Meet the Team

Lead Event Organizer
Jesse Faircloth is a proven local leader and avid public servant. Born in Ohio, Jesse moved to Moab, Utah in 2016 after completing his studies in Engineering & Mathematics at Shawnee State University. Once settled in Moab, Jesse worked in adventure tourism before starting his own solar company, Homestead Hybrid. Through his solar company and role as sustainability director in numerous events across the United States since 2011, Jesse has an extensive record of minimizing our impact on the environment. Jesse joined the Board of Directors for Slackline US in 2020 and served as the Director of Sustainability for the GGBY World Highline Festival from 2017 - 2022. In 2023, Jesse took on the role of Lead Event Director of GGBY. In his time as Lead Event Director, Jesse solidified GGBY’s dedication to environmental sustainability through implementing extensive educational workshops and materials for participants. As a founding board member and vice president of Friends of the Fruit Bowl, Jesse is currently focused on developing the organization's long-term stewardship plan.

Director of Competition
Nat is an avid Freestyle Highliner, Competitor, Organizer and Judge. He began slacklining in Austin, Texas, exactly one day after his university’s rowing program was shut down for COVID 19.
Upon graduating, he moved into his car and chased 60 degree weather and 70m freestyle lines from Mexico to Washington and back for three years. He currently lives in Colorado and will be attending Colorado Law in the fall.
The first highline Nat ever rigged or got on was at the Fruit Bowl (the same line). He has enjoyed returning each spring and fall since.

Executive Director
Jackson Helgevold is a committed community builder and driven entrepreneur with a strong interest in non-profits, public land, and law. Born in small town Iowa, Jackson moved to the big city of Boulder, Colorado where he found slacklining and graduated from the Universality of Colorado Boulder with a BA in Political Science. Eager to be more involved, Jackson levied his professional experience working in the Iowa & Colorado House of Representatives, and his financial background running a successful investment real estate company to become the GGBY World Highline Festival’s youngest director in history. Jackson served as the Director of Finance & Administration from late 2022 until early 2024 when he assumed the Executive Director role and was elected by his peers to the Board of Directors for Slackline US as Co-Treasurer. Jackson utilized his strong understanding of the organizations to pioneer the formation of Friends of the Fruit Bowl and the transition of GGBY from Slackline US to Friends of the Fruit Bowl. He is currently preparing for law school, serves as the President of Friends of the Fruit Bowl, and is focused on developing its 10-year strategic operations plan.
jackson@slackline.us
(515) 851-5569
@jacksonlovesjoy

Rigging Director
Jerry Miszewski is a pioneering figure in the world of slacklining, known for his exceptional skill and groundbreaking achievements in the sport. He has set multiple world records, pushing the limits of what is possible on a slackline. As the owner and founder of Balance Community, the only U.S.-based slackline gear manufacturer, Jerry is dedicated to providing high-quality equipment for athletes around the world. His passion for slacklining and commitment to advancing the sport has made him a prominent leader in the community, inspiring both beginners and seasoned slackliners alike. Jerry currently is on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Fruit Bowl and is the Director of Rigging for GGBY World Highline Festival. Under Jerry’s leadership in GGBY and Friends of the Fruit Bowl, GGBY has set the gold standard for safety through first of its kind mandates that require festival rigging teams use industrial rigging practices and its team members hold the International Slackline Associations RIGGER Certification.

Programming Director
Dylan Nunn, an eclectic entrepreneur inspired by action and transformation. was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and using my broad cultural experiences, seeks to bring a whole new perspective to business owners, artists, and others who are living an eco-nomadic lifestyle around the world.
As a passionate traveler, Dylan is always looking for new opportunities to connect with others and learn together through shared experiences. When you open your heart and mind to what the world can offer, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
Transformation is equal parts inspiring, challenging, and empowering, and it is well worth the commitment as you see the new horizons expanding ahead of you.

Medical Director
James Xu grew up exploring the Sonoran Desert around Tucson, where he started rock climbing and slacklining in 2010. Since then, it has led him to a lifepath dedicated to the pursuit of learning and sharing transformative experiences in the outdoors. James lived and loved the seasonal lifestyle, working as a river guide and rope access technician in places from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite National Park. James currently teaches hiking, canyoneering, rock-climbing, whitewater rafting, and rescue skills for the National Outdoor Leadership School. James moved to Moab, UT, in 2021 and has been working as a canyoneering/rock guide. In addition, James is currently the GGBY World Highline Festival Health & Safety Director and on the Rigging team. His steadfast dedication to promoting safety in the outdoors is strongly coupled with extensive credentials like the International Slackline Association RIGGER certification and being an active member of GCSAR.