trails are good for the
elderly, too. We have elderly people in our neighborhood,
and trails would allow them to move about more, not just
biking or walking around in circles. Access to trails makes
our community safer, as well. It is too dangerous for people
to bike or walk the busy roads that we have around our
neighborhoods. I look forward to the big change a good trail
system will provide for us in this growing area.
Bio: Judy Acquaro was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she
had a wide range of job experiences. She spent time as a
teacher of English as a Second Language in the elementary
schools, worked in the reservations department for an
airline, and had many years experience as a travel agent.
She met her husband in Mexico while he was attending medical
school. After they married, they remained in Mexico for two
years. The couple lived in various places in the United
States while her husband worked in clinics and completed his
doctor’s residency. Among the places they have lived are
Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Chicago. They came to Fort Wayne in
1989 when her husband was recruited by St. Joe Hospital.
Judy currently works part time in her husband’s office. (He
is an internist with his own private practice now.) Judy
works on accounting and other office management needs. In
the past, she has served on the board of SCAN, as well as on
the Medical Alliance Board. She is now involved in the PTC
at Homestead High School where her two children, daughter
Gabrielle, 16, and son Dominick, 15, are students. Judy
loves to read and travel—a lot! She travels “all over” and
also likes to make jewelry. Another big interest of hers is
studying languages. She is or has been fluent in four
languages—German, French, Spanish and English.
 Jim Coplen
Business Manager, Southwest Allen County Schools
Passion for Trails: Although I am a part of the Aboite New
Trails Board through the Superintendent's appointment, I
have been an avid cyclist for several years. In fact, one of
my greatest life achievements was when my wife and I
completed a one-day, 100-mile bike tour. We understand the
importance of physical fitness and are interested in using
the trails for walking, jogging and casual bicycling.
Bio: Jim Coplen was born and raised in nearby Warsaw,
Indiana, earning a BS degree in Accounting from Manchester
College in North Manchester, Indiana. Upon graduation he
worked for nine years as an auditor of governmental agencies
for the State of Indiana and has since worked in School
Corporations managing business operations (3½ years at Peru
Community Schools and nine years at Southwest Allen County).
He is a member of the Indiana Association of School Business
Officials and serves as Treasurer for both the Southwest
Allen County Education Foundation and Aboite Baptist Church.
He and his wife, Lesa, have two children.
 Leslie Ferguson
Consultant, Leslie Ferguson Communications, Inc.
Public Relations Chairperson, Aboite New Trails
Passion for Trails: Having lived in areas where the greater
outdoors and fitness are a way of life for individuals of
all ages, races, and walks of life, I see how a trail system
can profoundly and positively impact a community – for
safety, for the economy, for fitness, for a way of life. And
I wish the same for Fort Wayne. Families in Fort Wayne (as
with most Midwest cities) are confined to their cars,
contributing to obesity, laziness, and pollution problems.
If we can build a trail system that provides opportunities
for alternative transportation to shopping, activities, and
outdoor recreation, we could improve our community and our
way of life.
Bio: Born in Fort Rucker, Alabama, Leslie Ferguson earned a
BA in Advertising/Marketing from Indiana University and has
over 11 years’ marketing and public relations experience
with companies in Denver, Minneapolis, and Fort Wayne. Prior
to moving to Fort Wayne, Leslie served as a Marketing
Associate for the Denver Broncos, as an Account Manager and
Supervisor for two top 100 Public Relations firms, and spent
eight years in the U.S. Army as a Public Affairs and
Ammunitions Officer. Her military experience included stints
in Korea, Bosnia, Croatia, Central Europe and Colorado, to
name a few. Since living in Fort Wayne she has started
Leslie Ferguson Communications, Inc., providing
communications/public relations consultation for area
businesses. She is active in the local community and
supports area non-profits through volunteer efforts,
including the YMCA, Arts United, the Museum of Art, and Aboite New Trails. She and her husband, John, have three
children.
