Meet the Board
Risa Olinsky - President
Risa Olinsky joined FreeWalkers in 2010 on a dare to walk 50 miles in one day. While completing only 11 miles that day, Risa was immediately hooked long-distance walking and has logged hundreds of miles since then.
Risa is a certified health coach, personal trainer and group fitness leader with the American Council on Exercise. (ACE). She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Fitness Management from NYU and wellness-coaching certification with Wellcoaches Corporation.
Risa’s current business “Count on Yourself Coaching” offers wellness coaching, fitness consulting services and motivational speaking engagements, with programs for individuals, groups, medical centers and corporations. She has designed wellness programs for the JCC Association of North America and Atlantic Health.
Risa, and illustrator Carol Hsuing, recently published their first book, "Why Walk.", a book of motivational pages that will get everyone walking.
Being a proud resident of Maplewood, Risa is a founder of the community walking group SOMa on Foot (South Orange, Maplewood) and co-creator of Maplewood’s award-winning “Mayor’s Wellness Campaign”. She is past recipient of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year Award” (2014) and honored as a “Maple Leaf Award” for her continued involvement in community health activities. Risa is married to Mark Olinsky, an attorney and avid cyclist. They have two sons, Benjamin and Daniel; now living their own active lifestyles.
Why I walk...
“Walking is incredible therapy, both physically and mentally. I walk because I can; and if the day comes that I can’t, I’ll be truly grateful I did, while I could.”
David M. Ascher - Vice President
David is an attorney specializing in corporate law. His wife, Joani, is a successful author of historical fiction and mystery novels. Both have been fostering Seeing Eye puppies for the last 20 years since their daughter, Shonna, got them hooked. David received a BA from the University of Buffalo, a Masters in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati, and a J.D. from the University of Buffalo School of Law.
Why I walk...
"Walking enables me to enjoy our beautiful natural environment while exercising, seeing things that one misses while driving, cycling, or running. To paraphrase Frank Zappa--good for your body, good for your mind, cucaracha."
David Ascher, who was a life-long cyclist, now uses his long legs to walk long distances. David is also an Ambassador for another walking organization--Everwalk, founded by Diana Nyad, the long-distance swimmer and motivational speaker. David has been active in civic and charitable affairs for many years, sharing his knowledge and wisdom on organizational matters. He has designed bike routes for the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure rides, and has been a Trustee of the Achieve Foundation of South Orange and Maplewood, a Member of the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education, Secretary of the NJ Committee of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Secretary of Congregation Beth El.
Cory Storch - Trustee
Cory is a long time hiker and backpacker. Until 8 years ago he never thought of walking as recreation, but rather how you got from your car to a building. Following the progress of the East Coast Greenway, he discovered Paul Kiczek and the Freewalkers. The first walk was 8 miles on the Delaware and Raritan Canal. 8 was a lot. When he heard about the Kennedy 50, it sounded like an event for fanatics. Now he's completed it twice.
Cory is a longstanding member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and after 20 years of backpacking the White Mountains of New Hampshire he "bagged" all 48 peaks over 4000 feet, becoming a member of the 4000 footers club.
Cory is the CEO of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, a non profit community mental health service organization assisting 5000 people annually who have serious and complex conditions; the mission is to assist them with their recovery. Wellness is an important part of physical and psychological recovery and walking is incorporated into the menu of services.
Cory lives with his wife Lois in Plainfield where he has served on the City Council and School Board. He has two adult children, Alexa and Matt. The rest of the family doesn't walk much. Yet.
Why I walk...
To be healthy,
To meet new friends,
To talk about interesting subjects with interesting people,
To see cities and nature as only walkers can,
To learn about the history of places near and far,
To have private time to think.
Charles Updike - Trustee & Delaware Valley Leader
Charles is an active walking advocate and history buff who joined FreeWalkers in 2015 after searching for challenging walking events. While residing in Levittown, PA he participated in many events which soon led to his interest in expanding FreeWalkers to his area which includes eastern Pennsylvania, western New Jersey and Delaware.
Charles is renowned for his knowledge of local history and knowledge of the local interesting places which he shares on the numerous walks he organizes in the Delaware Valley area. Due to his vision, high energy and meticulous attention to detail, he's quickly organized and now heads FreeWalkers' first regional division.
Why I walk...
"I walk because it's a personal challenge and a thoughtful experience. It provides a way of immersing yourself in your environment. I really enjoy getting others to walk with me. Our walks provide an opportunity for many to be the best they can be."
Sharon Salmon - Trustee
Sharon is a neuroscience nurse residing in Irvington, NJ. She grew up playing sports and being active has always been her lifestyle. She discovered hiking as an adult and this has become her passion, joining the board in 2021 after hiking with the group for a number of years. Views hiking as a great way to improve and maintain overall health, an opportunity to meet like minded people, and go to places that she has never dreamed of going. Hiking allows her to combine two of her hobbies - walking and traveling. She also lead hikes for the South Mountain Conservancy.
Why I walk…
Because I enjoy it and for my physical and mental well-being.
John M. Codd - Trustee, Kennedy50 Coordinator
John came to FreeWalkers after hearing about the Kennedy50, back in the days when support and a stay in one of the Lock Houses were add-on purchases. While he walked about 9 miles (out AND the 9 miles back) on his first K50 attempt, he found that long distance walking appealed to him.
John was able to complete the FreeWalkers Kennedy50 mile walk in 2019 thanks, in part, to participating in FreeWalkers walks leading up to the K50 event and the wonderful support offering by the organization’s volunteers during the walk.
Why I walk...
For the opportunity to get outside
For exercise
For long dedicated blocks of time to listen – to podcasts, books, music
To see sights I would not otherwise be exposed to
To get together with others – people I’ve walked with many times, people who might be one-time FW walkers
I’ve got bad knees and I can get the exercise I want by walking ‘forever’ without my knees bothering me.
Paul Kiczek - Founder
Paul is the founder of FreeWalkers and is both an avid walker and cyclist. He sees unique and complementary benefits for practicing both. He believes the power of motivation and suggestion lead to the best results in fitness, regardless of an individual's age.
A technology specialist and software entrepreneur, he currently manages multiple websites and social networks, while writing and blogging about the history, pain, pleasure and benefits of extreme walking and public pedestrianism. (Distant Thoughts – Tumblr) and (Walking History – WordPress)
Paul is a graduate of Rutgers where he earned his MBA in Finance and spent most of his career at HSBC heading a technology center. More recently he organized several business ventures, including Morris Internet Group, specializing in local and state government software applications. Paul also has previous experience developing and serving on a non-profit board.
Paul started FreeWalkers in 2009 in search of alternative exercise for the larger population. He formed a successful partnership with the East Coast Greenway Alliance which led to hosting multiple long distance walks in the unique open style of FreeWalkers. Paul’s vision is to grow and unite a larger community of walkers and to inspire other groups, such as children and seniors, to see the many benefits of walking.
Why I walk...
"I walk because nature invites us to. Walking is the most natural of exercises we can do.
I walk because I want to stay active. A healthy lifestyle begins with movement.
I walk because it makes me feel alive. Walking is an easy way of interacting directly with your environment and community."