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CAROL EKARIUS
Executive Director Carol has been CUPS’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
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

JEFF RAVAGE
North Fork Watershed Coordinator Jeff develops, oversees and manages projects in the Northfork 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

CHRIS FULLER
Office Manager As Office Manager, Chris is the ‘keeper of the data stuff’, staying busy with database, bookkeeping, reporting, and admin support for the staff.  Water/watershed issues have been of particular interest to Chris as a resident of South Park and former special water district board member.  An Oklahoma University graduate, still practicing architecture and running her antique business, Chris  grabs every opportunity to check out her favorite place, ‘the road less traveled’   CONTACT    Chris

HELEN DYER
Development and Outreach Director Helen has a strong background in nonprofit management and development. She has worked in both professional and volunteer capacities with local government and a number of nonprofits. She feels particularly fortunate to be working for CUSP as it provides her the opportunity to directly serve her community. Helen loves cooking and entertaining, traveling and playing in the amazing “backyard” that is the Pikes Peak region. CONTACT  Helen

JEFF TIENKEN
Deputy Operations Director Jeff is a graduate of San Jose State University. With over 25 years of experience in drainage and erosion control and  logging, Jeff’s skill set provides much needed expertise to lead the CUSP field crew. He manages, schedules and oversees boots-on-the-ground projects and is a member of our Wildland Firefighting Crew.  CONTACT  Jeff

THERESA SPRINGER
Wildland Fire Rehab & Environmental Education CoordinatorTheresa 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

LISA PATTON
Deputy Development Director & Executive Assistant Lisa, a former US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger, is a longtime local resident, and dedicated CUSP leader. She is an outdoor enthusiast and a people person. She attended Arizona State University and has a diverse understanding of land management issues.  She is passionate about CUSP’s programs and promoting genuine stewardship and collaborative connections. Her enthusiasm helps to engage hundreds of stakeholders each year. CONTACT  Lisa