Liz Thorstensen

Liz is a results-oriented leader with over 17 years of experience in executing innovative partnerships and strategic programs and initiatives across government, non-profit, and private sectors to create sustainable and equitable investments in urban, suburban and rural communities. She holds a deep understanding of the complex opportunities and challenges involved in creating enduring positive outcomes for people and communities. Liz excels at bringing together influential stakeholders to collaboratively leverage the strengths and assets within and across communities. At Rails to Trails Conservancy, she leads a multidisciplinary team of planners, project managers and advocates towards implementing RTC’s TrailNation Program focused on catalyzing the rapid development of regional trail and active transportation infrastructure across nine regions and 21 states, from concept to implementation. Liz takes a holistic approach, applying RTC’s depth of expertise and collaborative strategies to reflect local realities while leveraging emerging opportunities. Liz’s interest in trail connectivity began during her childhood in Chicagoland where she grew up exploring the trail corridors of Cook County’s Forest Preserve system, the country’s largest urban conservation preserve. She holds masters degrees in urban planning and local economic development from the University of Illinois Urbana and the London School of Economics, respectively.