Rural Philanthropy Days Leadership

Steering Committee Leaders

Lisa Brown, Visiting Nurse Association. Co-chair & Fundraising Committee

Lisa Brown is the Development Director for the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. Previously Lisa was the Program Manager for the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. In addition to her development and program-related responsibilities, Lisa serves on several boards that promote the health and well being of Colorado residents. Lisa was elected to the Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 Board in 2007, was appointed to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board, has been a member of the Routt County and City of Steamboat Springs Human Resource Allocation Committee, and is a founding member and participant of Impact100, a Routt County philanthropic group. Lisa is a third generation native of Routt County and attended Colorado public schools K-12 and for college.

Margie Joy, Pioneers Medical Center. Co-chair & Fundraising Committee

Margie Joy currently manages the Development and Community Relations programs at Pioneers Medical Center. She and her family moved to Meeker about three years ago to enjoy a quieter life in the White River Valley. Today, she is President of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce and participates in the Rio Blanco County Planning Task Force. Margie brings almost 20 years of community involvement and public relations experience to the RPD team. She has worked on national campaigns, such as the "Beef. It’s What's for Dinner," and managed public involvement programs for a metropolitan planning organization that encompassed 11 municipalities and two counties. Prior to moving to Meeker, Margie was involved in economic development work in Larimer County. Margie’s favorite thing to do is making memories with her husband and 7-year-old daughter.

Anne Mudgett. Event Coordinator

For the past 11 years, as a staff member, independent consultant and volunteer, Anne Mudgett has worked with a wide range of nonprofit organizations in Colorado and Michigan, applying her skills in communications, marketing, public relations, fundraising, education and special event planning. In the course of her professional experience, she has planned, promoted and managed a variety of events including large fundraisers, running, snowshoe and mountain bike races, expos, awards ceremonies, annual meetings, concerts, field trips and educational seminars. Anne received her B.A. in English and her M.A. in English-Communication Development both from Colorado State University. After many years away, she recently moved back to Steamboat Springs with her husband and 15-month-old son.

Steering Committee

Tatiana Achcar, Integrated Community. Program Committee

Tatiana Achcar moved to Steamboat Springs in fall of 2008 and became Executive Director of Integrated Community, a nonprofit organization serving Routt and Moffat Counties’ immigrant populations. An immigration attorney by trade, her experience includes the corporate arena, working on human resources immigration and employment legal compliance, practicing at small and large law firms, and as a solo practitioner attorney. As an immigrant and Latina who resided in Minnesota for 18 years, Tatiana served immigrant communities as a consultant and board member for El Colegio Charter School and the Legal Rights Center, as a volunteer for numerous nonprofit organizations, and as a research associate of diverse topics of impact to the Latino immigrant community through culturally competent models.

Sue Birch, Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. Fundraising Committee

Sue Birch is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Birch has served the Northwest Colorado VNA for the past 15 years, where she has been instrumental in expanding programs, developing strategic partnerships and strengthening operations. Birch recently completed the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Livingston Fellowship and the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship.

Kay Borvansky, Horizons. Hospitality Committee

Kay Borvansky is the Resource Development Coordinator for Horizons, an organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities in all five counties of Northwest Colorado. Kay gained significant nonprofit experience working at Presbyterian/St.Luke’s hospital where she was coordinator of Volunteer Services, managing 250 volunteers in 45 departments and serving as liaison between administration, the hospital auxiliary and the HealthOne Foundation. After returning to Steamboat Springs, Kay volunteered for the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley raising funds for the new hospital and was hired by the VNA to assist with the agency’s capital campaign. In 2001, Kay joined the Horizons staff as their Resource Development Coordinator where she writes grants, coordinates fundraising events, supervises the volunteer coordinator and is the public relations and marketing contact for the agency.

Bette Carlson, Girl Scouts of Colorado. Program Committee

Bette Carlson is Sr. Vice President, Human Resources for the Girl Scouts of Colorado. While spending her early career in corporate America, she served on boards of many nonprofits. Bette joined the nonprofit sector in 1999 to develop the Family Support at Work Leadership Roundtable, whose goal was to develop more family-friendly work places and policies. In 2005, she became Coordinator of Volunteers for Horizons. In 2007 Bette joined Girl Scouts of Colorado when councils from across the state merged. She telecommutes from Steamboat Springs. Bette hopes to utilize her skills and diverse professional background on the Rural Philanthropy Days Steering Committee. She appreciates the opportunity to be involved in regional collaboration, strengthening nonprofits, and building relationships between grant-makers and grant-seekers.

