Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Scott Lipscomb

White Salmon,WA

Summary

Experienced educator and administrator in wilderness medicine with a proven track record of leading large, diverse teams, developing intentional curriculum, and implementing data-driven training systems. Throughout my career, I’ve served across a range of organizational missions within the outdoor industry—supporting faculty, guiding pedagogical innovation, and scaling systems that drive meaningful learning outcomes. I bring a systems-oriented mindset and strong foundation in both medicine and education, allowing me to design strategic programs, foster faculty engagement, and promote organizational growth. Skilled in cross-functional leadership, faculty development, and international program strategy, I lead with curiosity, clarity, and a commitment to evidence-informed excellence.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Faculty Development Manager

NOLS Wilderness Medicine
01.2021 - Current
  • Designed and implemented a scalable professional development pipeline, improving faculty onboarding, retention, and instructional consistency across the Wilderness Medicine program.
  • Led the design and implementation of a comprehensive faculty evaluation rubric for Wilderness Medicine instructors, integrating coaching-based standards, behavioral clarity, and instructional alignment.
  • Led the refinement of faculty qualification pathways and instructional standards, ensuring alignment with evolving best practices in wilderness medicine education.
  • Provide strategic and operational oversight for 320 international faculty delivering 100,000+ student days annually in six languages across six continents.
  • Sole decision-maker for all faculty promotions, establishing clear criteria and maintaining integrity in advancement processes.
  • Serve as a professional coach and performance manager, addressing both short-term challenges and long-term faculty growth.
  • Designed and launched a Learning Management System (LMS) to support scalable, ongoing professional development for a global faculty network.
  • Supervise and mentor two Instructor Coaches focused on improving teaching outcomes and faculty effectiveness.
  • Support key initiatives that have led to
  • Active member of the NOLS Senior Leadership Group, contributing to strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives.

Full-Time Faculty

Landmark Learning
01.2012 - 01.2019
  • Taught extensively in Wilderness/Urban EMT programs, Relief Medic, and Leave No Trace Master Educator courses.
  • Collaborated with the Executive Director and Program Coordinator on strategic planning and school vision.
  • Developed staff training resources and mentored new faculty.
  • Presented at conferences and contributed to curriculum development initiatives.

Course Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Managed logistics and oversight for courses ranging from 8–50 days.
  • Ensured instructor teams followed all relevant field policies and procedures.

Lead Instructor

North Carolina Outward Bound School
01.2009 - 01.2018
  • Managed risk in remote, high-impact environments.
  • Delivered instruction in rock climbing, whitewater paddling, and ropes courses.

Associate Program Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School
04.2014 - 10.2016
  • Oversaw field-based programming at Cedar Rock Basecamp.
  • Trained and supervised Course Directors and instructors.
  • Led emergency response drills and driver safety trainings.

Semester Faculty

SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized)
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Led semester-long expeditions for students with learning and developmental differences.
  • Integrated academic curriculum with backcountry education.
  • Facilitated rock climbing, rafting, canyoneering, and winter camping.
  • Supported family reintegration strategies upon program completion.

Education

B.S. - Psychology

Appalachian State University
01.2005

Skills

  • Creative problem-solving across systems and organizational structures
  • Strategic design and implementation of faculty training programs
  • Builds rapport quickly and works effectively across diverse stakeholders
  • Expertise in curriculum development and instructional innovation
  • Data-informed leadership in coaching and performance management
  • Skilled in adult learning theory and faculty development facilitation
  • Calm, composed, and grounded under pressure
  • Approachable leadership rooted in integrity and accountability
  • Adaptive thinker with strong intellectual humility
  • Skilled communicator and engaging facilitator
  • Trusted collaborator who prioritizes success over being right

Certification

  • WEMT, NOLS Wilderness Medicine
  • EMT, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
  • Leave No Trace Master Educator Instructor, Landmark Learning


Timeline

Faculty Development Manager

NOLS Wilderness Medicine
01.2021 - Current

Associate Program Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School
04.2014 - 10.2016

Full-Time Faculty

Landmark Learning
01.2012 - 01.2019

Course Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School
01.2012 - 01.2018

Lead Instructor

North Carolina Outward Bound School
01.2009 - 01.2018

Semester Faculty

SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized)
01.2007 - 01.2008

B.S. - Psychology

Appalachian State University

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