Bill Hartman
Acting Director of the Allen County Highway Department
Passion for Trails: I believe that the creation of a trail
system in a community helps the welfare of its residents. A
well-developed trail system also has great influence for
attracting new people and businesses to the area. I feel
that an essential part of our plan is the continuity of the
trails, so that they interconnect with other trails around
the area. It is also important that our trails lead to
places of interest so people get a lot of use from them. I
sense that we are part of something big here; there is quite
a future in connecting our trails with other regions where
there are similar trail systems. I am glad that we are
getting on board with others who are doing the same thing.
We are on the ground level, building a foundation for a
multi-use transportation system to benefit the whole state.
Bio: A native of Huntington, Indiana, Bill Hartman earned a
Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology from Indiana
University-Purdue University in Fort Wayne. In 1975, Bill
moved to Fort Wayne as a result of being employed by Allen
County. He started out as a draftsman and estimator of roads
and bridges. His current position is Acting Director of the
Highway Department of Allen County. Bill enjoys hunting and
fishing. He is also talented in home improvement, having
remodeled a house (out of necessity, he says). Bill has a
daughter who teaches English at Northrop High School and a
son who works in the service department of Wal-Mart. He also
has a six-year old grandson.
 Gail Herendeen
Secretary of the Board, Aboite New Trails
Passion for Trails: My husband Tom I had the pleasure of
living in Indianapolis when the Monon trail was continued
just a few blocks from our home. We were able to see the
many benefits trails bring to surrounding families and
businesses. We then lived in New Orleans for one year prior
to moving to Fort Wayne and again enjoyed the ability to
walk to parks, restaurants, shops, museums and even grocery
stores. After being spoiled by the Monon in Indianapolis and
then by the pedestrian-friendly city of New Orleans, I found
it difficult and frustrating that sidewalks and trails are
few in Southwest Allen County. After the playground (Three
Rivers Junction) was constructed in 2001, it became apparent
that Aboite has some great attractions with no
pedestrian-friendly way to get to them. I want my family to
have the option of riding bikes to the playground…walking to
the grocery store… rollerblading to the swimming pool. I
want my husband to have safer routes to get to where he can
cycle. I want Fort Wayne to be an attractive and competitive
city so my children may consider it when they are raising a
family. I feel trails are an important part of that.
Bio: A native of West Lafayette, Indiana (where they
recently built a great network of trails, by the way!), Gail Herendeen earned a BS in Occupational Therapy from Indiana
University, attending both campuses in Bloomington and the
IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Following graduation,
Gail remained in Indianapolis and joined the Indiana Hand
Center as both a Hand and Upper Extremity Therapist and as
its Marketing Director. Gail is dedicated to the Fort Wayne
community and dedicates her time and talent to numerous
community organizations and projects. Namely, Gail was one
of three general coordinators for the community-built Three
Rivers Junction Playground located in Indian Trails Park off
of Aboite Center Road. The project was funded by individual
donations, corporate gifts, local grants and grass roots
fundraisers and was constructed in just 6 days with the help
of 2,000 volunteers. Gail and her husband, Tom, a former
competitive cyclist and current recreational cyclist, have
four children.
 Bob Kennedy
Deputy Director of Public Works and City Utilities
Passion for Trails: My passion for trails began last year
when working closely with Jack Stark, previous greenway
coordinator (volunteer). Jack did an excellent job
evaluating the current river greenway system in Ft. Wayne
and developing a comprehensive study of needed improvements.
Public Works will play a major role in making the needed
improvements to the existing system and helping build &
connect the river greenway to the outlying trail systems
that will ultimately connect over 80 miles of trails. Mayor
Graham Richard has committed $2 million dollars over the
next 4 years to help transform our city into a city of
trails and connectivity. Public Works will partner with the
Park Department in this venture.
