First Descents Launches New Leadership Era with Tamara “Tami” Tranter and Anne Kresse in Senior Executive Roles

June 10, 2026

New leadership team will guide the national nonprofit’s next chapter after 25 years of world-class outdoor healing adventures for young adults with cancer, MS, and other serious health conditions

DENVER, Colorado (June 10, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – First Descents, the national nonprofit known for providing free outdoor adventure programs for young adults impacted by cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other serious health conditions, today announced Tamara “Tami” Tranter as Vice President of Advancement and Anne Kresse as Vice President of Programs and Strategic Initiatives. Together with Chief Operating Officer Adam Schuster, the appointments mark the beginning of a new leadership era for First Descents as the organization builds on 25 years of adventure-based healing, community, and life-changing impact.

In her role, Tranter will lead First Descents’ advancement strategy, including philanthropic partnerships, major gifts, donor engagement, board fundraising, and the systems needed to support long-term sustainability. She brings extensive experience building relationship-centered fundraising programs across Olympic and collegiate athletics, higher education, and mission-driven organizations.

Tranter joins First Descents at a pivotal moment as the organization expands its national reach, deepens community engagement, and strengthens the philanthropic foundation needed to serve more participants across the country. Since its founding in 2001, First Descents has provided more than 14,000 healing outdoor experiences through programs including kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, and other adventure-based experiences offered at no cost to participants.

“Tami brings the rare combination of strategic fundraising expertise, operational discipline, and deeply human leadership,” said Alex Accetta, CEO of First Descents. “She understands that philanthropy is not simply about raising money. It is about helping people connect their values to meaningful impact. As First Descents enters this next chapter, Tami’s experience and heart will help us grow with intention while staying rooted in the community, care, and courage that define this organization.”

Tranter most recently served as Chief Development Officer for The USA Hockey Foundation, where she led a comprehensive development operation that included major gifts, campaigns, annual giving, planned giving, special events, grants, and board engagement. Across her career, she has secured more than $80 million in philanthropic support, including multiple seven-figure gifts, and has led fundraising efforts that strengthened organizational growth, donor stewardship, and long-term sustainability.

“I am energized to bring my passion, leadership, and heart to a mission so deeply rooted in human impact,” said Tranter. “I look forward to helping expand the reach of this extraordinary organization and the life-changing community it creates.”

Kresse, who has served as Director of Philanthropy at First Descents for the last year, steps into the Vice President of Programs and Strategic Initiatives role to lead program innovation, partnership development, participant recruitment, community engagement, and national expansion efforts. A cancer thriver and lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Kresse brings over 20 years of strategic consulting leadership, including over 10 years in the social impact sector. She brings a powerful blend of nonprofit strategy, private-sector experience, and personal connection to the organization’s mission.

“Anne brings the exact kind of leadership this next chapter requires: strategic, compassionate, collaborative, and deeply connected to the healing power of adventure,” said Accetta. “She understands First Descents, our community, and the responsibility we have to grow without losing the heart of the participant experience. Anne will help us connect program strategy, partnerships, recruitment, and community engagement into one coordinated path forward.”

The senior leadership team is rounded out by Adam Schuster, Chief Operating Officer, who has been with First Descents for over 11 years and offers a vital bridge between the organization’s history and future. Schuster brings deep operational and financial leadership, institutional knowledge, and a strong understanding of the systems needed to help mission-driven work become durable, thoughtful, and scalable.

“Adam’s leadership gives this team both continuity and confidence,” said Accetta. “As we honor the extraordinary work that has shaped First Descents over the past 25 years, Adam will help ensure we carry that legacy forward while building the foundation for our next era.”

Brad Ludden, Founder and recent interim CEO, will continue his deep engagement with First Descents as both a member of the Board of Directors and an advisor to the CEO, Alex Accetta, on advancement and strategic direction.

This year, First Descents will serve more than 1,600 participants through 39 week-long Core Programs and over 130 Community Adventures. With this leadership team in place, the organization is positioned to expand access, deepen impact, and ensure that more people living with serious health conditions can experience the healing power of adventure and community.

To learn more about First Descents or support the organization’s growth, visit firstdescents.org.

About First Descents

First Descents is a global leader in adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventure, community building, and lifestyle development, First Descents improves long-term survivorship and quality of life for young adults diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other serious health conditions, as well as caregivers and healthcare workers in those fields. Headquartered in Denver, First Descents has provided more than 14,000 healing adventures over the last 25 years. All programs are free of charge.

Press Contacts

Meg Herrington
meg.herrington@backbone.media
Backbone Media

Jane Hillhouse
jane.hillhouse@firstdescents.org
First Descents