LEADERSHIP TEAM
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
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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 |
STAFF
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
MARIA BRANDT
Outreach & Development Coordinator Maria has a B.S. in Forestry, a B.S. in Natural Resource Management, and a graduate certificate in nonprofit administration from CSU Fort Collins. She’s built her career in education, outreach and field experience working for The National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and El Paso County Nature Centers. Maria is a Colorado native and currently works from her home in downtown Colorado Springs.
WENDIE WARNER
Special Projects Director/ 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 makes jewelry and metalwork projects in her spare time. CONTACT Wendie XXXX
LARA THOMAS
Fire Mitigation Program Manager has a M.A.T. in Earth Science Education, a B.A. in Geosciences and Environmental Studies, and is a resident of Florissant, CO. In her free time Lara enjoys gardening, volunteering, and spending time outdoors. CONTACT Lara
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
TERRY SAPOS
Natural Resource Tech Terry is the long-time operator for the Divide Slash Site.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynda James, Chair, Upper South Platte Water Conservancy DistrictSwithin Dick, Vice-Chair, Centennial Water & Sanitation DistrictJim Idema, Treasurer, Interested IndividualKaren Berry, Jefferson Conservation DistrictLynne Buchanan, Center of Colorado Water Conservancy DistrictChristina Burri, Denver WaterMary Dawson, Aurora WaterRay Douglas, Park CountyEric Howell, Colorado Springs UtilitiesZak Humbles, Douglas CountyDon Logelin, Pikes Peak Trout UnlimitedPatrick O’Connell, Jefferson CountySuzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife FederationDan Williams, Teller County
EMERITUS BOARD ADVISORS
Josh Voorhis, South Park Ranger District, USFS
Board of Directors Roles & Responsibilities
