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Meet The Team
Elijah Riley
Founder & Executive Director
Conservation storyteller, outdoorsman, and community leader dedicated to connecting underserved youth with nature.
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Elijah's early love for the outdoors was shaped by fishing trips with his dad and a deep curiosity about the natural world. However, as he grew older, he realized the barriers that kept many kids—especially those from urban areas—from accessing outdoor experiences. Determined to create change, he founded Big Gumdrop Outdoors (BGO) as a platform to educate and inspire youth through hands-on outdoor programs, after-school clubs, and community events. Through BGO, Elijah is working to break down the social, economic, and cultural barriers that keep young people from exploring the outdoors, fostering the next generation of conservationists and outdoor leaders.
Favorite Outdoor Activities: Fishing, hunting, and exploring the many untold stories that exist in nature.
Kyndal Hudson
Operations Director
Part-time AVID employee for LPS, NHRI Staff Advisor and Mentor
I am a part of BGO because of my love for working with children and being in the outdoors. I find it very important to inspire our youth to appreciate our natural world and learn how to be environmentalists. I greatly enjoy getting to connect the kids in our community with the opportunities all around us!
My favorite things to do outside include spending time with my family and friends at different parks and lakes, going on bike rides and walks, and camping of course!
Audrey Krimm
Chair - Board of Directors
Coordinator of Trips Logistics at UNL Outdoor Adventures, DEVO Youth Mountain Biking Coach
I am on the board for BGO because its mission deeply resonates with me. I believe that all people can find joy and growth outside, and BGO makes outdoor experiences both accessible and fun for young people in Lincoln. Through nature education, BGO is helping to empower young people and shape the next generation of outdoor stewards, which excites me and aligns with my values.
I love riding my bike and playing in water (swimming, paddling, you name it)!
Marcus MaCaskill
Co-Chair - Board of Directors & Volunteer Coordinator
I am a Student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine!
I joined the BGO Board for a few reasons. Firstly, I found real value in the mission of BGO, thus participating on the board allows me to help guide this organization to make a deeper, broader impact. Secondly, I feel the experience I gain in this position helps me see a clearer path toward my personal and career goals. Learning how to lead, and work towards a common goal in this space has been highly beneficial to my growth.
My favorite outdoor activities are climbing, hiking and sunbathing!
Marcus Powers
Treasurer - Board of Directors
Financial Advisor - Northwestern Mutual, Treasurer of the National Master Brewers Association, Treasurer of Great Plains Master Brewers Association
As a native of northern Nebraska, I grew up with a passion for getting outside in every form. We hunted, hiked, fished, biked, played, lived and breathed the outdoors. I believe wholeheartedly that BGO will make a difference in kids' lives by helping them find themselves by learning to go outside and engage their natural environment.
My favorite outdoor activity is a close call between watching the sunrise on an early morning hunt and getting lost in gravel roads in rural Nebraska on a bike.
Marc Shkolnick
Secretary - Board of Directors
Marc Shkolnick has served as Manager of Energy Services at Lincoln Electric System (LES) since 2007. In this role, he leads a department dedicated to delivering comprehensive consultative electric energy services and solutions for residential, commercial, governmental, and industrial customers within the community.
Before joining LES, Marc had a distinguished career in alumni relations. He served as the Associate Executive Director of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association and later as the Executive Director of the Colorado State University Alumni Association.
Marc is also deeply involved in community service. He has held leadership positions including President of the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln-Lincoln Center, President of the South Street Temple Board of Trustees, and Junior Achievement economics instructor.
His passion for youth development and the natural world led him to join BGO, an organization committed to providing urban youth with enriching experiences in nature.
Marc and his wife, Chris, love exploring the outdoors, finding peace, serenity, and wonder in their adventures.
Malindi Gabelhouse
Member- Board of Directors
CEO of Spark Change | Community Relations Manager, Mosaic.
Born and raised in Lincoln, NE, Malindi is passionate about hiking, gardening, biking, and all things outdoors. With a deep commitment to community engagement, she serves as the Community Relations Manager at Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska. As the CEO of Spark Change, Malindi brings environmentally and a passion for making a difference.
Malindi joined the board of Big Gumdrop Outdoors because she believes in the power of nature, especially in providing healing and growth opportunities for children facing adversity.
Hunter Suchsland
Member - Board of Directors
Owner of LS Lures
Mentor for Kearney High Basscats
The outdoors has been what I have built my entire life around. My career is centered around it, everything I do for fun takes place in it, and some of my fondest memories and greatest lessons have come from it. BGO is making a serious difference in the community for kids who haven't had access to these outdoor resources and the mission resonates deeply with me. I am on the board to help however I can in making a difference in these kid's lives and spread the great mission BGO has.
My favorite outdoor activity is tournament Bass fishing.
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