Nick Pearson

Founder & EXECUTIVE Director

Nick Pearson isn’t just an adventurer—he’s a restless explorer who’s crisscrossed all 48 lower states, hopped through 22 countries, and held the reins of power as Chief Sales Officer, Sales Director, and Co-Founder for top outdoor brands. But his real passion lives far beyond corporate boardrooms. It’s out in the wild, where he found his calling: Sober Outdoors.

Fueled by his own path to sobriety, Nick created this nonprofit to unite people in every stage of recovery and help them reclaim their lives through the healing power of nature. By his side through it all is Ruger, his golden retriever and number-one sidekick. Ruger has been there for every backcountry trek, every cross-country road trip, and every last trade show coffee break. More than that, he’s the official tail-wagging welcoming committee at Sober Outdoors events in Colorado—greeting guests like old friends and reminding us all that a simple smile (or wag) can go a long way.

From summiting rugged peaks on the weekends to leading workshops that focus on sobriety, fitness, and fresh air, Nick and Ruger are on a mission to prove that the outdoors is more than a place—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re battling or bouncing back from Substance Use Disorder, Sober Outdoors offers a community built on adventure, camaraderie, and honest-to-goodness fun. Join Nick and Ruger on the trail, and discover just how far a little hope, a lot of heart, and one friendly golden retriever can take you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Member & Medical Director
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Matthew Pendergrass brings a deep commitment to helping individuals thrive in recovery.
With his medical expertise and background, he guides the organization in meeting people where they’re at, ensuring we create supportive, accessible, and impactful experiences for our Community Members.
His focus on wellness, inclusivity, and continuous improvement helps shape Sober Outdoors into a space where everyone can find connection, healing, and adventure on their recovery journey.
Board Member & Finance Director
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Stacey Zimmer plays a vital role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organization.
Overseeing compliance, budgeting, and financial strategy, she ensures we meet our nonprofit federal status requirements while aligning our financial goals with our mission.
Her expertise allows us to expand access to the outdoors for those in recovery, creating more opportunities for healing, connection, and adventure.
Stacey’s dedication helps Sober Outdoors grow responsibly, ensuring we can continue making a lasting impact in the recovery community.
Board Member & Director of Business Operations
As a Board Member at Sober Outdoors, Dan McCarthy ensures that every initiative we undertake is strategically aligned with our greater mission—bringing the outdoors to those recovering from Substance Use Disorder.
Overseeing business operations, he helps streamline processes, optimize resources, and drive efficiency across the organization.
Dan’s leadership ensures that our programs, partnerships, and outreach efforts work cohesively to create sustainable growth and maximum impact for our Community Members.
His dedication to structure and strategy helps Sober Outdoors thrive as we continue expanding access to nature’s healing power.

Meet the Team

Lori MacGregor

PR & Communications
As PR & Communications lead at Sober Outdoors, Lori spearheads all things messaging—crafting compelling stories, building media relationships, and ensuring our mission resonates far and wide. She’s the voice behind the brand, connecting with communities and amplifying our impact at every turn.
Joe Monheiser

Community Relations & Events
As Community Relations and Event Coordinator at Sober Outdoors, Joe not only plans and executes unforgettable events but also serves as a vital bridge between our organization and the communities we support. He fosters meaningful relationships with partners, participants, and supporters, ensuring our mission resonates on every level. Joe’s dedication to building connections and creating inspiring experiences makes him an essential part of our team and the heartbeat of our community outreach efforts.
Seamus Cornin

Community Relations Coordinator & Events
As a new Community Relations Coordinator at Sober Outdoors, Seamus brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to building meaningful connections with our partners, supporters, and Community Members. He’s dedicated to fostering relationships that amplify our mission, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported on their sober journey. Seamus’ passion for creating positive change makes him an exciting and vital addition to our growing team.
Kayci Ann

Ambassador - Utah
Kayci Ann is the Utah Ambassador for Sober Outdoors, bringing her passion for recovery and the outdoors to the stunning landscapes of Moab and the greater Utah area. With a deep love for nature and a personal journey of resilience, she is dedicated to creating welcoming, adventure-filled spaces for those in recovery to connect, heal, and grow. Kayci will lead hikes, outdoor excursions, and community events, helping Community Members experience the power of the outdoors in their recovery journey. Her leadership ensures that more people have access to nature’s healing benefits while building meaningful connections along the way. She is a strong advocate for meeting people where they’re at and making the outdoors a space where everyone feels supported. We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see the impact she makes!