Colorado Trout Unlimited
+ David's BIO
David coordinates state-level TU conservation efforts on issues ranging from whirling disease to water quality protection. Under his leadership, Colorado TU has successfully reformed state whirling disease policy, secured passage of legislation strengthening Colorado's in-stream flow program, and conducted many on-the-ground restoration projects for stream habitat and native trout recovery. He is the author of Whirling Disease in the United States, a TU report summarizing the state of the science on whirling disease, and co-author of Saving A Stream, a primer on how to conduct coldwater habitat improvement projects. David holds a BA in Public Policy from Duke University. He enjoys fishing in the Rocky Mountain National Park area and hiking and camping in Colorado’s high country with his wife and two children.
+ Jen's BIO
Since 2003, Jen has served as the legislative liaison for Colorado TU and Audubon Colorado at the Colorado General Assembly. She has helped secure passage of legislation expanding funding for wildlife habitat protection, prohibiting homeowner covenants that require water-intensive landscaping, and enabling water right holders to make emergency loans for water for in-stream flow purposes. She is also an accomplished horseback rider.
+ Nancy's BIO
Nancy has a degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish from UNM, where she worked as a research assistant in the Ichthyology lab at the Museum of Southwestern Biology. She has six years of experience working as a biologist, GIS tech, and project manager for a small engineering firm specialized in river restoration. Her background includes basic training fluvial geomorphology, topographic surveying, contractor procurement, permit acquisition, report writing, volunteer oversight, and grants management.
Along her meandering career path, former jobs to support her “river habit” include being a rafting and fishing guide, an ESL and Conversational Spanish instructor, a federal grant-writing consultant, sustainability non-profit director (Natural Capitalism), and a grant innovation coordinator for the state of New Mexico’s Environment Department. As the Conservation Projects Coordinator, she will be working with our local chapters to help engage their members and their communities to develop conservation plans and projects to conserve, protect and restore Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
+ Whitney's BIO
Whitney has always had a passion for rallying for causes that she is passionate about. She received degrees at Texas Tech and Mississippi State, specializing in Environmental Geosciences. Whitney is an advocate for conservation and protecting our wild places.
Whitney loves the Rockies and enjoys family, fly fishing and 'all things' outdoors.
+ Natalie's BIO
Natalie is a positive extrovert who loves igniting sparks curiosity, wonder, and outdoor exploration in people of all ages, especially kids. Natalie has a degree in Wildlife Management from Purdue University and has 10+ experience in environmental education, nature-based programming, and volunteer management.
She moved out to Colorado in 2010 and now lives in the North Denver Metro area. She has worked previously for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Denver Water, Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, and ran her own business, Wild Within Reach, prior to join CTU.
Natalie is passionate about increasing outdoor play, accessibility, and cultivating a love of nature. She loves spending time with her family which includes her husband Robby and two daughters, Eloise (12) and Lorelei (9). Natalie is an animal geek at heart and in her free time she enjoys hiking, skiing, SCUBA diving, bird/wildlife watching, and fishing.
+ Kyle's BIO
Kyle began his career in marketing, working at a small agency in Boulder. After 9 years, he went on to work in the fly-fishing industry managing a retail location and guiding. It didn’t take long though for him to return to the business world becoming a copywriter for IBM. However, the pull of the fly-fishing industry was great, and he was a shop manager and guide for four years before joining Colorado Trout Unlimited.
Kyle also has a long history of working and volunteering with Trout Unlimited. Previously, he was the Marketing & Communications board member for The Greenbacks, an affiliate chapter of Colorado Trout Unlimited. He also worked on a contract basis performing outreach for Browns Canyon National Monument and Thompson Divide.
+ Audrey's BIO
As the Eastern Trout in the Classroom Coordinator, Audrey is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship and a love for aquatic ecosystems among students. In addition to her primary role, Audrey actively contribute to several of TU’s volunteer initiatives. She serves as a member of the Headwaters Youth Programs Committee, where she help design and implement educational programs. She is also the Director in Training for the Youth River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, where she helps mentor young conservationists and anglers. Additionally, Audrey holds the position of Communications/Membership Chair with my local Trout Unlimited chapter, working to engage and grow the Evergreen community of river-loving, conservation-minded individuals.
Audrey is currently a full-time student at Red Rocks Community College, pursuing a degree in Water Quality Management Technology. Balancing her studies and volunteer work, she is passionate about making a positive impact on our water resources.
In her free time, Audrey enjoys spoiling her 10-year-old yellow lab, Snow, fly fishing, and hiking. These activities allow her to connect with nature and recharge.
+ Reyna's BIO
Reyna grew up on the banks of the Yakima River in Washington State, learning from an early age how we are shaped by, and in turn shape, the fates of rivers. She went on to study Environmental Science and Anthropology at Wesleyan University, where her passion for river conservation, science communication, community science and stewardship grew. She has worked on river research and restoration projects from Washington State to Connecticut and as far as Costa Rica, including Bull Trout salvage efforts and Costa Rican giant freshwater shrimp migration studies. Reyna has spent the last few years in Colorado where, between summer seasons hiking the Colorado Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, she is an instructor for Keystone Science School, teaching students from all over Colorado and beyond about aquatic and forest ecology, watersheds and water management, and snow and avalanche science. When she is not working, you can find Reyna skiing, rafting, running, or on some ridiculously long-distance backpacking trip.
TU National Staff in Colorado
Colorado conservation project
Drew Peternell, Colorado State Director
Chris Chambers, Southwest Colorado Project Manager
Ellie Miller, Northwest Colorado Project Manager
Jay Chancellor, Colorado Advocacy Campaigns Manager
Jesse Bryan, Central Colorado AML Project Manager
Jesse Kruthaupt, Colorado Restoration Program Manager
Karen Cole, Grant Accountant
Katrina Hettinger, Front Range AML Project Manager
Kevin Terry, Southwest Program Director
Luke Laurita, Lower Gunnison River Project Manager
Mel Jimerson, Southwest Grant Accountant
Tanner Banks, Colorado Restoration Program Manager
Toby VanRy, San Luis Valley Project Manager
Other colorado staff
Emily Olsen, Rocky Mountain Region VP
Brian Hodge, Fisheries Scientist
Bryce Larson, GIS Analyst
David Stillwell, Program Coordinator
Jason Willis, Western AML Program Director
Josh Duplechian, Senior Producer
Kirk Deeter, Editorial Director and VP of Angling
Kyle Balint, Regional Farm Bill Associate
Nick Gann, Southwest Communications Director
Sara Porterfield, Western Water Policy Advisor
Scott Reinstein, Principal Gifts Officer
Ty Churchwell, Mining Coordinator - Gov't Affairs