Water Literate Leaders of Northern Colorado
Water Literate Leaders of Northern Colorado
Water is one of the most important and controversial subjects of the 21st century. Water issues are particularly complex, and understanding the nuances is critical for good decision-making. Many who have helped our communities make sound water decisions are nearing retirement age. Northern Colorado needs a new crop of water literate leaders!
The Colorado Water Center is excited to partner with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado in engaging community leaders in water conversations and solutions for Northern Colorado. Water Literate Leaders are committed to investing their time and energy to learn from experts and empower themselves to meet the everchanging water needs of our communities.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Water Literate Leaders Cohort!
2024-2025 Cohort
| Name | Title & Affiliation while enrolled in the Water Literate Leaders Program | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Brinck | Assistant Town Administrator | Town of Eaton |
| Thomas Butler | City Councilmember | City of Greeley |
| Cory Channell | Communications Specialist II | City of Greeley, Communications & Engagement |
| Tim Coons | President/CEO | Weld Community Foundation |
| Amber Ortiz Cragg | PE-III | EPS Group |
| Debbie Davis | Vice President & Manager | Independent Financial |
| Nathan Ewert | Engineer III | Town of Wellington |
| Bryce Goldade | Senior Environmental Geologist | Tasman, Inc |
| Jamie Goodvin | Northeast District VP/Realtor | Colorado Association of Realtors/JPAR Modern Real Estate |
| Jason Hallett | Town Board Member | Town of Windsor |
| Kara Kish | Parks and Recreation Director | City of Loveland |
| Cole Kramer | Associate Land Agent | City of Loveland |
| Megan Maiolo-Health | Communications, Outreach & Marketing Manager | Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed |
| Evan McCurnin | Water Resources Analyst | Central Colorado Water Conservancy District |
| Scott Moser | Mayor | Town of Eaton |
| Melanie Potyondy | Fort Collins City Councilmember, District 4 | City of Fort Collins |
| Lindsay Radcliff-Coombes | Deputy Town Manager | Town of Severance |
| Amie Ruggles | Assistant Controller | Odell Brewing Company |
| Abbey Shaneyfelt | Lead Ambassador | Poudre Learning Center |
| Shelby Sommer | Senior Director of Planning & Engagement | Brendle Group |
| Ron Steinbach | Windsor Town Board Member, District 1 | Town of Windsor |
What to expect: Over the course of the program, nine class sessions will be held in Fort Collins, which participants are expected to attend. Classes cover a range of topics related to water, including historical context, water law & policy, supply & demand, economic growth & development, agriculture, municipalities, and environmental & recreational issues. Classes also feature stories and conversations with key water leaders about their leadership experiences and individual journeys in water. Participants must complete homework assignments and engage in class discussion. Field trips (typically one in fall and one in spring) provide hands-on learning experiences and exposure to various water-related issues and initiatives. Snacks, beverages, and lunch are provided for each session. Program tuition is $250.
Dates for 2024-25 sessions
- September 12, 2024
- October 11, 2024
- November 13, 2024
- December 11, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 12, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- May 14, 2025
- Graduation ceremony, TBD May 2025
Thank you to our past program sponsors!
City of Evans
City of Fort Collins
City of Greeley
City of Loveland
City of Thornton
Town of Windsor
North Weld County Water District
