NCCT STAFF
Chris Radford, Executive Director
Contact Chris: edncct@gmail.com (715)344-1910
Chris joined the NCCT team in the Fall of 2020 as the Executive Director. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science. Chris states, “I have always been proud to say that I am from Wisconsin. The natural beauty of this area is extremely unique and diverse. While growing up here, I spent most of my time exploring our local parks and surrounding natural areas with my family and friends. We spent a lot of time kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, biking, hiking, sledding, and skiing. My interest in exploring these special places created a desire in me to want to understand more about ecological processes and concepts, so I pursued a professional career in natural resource management. I am very excited to be working with NCCT because it gives me an opportunity to help protect the natural environment that I came to love. The volunteers and members of NCCT are extremely dedicated and are passionate about protecting the ecological integrity of public and private lands in Wisconsin and the unique flora and fauna found within them and I am proud to be a part of the team.”
Becky Wadleigh, Outreach & Development Coordinator / Ice Age Trail Alliance Landowner Engagement Specialist
Contact becky: OutreachNcct@gmail.com (715)344-1910
Becky joined the NCCT team during the summer of 2021. Her position is shared between NCCT and the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA). The Ice Age Trail passes through six of the eight counties in NCCT’s service area. For NCCT, Becky serves as the Outreach & Development Coordinator and is responsible for engaging, communicating with, and fostering relationships with NCCT’s members, partners, landowners, and supporters, in addition to coordinating NCCT’s annual fundraising efforts. For IATA, Becky serves as a Landowner Engagement Specialist, and works with landowners to permanently protect land to host the Ice Age Trail and enhance Trail connectivity in central Wisconsin. Becky has a bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning and master’s degree in Natural Resource Planning from UWSP. Becky grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, and attributes her love of the outdoors to time spent exploring public lands in southeastern Wisconsin as a kid. Although she always calls the shoreline of Lake Michigan home, she has for a long time found herself enamored by the diversity of the central sands region and is happy to have returned to Stevens Point for a third time. Outside of work, Becky can be found paddling and portaging through the Boundary Waters with her partner, Stephen, hiking local trails with their dogs, Maple and Jake, or reading a good book. She looks forward to getting to know you!
Elle Vandenelzen, Land Protection Assistant Intern
Contact Elle: ncctinternship@gmail.com (715)344-1910
Elle Vandenelzen is serving as NCCT’s Land Protection Assistant Intern for Spring 2025. Currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, she is pursuing a degree in Conservation and Community Planning, with a minor in GIS and Spatial Analysis, and a certificate in Environmental Ethics. Elle is also the treasurer for UWSP’s Environmental and Conservation Planning Club. Growing up in Northeast Wisconsin, Elle developed her appreciation for nature through the region’s abundant forest, lakes, and wildlife. She is eager to build her skills, knowledge, and connections during this internship. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, working out, crafts, and hiking.