Dana Duran, Boys & Girls Club of Craig. Fundraising Committee

Dana Duran, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Craig, has worked for the organization for almost two years. Growing up in Colorado fueled Dana's affection for working in the outdoors. She has a passion for leadership and serving the common good. Dana supports Rural Philanthropy Days because she values the critical role nonprofits play in every community.

Sarah Fischler, Community Resource Center. Advisor

Sarah Fischler is the Interim Co-Director for the Community Resource Center, the statewide organization that helps convene two Rural Philanthropy Days each year in regions across Colorado. Sarah’s primary interest in RPD centers on the program’s ability to bring essential resources to rural communities that help level the playing field for local nonprofit organizations. She has worked in many capacities within the nonprofit sector—as fundraiser, board member, grant-maker, and consultant. Sarah is a Colorado native who enjoys both working and playing in rural Colorado.

Libby Foster, Partners in Routt County. Program Committee

Libby Foster is Executive Director of Partners in Routt County. She was PRC's Case Manager for more than three years before being hired as Director. Her job responsibilities include developing strong agency capacity, developing and maintaining effective community partnerships, planning for sustainable resource development, and ensuring quality programming and effective program evaluation. Libby earned a B.A. in Biology and a M.A. in Teaching Secondary Science at Colorado College. She has experience as the Education Coordinator and YES (Young Environmental Stewards) Director at The Catamount Institute, has been a middle school teacher in a low socio-economic and ethnically diverse Colorado school district, served as conservation coordinator for a Vermont land trust, and conducted wildlife research in Florida, South America, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Botswana.

David R. Freseman, Lift-Up. Hospitality Committee

David Freseman has been Executive Director of Lift-Up of Routt County, since May of 2000. He has more than thirty years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has done a great deal of fundraising, grant writing, public speaking and management of volunteers. David has served on numerous community boards, committees and task forces and currently serves as a Chamber Ambassador for Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. He is married to Debra, and they have five children and three grandchildren.

Cari Hermacinski, Steamboat Springs City Council

Cari Hermacinski earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.W.) from the University of Wyoming, an M.B.A. from the University of Wyoming and a J.D. from the University of Denver. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Colorado. During law school, Cari interned at the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute and wrote for the Water Court Reporter at the University of Denver College of Law. In 1999, she founded her own consulting firm, Telecomm. Acquisition Group, Inc. (TAG), which acquires and performs the due diligence work for property necessary for the construction of wireless telecommunication sites. Cari has lived in Steamboat Springs since 2001 and is the President Pro-Tem of the Steamboat Springs City Council.

Betsey Jay, Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Marketing Committee

Betsey Jay, Executive Director of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, has 25 years of management experience in the public and nonprofit sector. Previously she worked for 15 years in development communications for the University of Colorado Foundation and three years at Tufts University. Prior to that, she oversaw communications for the Jefferson County School District in suburban Denver. Early in her career, Betsey also worked as an award-winning journalist in the Boulder area.

Dervla Lacy, Grand Futures Prevention Coalition. Hospitality Committee

Dervla Lacy is the Routt County Director for Grand Futures Prevention Coalition (GFPC). Prior to joining GFPC, Dervla was an attorney with a local law firm, practicing in the areas of corporate law, civil litigation, and homeowners’ association representation. Before moving to Steamboat Springs in August 2007, Dervla served as a public defender in Kentucky, specializing in juvenile law and juvenile representation. Dervla is committed to assisting youth in breaking free from the cyclical problems which result and revolve around substance use and abuse, as well as in helping youth to find positive role models in their community. Dervla received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and a J.D. from the University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law in Louisville, Kentucky.

Megan Ledin, Grand Foundation. Fundraising Committee

Megan Ledin is Executive Director of the Grand Foundation, the community foundation for Grand County, which focuses on Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services and Sports and Recreation. Prior to her role at the Grand Foundation, she was the CFO for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. Megan has lived in Grand County for 15 years. She chose it for the many recreational and outdoor activities but stayed for the beauty and warmth of the community and its residents. Megan holds degrees in Accounting and Biochemistry and an M.B.A. with a focus on Accounting. Megan is passionate about the role nonprofits play in the vitality and vibrancy of Grand County. On the RPD Steering Committee, she hopes to foster collaboration between nonprofits, funders and elected officials to solve community issues.

