Founder, Executive Director: Thomas Chappell

Thomas Chappell began hiking in his early teens in Tennessee. In 1978 he moved to Houston to work for an international energy company. In the following years he started his own consulting company where he helped integrated energy and chemical companies improve their information technology systems. During this time he started working with non profit organizations and universities to improve their fundraising capacities.

He has been hiking on the LSHT for the last 25+ years and understood the need for additional funds to improve the trail. 

President: Melanie Michaelchuk

Melanie Michaelchuk has lived near the Lone Star Hiking Trail for over 18 years. She has hiked many sections of the trail and serves as a regular hike leader for the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club. Her favorite spot is Trailhead #6, where a short walk leads to scenic views of Lake Conroe — an ideal setting for a peaceful retreat or a family picnic.

Vice President: George H Steed

George H. Steed has lived in Huntsville for the past twenty years and has been hiking sections of the Lone Star Hiking Trail since 1980. He is especially fond of the areas within the Little Lake Creek Wilderness. George is passionate about preserving the trail for future generations to enjoy.

Treasurer: Frank Krekeler

Frank Krekeler has been hiking the Lone Star Hiking Trail for over 10 years, hiking all sections of the trail and completing his first (of hopefully many more to come) thru-hike in November 2020.  He is a Trail Steward for the Four Notch Loop, ensuring that this portion of the trail continues to receive the maintenance it deserves.  This portion of the LSHT is his favorite part of the trail.  Frank particularly enjoys the quiet and solitude of the trail and the opportunity to share it with family and friends.

Secretary: Mona Eckelman

Mona is a Livingston resident with extensive LSHT experience, having hiked every section multiple times and completed one thru-hike. As an LSHT board member, she contributes to the maintenance team and leads public group hikes. She enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and attending their various activities.

Voting Member: Tom Singley

Tom Singley is a Houston resident and long-time hiking enthusiast in the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which he regards as an important recreational asset in the Houston area. He is also a member of the Lonestar Hiking Club. He is particularly interested in developing the financial support for the Club's major improvement projects as required from time to time.

Voting Member: Chad Martin

Chad Martin is an avid hiker and runner based in Kingwood, TX. He teaches 5th grade Math and Science in Humble ISD. Since discovering the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club in January 2022, Chad has thru-hiked the trail twice — once from west to east and once from east to west. He is a regular participant in the weekly 8 a.m. hiking group and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder through NOLS. During school breaks, Chad enjoys backpacking adventures across the country.

Club President: Karl Van Scyoc

Karl is President of the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club and enjoys short and long hikes in the Sam Houston National Forest and other foot-trail destinations in the United States. His trail volunteerism includes leading hikes, backpacking trips, and trail maintenance days; sharing enjoyment of the forest with new and experienced hikers; and promoting trail advocacy. Outside of the hiking community, Karl supports energy company operations in the Houston area. 

Club Treasurer: Dave Wade

Club Maintenance: Bill Ewell

Bill Elwell has been in the Houston area for over 35 years enjoying the trail and doing occasional routine trail maintenance on weekends.  He retired from a career as a structural engineer and project manager 10 years ago and moved to the Magnolia area at that time.  Since then he has managed some of the larger trail maintenance projects including the LSHT Parking Lot Refurbishment Grant, repairing several of the larger, (and smaller) trail bridges. He is often seen on the trail as a workday leader working with scouts or college student groups on projects, or carrying a chain saw or pushing a mower as part of the volunteer trail maintenance crews.  He is Forest Service certified for tractor and UTV operation, chainsaw use, and as a bridge inspector.