Stuart Slay
About Stuart Slay
Stuart Slay serves as the Senior Director of Risk and Safety Management at the Student Conservation Association, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in outdoor education and risk management, advocating for diversity and inclusion in outdoor programming.
Work at Student Conservation Association
Stuart Slay has served as the Senior Director of Risk and Safety Management at the Student Conservation Association since 2020. In this role, he oversees risk management strategies and safety protocols for outdoor and experiential programming. His work emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within risk management practices. Slay's leadership contributes to enhancing safety measures and ensuring operational continuity in outdoor programs.
Education and Expertise
Stuart Slay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Leadership and Instruction from Western Colorado University. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Adventure Education from Prescott College. His academic background supports his extensive experience in outdoor education and risk management, equipping him with the knowledge necessary to address safety and operational challenges in outdoor settings.
Background
Before joining the Student Conservation Association, Stuart Slay worked at Chadwick International School in South Korea for nine years, where he held various positions, including Outdoor Education Program Director and Instructor & Course Director. His earlier experience includes roles at Homewood Mountain Resort as Ski Patrol Supervisor & Avalanche Forecaster and at Outward Bound California as Instructor & Course Director. Slay's diverse background in outdoor education spans multiple countries and institutions.
Achievements
Stuart Slay co-chairs the Wilderness Risk Management Conference, where he plays a significant role in promoting safety practices within outdoor programming. His advocacy for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is integral to his approach to risk management. Additionally, he engages in research on safety science, safety culture, and trauma-informed care, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in these areas.
Research Interests
Stuart Slay is interested in exploring the impacts of climate change on risk and safety in outdoor programs. He also focuses on understanding cultural risk and the importance of trauma-informed care in outdoor education. His commitment to continuous learning includes engaging with indigenous cultures and knowledge, which informs his perspective on public lands and their historical context.