Bio:
Bob Kennedy is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and a
longtime dedicated employee of the City of Fort Wayne,
having served in various positions within the City for more
than 20 years. Past positions include Street Commissioner,
Chairman of the Board of Public Works, and his current
position of Deputy Director of Public Works and Utilities, a
position he has held since August, 2004. Bob is also a
certified Black Belt in Six Sigma, which is a management
tool that started with Jack Welch at General Electric. Six
Sigma is being used all over the world using statistical
data for quality improvements in work processes. His current
position with Public Works and City Utilities provides him
an annual budget of nearly $100 million, which along with
the 500 employees that report to him, he manages and
controls Street Dept., Water Dept., Water Pollution Control
Maintenance and Water Pollution Control Plant, Water
Filtration Plant, Right of Way, General Accounting, Planning
& Design Services, Graphic Information Systems, Board of
Works, City Engineering, Fleet Management, Flood Control,
and Traffic & Transportation Engineering. Bob lives in
Aboite with his wife and daughter.
 Barbara J. Krisher
Aboite Township Trustee
Passion for Trails: Trails will offer everyone in Aboite
Township the opportunity for exercise and independence. Our
sense of community will grow with each completed portion, as
we all work together to make our trails a reality. It’s
thrilling to see the progress the Township has made in the
areas of trails in the past two years. I look forward to
seeing it all come together.
Bio: Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Barbara Krisher has
been a Fort Wayne resident for many years. She earned a BS
in education from the University of Cincinnati and an MS in
Education from Indiana University, and spent nine years
teaching before entering the public service sector.
Barbara's public service career spans two decades. She has
served as the Aboite Township trustee since 1991, and in
various other political leadership roles with a variety of
organizations in Allen County and Aboite Township, including
the Aboite Township Park District Advisory Board, AAUW,
League of Women Voters, and the Allen County Republican
Women’s Club. In addition, Barbara has served as the
Republican Precinct Committeeman; as the Vice-Chairman,
Third District, Member, Republican State Committee; on the
Allen County Republican Executive Committee; on the Allen
County Sewer Board; and is currently a member of the Allen
County Planning Commission. She has a passion for the local
arts scene and has been a volunteer usher for the Embassy
Theatre since 1985. She has two adult sons.
 Arthur E. (“Art”) Mandelbaum
Attorney, Carson Boxberger LLP
Passion for Trails: After cycling competitively in college
and taking up running in recent years, I understand the
safety concerns of non-motorized users of our thoroughfares.
My understanding of the danger of using roads for running
and cycling became more acute when I lost a friend who was
tragically struck and killed while cycling on roads in Allen
County. By adding trails, I hope and expect that injuries
and deaths from accidents between cars and runner or
cyclists can be avoided.
Bio: Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Art Mandelbaum graduated
from Indiana University with a BA and a JD. He moved to Fort
Wayne upon graduation and joined Carson Boxberger LLP
Attorneys at Law, where he has remained since. In 1996, he
earned Partner and focuses in the corporate, business and
real estate section of the firm. In addition, Art is
President and Co-owner, with Barbara Baekgaard, of Baekgaard
Ltd., a men’s gift importer/manufacturer and distributor.
Art is active in the Fort Wayne community and has served in
leadership positions with several area non-profit
organizations, including the Fort Wayne Sports Corporation,
the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Leadership Prayer Breakfast, the Woodson/Fabini Foundation,
Junior Achievement, the Vera Bradley Foundation, and Aboite
New Trails. He and his wife Jennifer have three children.
 Dr. Scott Miller
President, Opthalmology Consultants
Passion for Trails: I enjoy endless outdoor activities and
feel that the proposed trail system will go a long way
toward enhancing the quality of life in the Fort Wayne area.
It will provide a way for the young and young at heart to
travel safely to various destinations in the area despite
increasing auto traffic. It will encourage physical
activity, and in turn help counteract the obesity epidemic
that threatens to overtake our healthcare system.
