Board & 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. 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

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’ CONTACT Chris

JANE MANNON
Development & Outreach 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

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