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JOHN GEERDES
Executive Director John is a graduate of Colorado State University in Natural Resources Management. In his 34 year career with Colorado State Parks, and later Colorado Parks and Wildlife, John was involved with management and development of Colorado’s most special gems. From Vega State Park to the Arkansas Headwaters, and some time in the regional office, John has touched almost all aspects of natural resource management. CUSP is lucky to have John leading our team following his retirement from Mueller State Park. CONTACT John
CAROL EKARIUS
Executive Director Emeritus Carol has been CUSP’s Executive Director since 1999. She holds a Civil Engineering Degree from the UC Denver and has decades of experience in governmental and nonprofit management. Carol is a freelance writer and the author of nine books, including Small-Scale Livestock Farming: A Grass-based Approach for Health, Sustainability, and Profit, and The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. Her articles have appeared in regional and national magazines including Green Builder, Mother Earth News, Western Horseman, and The Writer. She lives with her husband, Ken Woodard, and their farm menagerie near Cripple Creek. CONTACT Carol
JONATHAN BRUNO
Senior Operations Director Jonathan has a Masters in Public Administration from University of Colorado and graduated from the Executive Leadership program at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He has worked closely with communities on forest health initiatives aimed at creating resilient forests and safer communities, as well as working to restore lands impacted from recent wildfires and natural disasters. With over 20 years within emergency services, as a safety officer for a search and rescue team and as a wildland fire fighter, he continues to work at the intersection of emergency response and community preparedness. CONTACT Jonathan
JANE MANNON
Development & Outreach Director Jane is a native of Colorado. Her work experience includes the National Park Service at Redwood National Park and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. She worked with the Teller County Community Development Services, and was the long-time face of the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co. as the Community Relations Manager. Jane has made Teller County her home for over 35 years. CONTACT Jane
MICHELLE CONNELLY
Operations Director After being away from forestry for a number of years, Michelle is excited to be back working in the forests she is so passionate about. Originally from Kansas, she has a degree in forest management with a minor in watershed management from Colorado State University. When not uniting people with healthy forests, she is often hiking, reading, cooking or volunteering. Michelle is especially proud of the five daughters she and her husband have raised. CONTACT Michelle
JEFF RAVAGE
North Fork Watershed Coordinator Jeff develops, oversees and manages projects in the North Fork watershed. Based in Bailey, he hits the ground in the 285 corridor planning projects, and cuttin’ down the occasional tree. He designs and maintains CUSP websites, the CUSP Servers, and designs forest treatments. He also works in the field with crews and volunteers. He enjoys speaking to school groups and fostering a love of the “really real” world. He sleeps just fine, Thank You. CONTACT Jeff
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KAT HERRERA
GIS Coordinator Kat started with CUSP as a volunteer GIS intern. Her diverse background includes GIS services in local government. Early on her parents instilled her with passions for the environment, art and science which led to a Bachelors of Science from Metro State College of Denver. Hobbies include a love of pets, plants and gardening, motorcycling and reading. CONTACT Kat
TERRY SAPOS
Natural Resource Technician Originally from West Virginia, Terry started as a volunteer working with CUSP’s Neighborhood Fuels Reduction program. That led to running the slash site during the summer season and using his carpentry skills for office repairs and renovations. Terry likes fishing and building custom furniture. CONTACT Terry
KEVIN RUSSO
Natural Resource Technician & Office Support Kevin is CUSP’s “artist in residence”. He uses his artistic and jack-of-all-trades talents and resourcefulness in several capacities including work at the Fairplay slash site. Kevin painted the spectacular donor appreciation murals on the walls at the front entrance of our office. CONTACT Kevin
THERESA SPRINGER
Recovery Coordinator Theresa is an original CUSP staff member and started our environmental and public education and outreach programs. After the Hayman Fire, her responsibilities and expertise expanded rapidly. This extensive work has proven invaluable in providing leadership for work in the Waldo Canyon Fire area. Theresa’s background is in agriculture and range management. CONTACT Theresa
WENDIE WARNER
Science & Monitoring Coordinator/ Safety Officer Wendie was born and raised in Colorado, and considers the San Luis Valley and the tiny town of Mosca home. She has worked in various natural resource jobs. Wendie loves to play outside and underground and makes jewelry and metalwork projects in her spare time. CONTACT Wendie
ADRIAN KNIGHT
Staff Forester Adrian is a Colorado Native. He graduated from Western State Colorado University with a Bachelors’ Degree in environmental biology & Ecology. When not busy working Adrian loves hiking with his dogs. CONTACT Adrian
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Lynne Buchanan, Chair, Interested IndividualLynda James, Vice Chair, Upper South Platte Water Conservancy DistrictDan Drucker, Secretary, Center of Colorado Water Conservancy DistrictJim Idema, Treasurer, Interested IndividualKaren Berry, Jefferson Conservation DistrictChristina Burri, Chair, Denver WaterMary Dawson, Aurora WaterMarc Dettenrieder, Teller CountySwithin Dick, Centennial Water & Sanitation District
Tom Eisenman, Park County Eric Howell, Colorado Springs UtilitiesZak Humbles, Douglas CountyDon Logelin, Pikes Peak Trout UnlimitedPatrick O’Connell, Jefferson CountySuzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife FederationEMERITUS BOARD ADVISORSJosh Voorhis, South Park Ranger District, USFS
