OUR TEAM
Matthew Leger
Executive Director
Southern Trails Foundation was started to improve and expand Southwest Florida’s parks, trail systems, and civic spaces while focusing on safety, inclusion, and neighborhood viability. Currently serving the community on the Fort Myers Planning Board and Resilient Lee Planning and Capacity Task Force, Matthew brings 25 years of experience in the fields of Planning, Architecture, and Construction.
“After receiving a degree in Architecture, I had the opportunity to travel the country for work and experience first-hand how well executed civic projects can make a positive impact on a city. Now I would like to apply what I have learned to benefit my community.”
In 2019, After being struck by a car while out running, Matthew became an advocate for safer streets. When not engaging the community, Matthew loves to be outside running or riding his bike experiencing the places he promotes.
Matthew Parkinson
Director of Operations
Having grown up in SWFL, Matthew recognizes the impact quality parks, trails, and recreation areas play in promoting both physical and mental health. Matthew is a graduate of Florida State University and has over a decade of non-profit experience serving children and families in the local communities. He currently serves as the Director of Operations at the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth sports, biking, kayaking, or simply anything outside with his family.
Terri Lewis
Director of Technology
Terri Lewis is Director of Planet Connected, an Industrial Technology Consulting organization based in Fort Myers. She also leads LeeConnected, a growing coalition of businesses and residents of Lee County who are advocates for transportation solutions, including trails, parks, public transit, and micromobility. Terri serves on the Fort Myers Planning Board and the Lee County Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. When not involved in technology work, you most likely will find her out discovering Florida on her bicycle.
Chris Gutierrez
Security Director
Chris Gutierrez is a 27-year veteran of the US Navy where he served in a variety of leadership positions as an Enlisted Sailor and later as a Surface Warfare Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Idaho and Master of Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. A native of Coral Springs, FL, he returned to Florida after his retirement, settling down in Fort Myers, FL. He is married with three daughters and enjoys golfing, running, biking and is an avid brewer of beer. As a result of his love of beer, he founded Swamp Cat Brewing Company, downtown Fort Myers’ newest microbrewery. In his off time, he enjoys traveling and exploring with his family.
Ashley Leger
Safety Director
Ashley, a Michigan Native, attended Lawrence Technological University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. Upon relocating to Florida with her family in 2018, Ashley worked for four years in the K-12, Religious, Veterinary, and Commercial markets. Her time spent working on school projects prompted a focus on designing for safety and security. In 2021 she became a CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Certified Practitioner, and in 2023 was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Florida Design Out Crime Association. Ashley earned a Certificate in Construction Management from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2023. She currently serves on the City of Fort Myers Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Board and serves as the Continuing Education Director for the Florida Southwest chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Justin Riccio
Director of Finance
Justin brings over 15 years of experience in Financial Services to the Southern Trails Foundation Board of Directors. Currently, Justin serves as the Treasury Management Officer for South Florida at LMCU, another local non-profit dedicated to serving our community. Having spent over half of his life in Southwest Florida, Justin has a passion for anything that gets him outside. “We owe it to our community to provide safe outdoor spaces to connect back to nature,” he shared about his passion for the foundation.
Mariah Landry
Director at Large
Mariah Landry is the Founder and Owner of Viva Landscapes, a Landscape Architecture firm based in SWFL. Her firm specializes in high-end residential waterfront design, commercial design, and public green spaces. Mariah has consistently demonstrated her expertise and knowledge in the field, having served on the Fort Myers Planning Board and FNGLA Board of Directors. She has also gained valuable insights from her extensive travels across North America, South America, and Europe, where she has studied urban design and green infrastructure in various communities. Mariah's unwavering passion for bringing green space to people is evident in her commitment to transforming SWFL parks and trail systems.