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 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.
CHRIS FULLER
Deputy Director Chris coordinates grants, projects and programs; develops and maintains schedules (for people and equipment); and makes sure that safety protocols are implemented with all projects. 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’ chris@cusp.ws
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. ravage@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 TIENKEN
Jeff has returned to CUSP after several years. We are happy to have him back as our Safety Officer and forest mitigation specialist. jeff@cusp.ws
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. adrain@cusp.ws
CONNOR HOLLIS
Outreach and Development Coordinator Connor researches new project opportunities and is the non-profit representative for many public events throughout the watershed. He also helps manage the CUSP website, socials, and fundraising aspects of CUSP. Connor was born and raised in Colorado. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Regis University in Denver and a master’s in environmental science from Wageningen University and Research in The Netherlands. Before CUSP, Connor was an outdoor educator, outreach specialist, and a full-time gardener both in Colorado and abroad. In his free time, Connor enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and staying in on rainy days.connor@cusp.ws
MEGAN KOCINA
Forest Mitigation Coordinator Megan coordinates projects across the watershed relating to forest health, wildfire prevention, education, outreach, grant writing, and streamway management. She is a Colorado native who obtained her degree at Colorado State University and spent her subsequent years working in natural resource management both locally and abroad. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, baking, writing poetry, and pyrography art. megan@cusp.ws
TERRY SAPOS
Natural Resource Tech Terry is the long-time operator for the Divide Slash Site. terry@cusp.ws
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Swithin Dick, Chair, Centennial Water & Sanitation District
Patrick O’Connell, Vice Chair, Jefferson County
Jim Idema, Treasurer, Interested Individual
Karen Berry, Jefferson Conservation District
Lynne Buchanan, Secretary, Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District
Mary Dawson, Aurora Water
Ray Douglas, Town of Fairplay
Eric Howell, Colorado Springs Utilities
Lynda James, Upper South Platte Water Conservancy District
Zak Humbles, Douglas County
Don Logelin, Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited
Suzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife Federation
Dan Williams, Teller County
Dave Wissel, Park County
Alison Witheridge, Denver Water
Non-Voting Board Members
Josh Voorhis, South Park Ranger District, USFS