The Ray Zillmer Award
The Ray Zillmer Award is named after Raymond T. Zillmer, founder of Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (now the Ice Age Trail Alliance). The award recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies the ideals that inspired the establishment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Nominees shall have performed at least two of the following:
• Served the Ice Age Trail for at least 20 years.
• Markedly elevated public awareness of the Trail.
• Secured significant funding.
• Significantly advanced the IATA’s mission in some other way.
Award Recipients
David Kinnamon of Hartford, WI and David Phillips of Madison, WI have demonstrated their commitment to the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s mission and ideals through decades of involvement with the organization. The Alliance is proud to honor Kinnamon and Phillips with Ray Zillmer awards.
David Kinnamon
Kinnamon has proven himself an accomplished leader over his 35+ years of involvement with the Ice Age Trail, including serving as a Board member, President, and Director of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Throughout his various terms of service, his parliamentary and organizational governance skills guided the growth of the Alliance. On multiple occasions, his warrior’s heart rose to meet the challenge, protecting the organization from internal and external threats. Kinnamon continues to actively support both the Alliance and the Trail by serving on the Endowment, Bylaw & Policy, and Land Conservation committees.
David Phillips
Phillips has dedicated 40+ years to supporting the Ice Age Trail in leadership roles and by founding programs that promoted inclusion and education. Along with 17 years of service on the Board of Directors and two years as President, he founded S.P.R.I.T.E program (Support-Perseverance-Respect-Initiative and Education) to invite urban youth on Ice Age Trail expeditions. He also co-founded the Alliance’s Inn-to-Inn hiking program which engages dozens of small businesses along the Trail.
