Liz Thorstensen

Liz Thorstensen is RTC’s vice president of trail development. She is passionate about the role that trails and active transportation play in the transition toward more sustainable communities and economies in America.

Liz is a results-driven leader with over 18 years of experience building innovative partnerships and strategic programs that foster sustainable, equitable investments in communities. She successfully scaled RTC’s TrailNation initiative from concept to a nationally recognized program spanning nine regions and 21 states. Through its multidisciplinary approach, TrailNation accelerates the growth of trail networks nationwide, strengthening local economies, expanding equitable access to walking and biking and promoting healthy, active living.

Liz takes an integrative and holistic approach by integrating active transportation planning, economic development and conservation advocacy to create transformative, sustainable infrastructure. She is dedicated to ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver meaningful, lasting change—empowering underserved communities, fostering opportunity and paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Liz earned her bachelor’s degree in Geography and GIS from the University of Maryland and holds master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Local Economic Development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the London School of Economics. In her free time, she loves exploring the D.C. region by bike and on foot with her family.