Sonja Macys, Yampatika. Program Committee

Sonja Macys is Executive Director of Yampatika, an organization dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship through education. Prior to joining Yampatika, Sonja served as Executive Director of the Tucson Audubon Society. During her tenure there, the United States House of Representatives recognized Sonja for her leadership in conservation in southeastern Arizona. Her educational background includes an M.A. in Parks and Protected Area Management, a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. Her career as an environmental educator began in Mexico where she worked for the Mexican nonprofit Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan developing school programs and working with youth groups and direct resource users in the Yucatan Peninsula’s Coastal Biosphere Reserves.

Suzi Mariano, Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. Marketing Committee

Suzi Mariano is the Public Information Coordinator for the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. She has a background in communications, marketing and fundraising. Now involved in nonprofit work for almost five years, she hopes to utilize her skills and community connectedness while sitting on the Steering Committee of Northwest Colorado RPD.

Julie Merrill, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp. Hospitality Committee

Julie Merrill moved to Steamboat Springs in January 2009 to assume the position of Development Director at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, she most recently served as Co-Director of Annual Giving at Baylor School, an independent school in Chattanooga. From 2001-2005 Julie was the Outreach Director at the Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, Colorado, where she fell in love with rural life. Julie jumped at the opportunity to serve on the RPD Steering Committee and hopes to utilize this experience to become familiar with the unique challenges that face nonprofit organizations in Northwest Colorado. Julie received a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Alabama and an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.

Wendy Mielke, Grand County Rural Health Network. Program Committee

More information coming soon.

Diane Moore, Advocates Against Battering & Abuse. Program Committee

Diane Moore has worked in the field of victims’ issues for 25 years as the Executive Director with Advocates Building Peaceful Communities in Routt County. She has expertise in the field of domestic and sexual violence, family therapy and child abuse. Her past experience also includes community organizing, crime prevention with the Denver District Attorney’s Office, and child abuse investigations and intensive family treatment with the Department of Human Services. As Executive Director of Advocates, Diane provides direct counseling services to victims, works collaboratively with other human service agencies, develops programs regarding victim issues, and works closely with the criminal justice system.

Mark O’Reilly, Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey. Fundraising Committee

Mark O’Reilly has served as a volunteer, board member and officer of a number of nonprofits over the past 25 years. These have included residential and commercial real estate industry trade associations, economic development councils and realtor organizations. He was active in Rotary and Lions Clubs in Summit and Grand Counties. Mark was also a board member of several skiing-related educational programs, fundraising foundations and the Colorado Ski Museum. During the past 15 years, he has served as a youth hockey board member, officer and coach. He is currently a volunteer with the Yampa Valley Housing Authority.

Lauren Price, Community Resource Center. Advisor

Lauren Price is a consultant and trainer at the Community Resource Center, working with nonprofits across the state in strategic planning, board governance, major donor development, 501(c)(3) development, and fund planning. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Lauren has served as the campaign manager for the $19 million comprehensive campaign at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, grant-writer and fundraising consultant for arts organizations serving the physically disabled, and as interim campaign director for Aspen Education Foundation’s $28 million campaign feasibility study. She is passionate about the transformative power of Colorado’s nonprofits and dedicated to the continuous improvement of the sector. She currently serves the Board of Advisors of the Center for Christian-Jewish Dialogue in Colorado Springs. One of her most fulfilling professional opportunities is working with RPD Steering Committees across the state -- her work with CRC has brought her to 50 of Colorado's 64 counties... and counting!

Jeff Pryor, Anschutz Family Foundation. Advisor

Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation and adjunct faculty member at Regis University for the Masters of Nonprofit Management program, Jeff Pryor has had the opportunity to participate in the planning of each of the biannual Rural Philanthropy Days. He feels that all Coloradoans hold a stake in the health and vibrancy of rural Colorado, regardless of where they live, and that RPD represents an amazing opportunity for nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses, elected officials, and grant-makers to develop a common understanding about important issues. Himself the recipient of many awards of excellence in philanthropy, teaching, and volunteering, Jeff is enthralled and impressed with the dedication of people willing to give their time to build opportunities for regional collaboration, strengthening nonprofits, and building relationships between grant-makers and grant-seekers.