Bio: A Fort Wayne native and South Side High School
graduate, Scott Miller earned both his Bachelor’s and
Medical degrees from Indiana University. Upon completing his
residency with IU, he founded Opthamology Consultants in
Fort Wayne, where he has remained President since 1983. He
is a former President of the Fort Wayne Medical Society,
former President of the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology,
and has served on numerous medical and community-related
Boards, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Lutheran
Homes. He is currently a Board Member with Medpartners, the
Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and is the Co-founder of the
Matt 25 Diabetic Eye clinic. He and his wife, Susan, have
three sons.
 Lynn Reecer
President of the Board, Aboite New Trails
Passion for Trails: After researching pedestrian trail
systems in cities across the US for three years now, I am
thoroughly convinced that there is no other single
improvement that the city of Ft. Wayne and Allen County
could make that would resolve or remedy so many of our
community's problems. Investing in multi-use trails along
all of our main roads and linking residents of all ages to
most destinations by foot, bike, etc., would transform our
community from a hard-sell to outsiders, to one that’s
greatly desirable and attractive. At the same time, these
trails would drastically improve the quality of life for
those of us who already call Fort Wayne our home.
Bio: Lynn Reecer is a Dayton, Ohio native and a graduate of
Indiana University’s School of Business, earning a BS in
Marketing. She served as a Xerox Sales Account Manager for
seven years in four different States, achieving President’s
Club (top 10%) for most of those years. Her dedication to
the Fort Wayne community is evident in her volunteer efforts
in the education arena, having spearheaded the $80,000
fundraising drive for Fairfield Elementary School and its
new playground, as well as volunteering countless hours to
Southwest Allen County Schools for 10 years. Lynn’s passion
for trails and improving the lives of Fort Wayne residents
led her to co-found Aboite New Trails in 2001. She and her
husband Mark have three children.
 Jane Schmitt
Treasurer of the Board, Aboite New Trails
Passion for Trails: I see the development of trails in and
around Ft. Wayne an essential part of the needs of our
community. It will enhance the quality of life and provide
all an opportunity to explore different areas of Ft. Wayne.
Bio: Jane Schmitt is a Belleville, Illinois native and a
graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where
she earned a BS degree in Education. Her professional
experience includes Trust Officer for Aurora National Bank
in Aurora, Illinois, and a Probate and Tax Paralegal for
Hopkins & Sutter law firm in Chicago. Jane’s commitment to
her community is apparent in her volunteer efforts, which
have focused primarily on education and youth organizations,
including serving as President of Deer Ridge Parent Teacher
Club, Treasurer of Woodside Parent Teacher Club, Treasurer
of Boy Scout Troop 333, as well as having worked on
fundraising auctions for Concordia Lutheran High School and
the Anthony Wayne Area Council for Boy Scouts. She and her
husband, Greg, have twin boys in college.
 Stephanie Schultz
Passion for Trails: I want residents of our area to have
options to walk or bike somewhere besides in their
cul-de-sacs. I hope to see families out walking & biking
together on these trails, experiencing the community in a
way other than in our cars. Eventually people will think of
destinations a short distance away as somewhere we routinely
walk or bike rather than depending on the car to get there.
It will change our community.
Bio: Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Stephanie Schultz
has been a Fort Wayne resident and local trails advocate
since 1997. She earned her BA from University of Tennessee
and her MBA from Central Michigan University, and her
professional experience includes tenures as a Business
Manager for a radiology practice in Wyoming and for an
environmental services lab in Michigan, as well as serving
as a pharmaceutical sales representative in Fort Wayne. A
published author, Stephanie has written a children’s book
for Mike’s Carwash, which was used for promotional purposes.
She is actively involved in the community, having served as
a Girl Scout Leader for five years, on the Steering
Committee for the Three Rivers Junction Playground project,
and as President of the Greenway Consortium, advocating for
greenways and trails throughout the city. She and her
husband, Grant, have two daughters.
Gregg Walbridge
President, Southwest Development Group
Passion for Trails: My passion for trails comes from
developing neighborhoods that enhance the quality of life.
As part of this goal we began developing trails in a number
of our communities and continue to do so.
