Liz Thorstensen

Liz Thorstensen is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in urban planning and economic development. Currently serving as Vice President of Trail Development at Rails-To-Trails Conservancy since August 2013, Liz leads a multidisciplinary team to advance the TrailNation Program, facilitating the creation of regional trail and active transportation networks across multiple states. Prior to this role, Liz was Vice President at the International Economic Development Council, overseeing knowledge management and empowering the economic development profession. Previous positions include Senior Economic Development Associate at Renaissance Planning Group, Urban and Regional Planner, and various roles in consultancy and teaching. Liz holds an MSc in Local Economic Development from The London School of Economics and Political Science, an MA in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a BS in Geography from the University of Maryland. Additionally, Liz participated in the Mel King Community Fellowship program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology focused on Green Economic Development.