Category: Mission Update

Higher Ground Announces new CEO: Mike Shaughnessy

As we look ahead to summer, we are excited to announce, Mike Shaughnessy will be joining June 9th as Higher Ground’s new Chief Executive Officer. 

Mike brings both a deep personal connection to the Valley and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

He first came to the area in 1996 while stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Soon after, he met his wife, Tricia, and the two built their life together in Hailey. Although they spent time away, they returned to Idaho 2009 to raise their daughter, Ella, and shortly thereafter moved back to the Wood River Valley.

Mike’s connection to the trail systems and outdoor culture runs deep. He has coached with the Wood River High School Mountain Bike Team and serves on the board of the Wood River Trails Coalition, helping to support and grow the very trail networks that programs like Higher Ground rely on today.
Professionally, Mike has built an impressive career spanning both military service and executive leadership. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain & Emerging Markets at Balsam Brands, a role he held since 2014. Prior to this, he served as a combat leader and aviator with the United States Air Force and Idaho Air National Guard, earning the Bronze Star for his service. He also served as a Naval Aviator in the United States Navy. Mike holds an MBA from Dartmouth College and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.

For Mike, a perfect day in the Wood River Valley starts early with coffee and a pastry on the drive north, followed by time spent exploring the mountains with family and friends, and ending with a shared meal and stories from the day. It’s this same sense of connection, adventure, and reflection that sits at the core of Higher Ground’s mission, creating space for individuals to challenge themselves, build community, and experience the healing power of the outdoors. 

Welcome, Mike!

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

May 14, 2026

Forterra and Higher Ground Announce Mission Driven Partnership

Ketchum, Idaho, July, 24 2025 – Forterra, a leader in mission autonomy systems for defense, today announced a formal partnership with Higher Ground, the nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities through therapeutic recreation and education. 

Forterra and Higher Ground are united by a shared mission: to serve those who have served. Both organizations are deeply committed to empowering veterans; Forterra through technology that protects and extends warfighter capability, and Higher Ground through therapeutic recreation that builds resilience and community. This partnership bridges those worlds, bringing veterans new opportunities to reconnect, recover, and re-engage with purpose. 

“Forterra’s technology is built with a singular mission to reduce the impact of combat on humans,” said Josh Araujo, CEO of Forterra. “By partnering with Higher Ground, we’re extending that mission beyond the battlefield. We’re honored to support their life-changing work and look forward to introducing veterans to the future of autonomous systems and national security innovation.” 

“We are thrilled to have Forterra as a partner in our mission,” said Cole Petrie, CEO of Higher Ground. “Their support enables us to expand our impact through our programs enhancing the lives of veterans and first responders. Together, we’re building bridges from trauma to recovery, from service to purpose.” 

A few of the sponsorship highlights include Forterra’s title sponsorship of the Fall 2025 Fly Fishing program in Sun Valley, Idaho. A DC reception to advance discussions on veteran well-being and transitions into fields like autonomy and defense tech. Future efforts will include mentorship, tech exposure events, and co-branded service initiatives. 

This partnership represents more than an event or initiative; it’s a long-term commitment to the people who have served and sacrificed. Together, Forterra and Higher Ground are creating a platform where service members can heal, grow, and continue making an impact, whether in nature, in community, or in the technology shaping the future of national defense. 

Forterra 

Forterra delivers advanced autonomous systems designed to meet the mission-critical demands of today’s defense and national security landscape. Built and integrated at scale and speed, Forterra puts effective and reliable technology into the hands of operators when and where they are needed in any contested environment. 

Higher Ground 

Higher Ground has been transforming lives through therapeutic recreation and education for over 25 years. With programs based in Sun Valley, Idaho and across the country, Higher Ground uses outdoor recreation and therapy to support veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities in building resilience, confidence, and belonging. 

To learn more about Forterra visit: https://www.forterra.com

To learn about corporate sponsorship, contact Harper, Harper@HigherGroundUSA.org

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

July 24, 2025

Honoring the Fallen by Supporting the Living: A Memorial Day Reflection

At Higher Ground, Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We pause to remember those who never made it home, while also turning our hearts and actions toward those who did.

Behind every fallen service member is a story of commitment and sacrifice, and behind every veteran is a journey—often marked by visible and invisible wounds—that continues long after the uniform is retired. For many, the transition to civilian life carries challenges that are difficult to face alone: physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, loss of identity, and disconnection from purpose or community.

That’s where our mission at Higher Ground begins.

The Power of Purposeful Recreation
We believe that healing happens when veterans are given space to move, breathe, connect, and rediscover themselves outside the confines of traditional clinical environments. Through adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation, we provide structured, transformative experiences that reintroduce joy, foster resilience, and build lasting peer support.

Whether it’s skiing down a mountain, paddling through rapids, or gathering around a campfire, each program is designed to challenge the body, re-engage the mind, and nurture a sense of belonging. Veterans often tell us that these moments—not medals, not ceremonies—are what help them feel alive again.

Support that Honors Sacrifice
Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom, and it calls each of us to action. The best way to honor those who gave everything is to stand by those still carrying the weight of service.

By supporting Higher Ground, you are investing in recovery, reconnection, and long-term well-being for veterans, first responders, and their families. Your involvement makes it possible for us to expand access to life-changing programs across the country—programs proven to reduce isolation, improve mental health, and renew purpose.

As we lay wreaths and fly flags, let us also recommit ourselves to caring for the living legacies of those we’ve lost. Let us ensure that every veteran knows their service is remembered—not just with words, but with action, understanding, and support.

This Memorial Day, honor the fallen by standing with the living.

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

May 23, 2025

Casting for a Cause: GovX and Higher Ground Team Up for Veterans

GOVX is proud to step up in support of our nation’s heroes by driving meaningful donations for Higher Ground, a nonprofit serving veterans and first responders through therapeutic recreation programs. This partnership offers you a unique opportunity to give back while also entering for a chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

With your donation, you’ll be entered to win a 3-night, 2-day guided fly fishing tour on the stunning rivers surrounding Sun Valley, Idaho. This breathtaking experience offers not only world-class fishing but also a chance to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The trip will take place September 22-25, 2025.

Higher Ground is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans living with both visible and invisible injuries. Through their adaptive recreation and therapy programs, they empower service members to reclaim their independence and rediscover their potential. Thanks to the generosity of organizations like GOVX and supporters like you, these life-changing programs remain accessible to those who need them most.

Your donation does more than just give you a shot at an incredible fly fishing adventure—it helps fund vital programs that support veterans in their healing journey. Join GOVX in making a difference and cast your line for a cause that truly matters!

Donations are accepted March 12 thru April 23, 2025, and the grand prize winner will be notified after that date.

Donate here for your chance to win!

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

March 31, 2025