Jon Quinn, Steamboat Springs City Council. Marketing Committee

Jon Quinn grew up in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1996. He has lived in Steamboat since 1997 along with his wife, Tracy. They have two little girls, Evan and Dylan, and are thrilled to be able to raise them in such a wonderful family community. Jon is currently a partner at Northwest Data Services and works as an IT consultant. He has also had the privilege of serving on the Steamboat Springs City Council since he was elected in 1997.

Laura Schmidt, Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley. Hospitality Committee

In 1996, Laura traded in her sales career and high heels for running shoes and the title of "Stay at Home Mom." While immersed in finger-paint and Dr. Seuss, Laura volunteered and served on several nonprofit boards and committees. After watching her daughter walk through the kindergarten doors, Laura returned to work. She had the opportunity to work on newsletter creation, web design and grants for three organizations in Estes Park. A career opportunity for her husband brought Laura to Steamboat Springs and the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley in 2008. Recently Laura has begun grant writing for the Foundation. She is looking forward to helping make Northwest Colorado RPD a meaningful, stellar event.

Kelly Stanford, Routt County United Way. Program Committee

Kelly has been the Executive Director for Routt County United Way since March 2008. Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, Kelly spent her professional career in education. Her roles in education include classroom teacher, middle school assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent and corporate training developer. As a classroom teacher, Kelly spent many years working with at-risk youth in alternative school settings. This experience was the catalyst for her interest in health and human service organizations and their critical role in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. After growing up and starting her professional life in Texas, Kelly has lived in Steamboat Springs for eight years with her husband and two daughters.

Darcy Trask, Craig Moffat Economic Development Partnership. Fundraising Committee

Darcy Trask is the Director for the Craig Moffat Economic Development Partnership, a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting a vibrant, diverse, and stable economy for Moffat County. Currently CMEDP is funded through contributions from the City of Craig, Moffat County and many private businesses. Darcy has more than 20 years of business and human resources management experience and has been actively involved in non-profit and economic development efforts for many years.

Gretchen Van De Carr, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Program Committee

Gretchen Van De Carr has served as Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps since founding the organization in 1993. Gretchen has a master’s of science in Environmental Engineering from the University of New Hampshire. She was a founding member of the City of Steamboat Springs’ Teen Programs and Community Youth Corps, Partners in Routt County, Community Evaluation Team, Grand Futures Prevention Coalition, and the Routt County Family and Adolescent Resource Council. She currently serves as a board director for the Colorado Youth Corps Association, Integrated Community, North Routt Preschool and the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation Steering Committee. Gretchen is also the proud mom of two boys, Otis and Oliver. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys skiing, camping, hiking and making music.

Jamie Viefhaus-Zak, Jackson County Social Services. Hospitality Committee

In a small rural community where everyone must wear multiple hats, Jamie has worked as the only full time Social Services employee in Jackson County for eight years. She advocates for kids as the President for the North Park School District Accountability Committee. Approximately, a year ago she was instrumental in getting nonprofit status for the Jackson County Community Center, which is currently working on various collaborations within the community to provide much-needed services for people from birth to 90+. She was excited when asked to participate on the Rural Philanthropy Days Steering Committee and has enjoyed the task.

Cole White, Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. Hospitality Committee

Cole White is the Director of Operations for Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. He has a diverse background in Health Policy, Administration and Finance. His management skills include information technology planning and implementation, financial analysis and forecasting, performance improvement development, strategic planning, marketing and business administration. Cole received his bachelor’s of science in Finance from the University of Wyoming in 2004 and his master’s of Public Health Policy and Administration in 2006.

Sheila Wright, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Marketing Committee

Sheila Wright has been the Development Director for the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps since 2005. Sheila has more than 17 years of sales, marketing and public relations experience and came to the RMYC as a liaison for the Routt County United Way. She holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts in Economics. Her civic duties include Routt County United Way Past President and Campaign Chairperson, and her fundraising successes have included the Heuga Snow Express for Multiple Sclerosis and several Kiwanis Club projects.