Renee Marinelli, President
I have been hiking the incline since moving to Colorado Springs in 2015. Originally from California, my husband and I moved to Colorado Springs for his position as a physician in the Army. In the lastseveral years, the incline has become more than just a great workout and beautiful hiking trailbut has also become a community that I care so much about.
Steve Jeroslow, Vice President
Steve Jeroslow, an original board member, rejoined Incline Friends in 2021 after moving back to the Colorado Springs area. Steve retired to Woodland Park, Colorado in 2008 after a distinguished legal career. He also has a lengthy record of community service having served numerous organizations, including Habitat For Humanity, the Mueller Park Back-Country Trail Crew, the Woodland Aquatic Project, Help the Needy, the U. S. Forest Service, and many others. He and his wife Debby currently reside in Black Forest, Colorado, and have three grown children and ten grandchildren. Steve enjoys running, hiking, climbing, gardening, and traveling.
Bill Beagle
Bill Beagle, one of three original board members dating to 2011, finds that hiking the Incline dovetails perfectly with his passion for climbing 14’ers. Around 13,000 feet he knows he only has half an Incline to go and while on the Incline he just keeps reminding himself that he’s not at 13,000 feet. He views the Incline Friends as an opportunity to be part of the solution to the many challenges created by the ever-increasing popularity of the Incline.
Jason Koop
Jason Koop is a runner, angler and outdoor lover residing in Colorado Springs, CO. In his work life, he serves as the Director of Coaching for Carmichael Training Systems. Jason is a passionate ultra-marathoner having completed multiple 100 mile races including the Badwater 135, Hardrock 100, Western States 100, Leadville Trail 100 and Wasatch 100. Jason regularly uses the Incline for training and just plain ‘ole suffering.
Trevor Becker
Trevor Becker hiked the Manitou Incline on his first trip to Colorado in 2009. After that trip, he made it a life goal to live here. In 2016, he made that a reality and then upgraded that reality in 2019 by moving to the base of the Incline. Trevor says “I have an endless fascination with the mountains and especially our 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 to remove illegal encampments that pose a fire danger to our beloved mountains.”Trevor joined our Board of Directors in 2021 and is “Looking forward to being involved with the Incline Friends and hopefully making a positive impact.”
Nathan Schwagler
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, with a great appreciation and respect for the outdoors. Fifteen years in Tampa, FL, relocated to Colorado Springs in 2022. The Incline is special for no fewer than 2768(!) reasons. There just aren’t many places in the world where you can walk up stairs like this. It’s a powerful magnet that attracts athletes, adventurers, families, and contemplative escape artists.From a young age I was introduced to the merits of a service-oriented lifestyle. I imagine joining this board to be an opportunity to engage with other like-minded individuals and also I enjoy trail time, so rolling up my sleeves and contributing in a physical sense (to work projects) is something that is attractive to me as well.
Andrea Sutela
Andrea Sutela 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.
Rudy Burgos
As a regular user I see how quickly the Incline deteriorates and I would like to give back to a place that I love so much. I would like to help on maintenance and repairs or any new project that might arise to benefit incliners.
Andrew Swendsen
I moved to Colorado two years ago and have since then been actively involved in the Incline community. This experience has not only allowed me to understand the unique needs and challenges of our community but also equipped me with the skills to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build strong relationships with diverse groups of people.