Nick Smith

Next Generation Advisory Council Member

Nick [Cosmo] is a second generation A.T. thru-hiker who grew up with a deep personal connection to the A.T. He is a native of Apex, NC and completed his undergraduate work at Appalachian State before continuing on to a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning with a focus on land use from UNC Chapel Hill. Nick has a background in non-profit work in affordable housing, as well as experience in volunteer management and environmental stewardship through work as a Wilderness Ranger for the Sierra National Forest.

Nick currently works as Chief of Staff for the Dix Park Conservancy in Raleigh, NC where he facilitates the public-private partnership between the City of Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy working to build America’s next great urban park. At the Conservancy, Nick leads strategic planning efforts around project advocacy and park development, manages special projects, and coordinates staff and board operations. In all of his work, Nick strives to champion equitable development and believes in authentic community engagement and inclusive strategic planning. Nick recognizes that the effort to support and preserve the A.T. experience is one that will take many hands and is thrilled to play his part.