Bio: Gregg Walbridge is a Fort Wayne native and a graduate
of Purdue University with a degree in Construction
Engineering. Upon graduation, Gregg spent 15 years in
project management and development of residential housing
projects, and commercial and industrial construction. He
then served for ten years as President of National Serv-all,
a
solid waste management company, before founding Southwest
Development Group. Committed to the community where he
lives, works and owns a business, Gregg is active in area
non-profits, including holding leadership positions with
Canterbury School, the Masonic Learning Center, 431
Foundation, the Scottish Rite, and now Aboite New Trails. He
and his wife, Susan, have four children.
 William A. Zielke
VP, Marketing & International Development, Do It Best
Corporation
Vice President, Aboite New Trails
Passion for Trails: I'm excited about and committed to the
trails project for so many reasons - I can think of no other
SINGLE initiative that can, at one time, have such a
positive impact on health and fitness, property values,
pedestrian and cyclist safety, energy conservation,
community connectivity and general overall quality of life
for a community. A robust system of multi-use trails is a
common element in nearly every community that has been
listed as “one of the best places to live". I want this for
Fort Wayne.
Bio: A Chicago native, Bill Zielke earned his BA from
Northern Illinois University and subsequently spent 30 years
in the Telecommunications industry, primarily in leadership
positions with Contel of Indiana, Contel of Illinois, and
GTE North. He has been in his current position as Vice
President of Marketing & International Development with Do
It Best for seven years. Dedicated to the communities in
which he lives and works, Bill has volunteered for many area
non-profit organizations and projects, including having
served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the
Greater Fort Wayne Chamber Of Commerce; the Chairman of the
annual fundraising campaign and Chairman of the Board of the
United Way; Chairman of the Indiana Telephone Association;
Board member of Junior Achievement, Co-chair (with wife,
Pam) of the Capital Campaign for the YWCA; and is currently
a Board Member of Lutheran Hospital. Bill is an active
outdoor enthusiast, as is his wife, Pam, and their two adult
children. His son, John, recently completed a cross-country
bike trek from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C.
Lori Keys
Executive Director, Aboite New Trails (ANT)
Passion for Trails:
Trails bridge together all of my major passions: health and
wellness, experiencing the outdoors, environmental
conservation, and livable communities. Trails link people
with each other and with their natural surroundings. I see
the development of trails as “social capital.” When walking
on a trail, people smile at one another and greet their
neighbors. I have seen trails serve as catalysts that turn
neighborhoods into more desirable places to live. When
looking for a place to call home, I consider bike and
pedestrian access as one of my top criteria. Being able to
take a walk anytime I want to creates a feeling that is very
comforting to my well-being. I can connect with nature,
relax, and reenergize. Even if I can take just a five-minute
walk in the morning, I know that I am able to have a better
day. Bio: Lori
Keys was born in Munster, Indiana. A Dean’s List graduate of
Indiana University in Bloomington with a Bachelors of
Science degree in Environmental Science, Lori began her
trails career with the Indianapolis Parks Greenway, where
she worked her way from Intern to Project Manager in four
years. In her role as Indianapolis Parks Greenway Project
Manager, Lori was responsible for planning, developing, and
maintaining multi-million dollar greenway projects, which
spanned over 65 miles of multi-use trails and green space.
She also helped procure $1.5 million in funding and
partnerships for the Indy greenway projects. In January
2006, Lori moved to Fort Wayne to assume the role of Aboite
New Trails, Inc.’s first Executive Director. This position
entails many responsibilities which include managing ANT’s
many volunteers and overseeing the
development/implementation of a 50-mile multi-use trail
system. Lori is a member of Young Leaders of Northeast
Indiana. She is a recreational runner and cyclist. Lori
enjoys ballroom dancing and previously taught at Arthur
Murray for three years. She still manages to teach a little
on the side, choreographing wedding dances for couples. If
all of that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she and her
husband, Kris, enjoy fixing up historic homes. The couple
also have a boxer mix dog named Tinsley.
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