STAFF:
JOHN GEERDES
CEO and 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. johngeerdes@cusp.ws
CAROL EKARIUS
Executive Director Emeritus
Carol served as CUSP’s initial Executive Director. 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.
CHRIS FULLER
Deputy Director
Chris serves as grant administrator, handles the books and HR, and data & facilities management. Water/watershed issues have been of particular interest to Chris as a long-time resident of South Park and a special water district board member. Chris grabs every opportunity to check out her favorite place, ‘the road less traveled’. chris@cusp.ws
ADRIAN KNIGHT
Operations Director & 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 being with his family & hiking with his dogs. adrain@cusp.ws
CLARA PETERSON
Watershed Coordinator
Clara identifies and coordinates projects in the Northern part of the Upper South Platte Watershed. She holds a degree from the University of Arizona and an education certificate from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Clara’s experience as a wildland firefighter, structure firefighter, and educator makes her an asset when discussing mitigation and home hardening with property owners. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, backpacking, stand-up paddleboarding, and cross-country skiing. clara@cusp.ws
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. kat@cusp.ws
JEFF RAVAGE
Information Systems Manager
Jeff designs and maintains CUSP websites and provides IT support. He enjoys talking to school groups and fostering a love of the “really real” world. He sleeps just fine, Thank You. ravage@cusp.ws
TERRY SAPOS
Natural Resource Tech
Terry is the long-time manager of the Divide Slash Site and provides equipment and facilities support when needed. terry@cusp.ws
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Swithin Dick, Chair, Highlands Ranch Water
Patrick O’Connell, Vice Chair, Jefferson County
Karen Berry, Treasurer, Interested Individual
Lynne Buchanan, Secretary, Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District
Mary Dawson, Aurora Water
Ray Douglas, Town of Fairplay
Zak Humbles, Douglas County
Lynda James, Upper South Platte Water Conservancy District
Don Logelin, Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited
Suzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife Federation
Dan Williams, Teller County
Dave Wissel, Park County
Derek Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Non-Voting Board Members
Josh Voorhis, South Park Ranger District, USFS