Introducing Incline Friends New 2026 Board of Directors
We are pleased to announce this year’s updated Board Members who were recently appointed to oversee the management of our wonderful non-profit organization. These individuals were chosen for their generous volunteer work, diverse backgrounds, exceptional skills, and expertise in different areas to culminate a strong leadership team we are proud to follow. Help us in giving these Board of Directors a warm welcome to the Incline Friends community!
Renee Marinelli, President
Renee has been hiking the incline since moving to Colorado Springs in 2015. In the last several years, the Incline has become more than just a great workout and beautiful hiking trail but has also become a community that she cares so much about. She hopes to work with all of the stakeholders of the Incline to maintain this treasured area for generations to come.
Andrea Sutela, Treasurer
Andrea is a Manitou Springs resident who grew up in Colorado Springs. She is an active hiker, mountain biker, rafter, skier, wanderer, and outdoor adventure enthusiast. Andrea studied environmental science and has worked as a raft guide and as a trail crew leader in the Pacific Northwest on a wide variety of trail and land management projects. Andrea currently teaches biology at Palmer High School, and volunteers with local trail maintenance and advocacy groups. Conservation and exploration of outdoor resources play a big role in her values for both work and play, and she is grateful to live with her husband next to the mountains and the Incline.
Andrew Swendsen, Secretary
Andrew moved to Colorado in 2024 and has since then been actively involved in the Incline community. This experience has not only allowed him to understand the unique needs and challenges of the community, but also equipped him with the skills to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build strong relationships with diverse groups of people.
Trevor Becker, Director
Trevor hiked the Manitou Incline on his first trip to Colorado in 2009, and in 2016, he moved to Manitou Springs. Trevor has an endless fascination with the mountains and especially the Pikes Peak National Forest. Trevor’s love for our natural resources manifested itself in the founding of the Pikes Peak Clean Up Crew, which does numerous clean-ups in our forest and surrounding area. Trevor joined our Board of Directors in 2021 and is looking forward to making a positive impact in the community.
Eric Klebs, Director
Eric has been living in the Colorado Springs area since 2016 and has been frequenting the Incline for a majority of that time. He joined the Incline Friends’ board to help ensure that others will be able to enjoy our wonderful trails in Manitou Springs for years to come.
Katharine Partridge, Director
Katharine joined the Incline Friends Board of Directors in 2025 and has been a longtime local hiker with a deep connection to the Manitou Incline, dating back to when it operated as a funicular railway. Known as her “happy place,” the Incline is where she finds peace, challenges herself, and connects with nature. As a certified crew leader, Katharine also leads volunteer maintenance events and is passionate about preserving the trail for others.
Matt Scoletti, Director
Matt and his wife Jessi love the Incline so much they decided to move across the country to be closer to it! Matt hiked the Incline over 100 after his first two years of moving to Colorado Springs, and loves meeting encouraging and inspiring people each time he’s up there. This place is his “Heaven on Earth” and hopes all enjoy their time here.