---
title: "ABSF Board Candidate: Douglas Richter"
date: 2026-06-30
---

# ABSF Board Candidate: Douglas Richter

[« Return to Candidate List](https://www.birkie.com/about/board-of-director-elections/#meet-the-candidates)

**Hometown:**  
Falcon Heights, MN

**Years of ABSF Membership:**  
1 Year

**Occupation:**  
Finance Executive

**Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors?**

The Birkie’s mission is one my whole family lives. My wife competes in the American Birkebeiner, our kids all Nordic ski, and getting people of every age outside to ski, run, and bike is central to how we spend our lives. I’m applying because I want to help steward that mission for the long term.

**What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?**

I bring two things: professional financial expertise and hands-on nonprofit board experience. By trade I’m a CFO, a CPA, and a Certified Valuation Analyst, so financial oversight, capital planning, and disciplined decision-making are central to my work. I’ve also served as Treasurer of VLM from 2020 to 2026, where I helped steer the organization through COVID, conservancy planning, and capital investment in facilities. That experience taught me what keeps a mission-driven organization financially healthy through both steady years and difficult ones, and I’d bring that same financial acumen to the ABSF board.

**How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values?**

I’d strive to bring all of these values to the work, but where I’d add the most is passion and enthusiasm for volunteering, and the ability to inspire that in others. I’ve volunteered at the Birkie the last three years, and I’ve come away with real appreciation for what the station chiefs and volunteers do to make the race fun and safe for every participant. That’s the spirit I’d want to carry onto the board.

Alongside that, I can contribute sound financial judgment to the stewardship side of the mission and helping ensure the resources are there to host world-class events, maintain the trails, and keep the outdoors accessible for people of all ages, season after season. And the vision is one my family lives: my wife races the Birkebeiner, our kids Nordic ski, and challenging yourself outside is central to how we spend our time.

![Douglas richter](https://www.birkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/douglas-richter.webp)