RPD Leadership

Our Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is responsible for planning, producing, and locally fundraising for the entire three-day event. Generally, the Steering Committee decides the objectives and agenda of the event, the location where the event will be held, and the overall budget and cost of registration. Working subcommittees play a critical role in accomplishing the tasks of the Steering Committee. In 2009, more than 70% of Steering Committee members were senior leaders in their nonprofits. The Steering Committees raised over $140,000 through local fundraising and conference registrations.

Audrey Coleman. Senior Development Officer, Crow Canyon Archeological Center: Cortez.

Audrey Coleman is the Senior Development Officer at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, CO., an archaeological research and education institution she has served for  18 years. Her major responsibilities are the Center’s membership program, fund raising, and planning and executing events.

Paulette Church. Executive Director, Adult Education Center: Durango.

Paulette Church has served as Executive Director of the Durango Adult Education Center since 1999.  Under her leadership, the Center received the prestigious El Pomar Award for Excellence in Education in 2005 and was named the United Way of Southwest Colorado’s Outstanding Partner Agency in 2006.  Church has received several regional and state awards for leadership in adult education and recently received the 2010 William Funk Award for Community Building from the Colorado Nonprofit Association.  She holds a BA in Education and a MA in Educational Technology.

Deanna Devereaux. Coordinator, Southwest Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days: Durango.

Deanna Devereaux, Coordinator Southwest Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days.  Ms. Devereaux has been involved with the last three RPD events as a nonprofit attendee, a steering committee member, and as the Coordinator.  Ms. Devereaux currently serves on the boards of La Plata County Salvation Army and Axis Health System.  Ms. Devereaux has worked with numerous nonprofits as a volunteer, crisis intervention counselor, homeless advocate, mentor, program manager, and executive director.  Ms. Devereaux works for the betterment of her community

Gigi Duthie. Director of Continuing Education, Fort Lewis College: Durango.

Gigi Duthie is the Director of Continuing Education at Fort Lewis College, whose mission is to enrich the community with quality lifelong learning programs that strengthen the connection between FLC and the community, exceptional community instructors with adult learners, and community students with one another.  In a partnership with the Nonprofit Leadership Committee, a dedicated community advisory board comprised of distinguished community members vitally involved in our nonprofit sector, CE has been part of a three year workforce development initiative strategically designed to benefit our regional nonprofit organizations with relevant trainings in nonprofit management. Launching in January 2010, the Professional Nonprofit Management Certificate Program, is a strategic course curriculum created, endorsed, and taught for our community nonprofit staff and boards. Gigi is a Durango native and FLC graduate who returned to Durango after 25 years in the Northwest. She began her career in Continuing Education working for the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education and AHEC, divisions of Washington State University in Spokane, Washington.

Lon Erwin. Executive Director, Southwest Community Foundation: Durango.

The 2010 SW Colorado RPD is my second event serving as treasurer and steering committee member. I participated in two previous RPDs as a non-profit director.   I serve as a volunteer with numerous nonprofit agencies: such as Food Share America (Coordinator) for SW Colorado, United of Way of Southwest Colorado (Board member), Durango Adult Education Center (Board Member), Governor’s Committee on Homelessness, and Regional Advisory Committee – Colorado Non Profit Association.

Tami Graham. Mediator, Trainer, Facilitator: Mancos.

Tami Graham, M.A. is a 5th generation Coloradoan and moved to southwestern Colorado from Denver in 1984.  She received her Masters Degree in Transpersonal Psychology, with Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Leadership and Conflict Resolution from JFK University in Orinda, California.  Presently, Tami has her own consulting business, working with non-profits as well as governmental and private sector businesses in conducting strategic planning, board training and conflict resolution skills.  She also has a family mediation practice, working with clients throughout southwestern Colorado.  Tami is the past Executive Director of three non-profit organizations in Durango, including Animas Conservancy Land Trust, KDUR FM, and Braided River Mediation Center and has served on numerous non-profit boards in both La Plata and Montezuma Counties.  She was awarded Woman of the Year at Fort Lewis College in 1996 for her leadership as the Station Manager of KDUR community radio.

Betsy Harrison. President, Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce: Mancos.

Betsy Harrison retired to the Mancos Valley in 2003. Since that time she has served on various non-profit boards in Montezuma County including the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mancos Valley Resources, CASA of the Four Corners  and the Mancos Valley Arts Council. When not pursuing her love of "community", she spends her time breeding Navajo-Churro Sheep.

Wendy Haugen. Executive Director, Foundation for the Protection of Animals: Durango.

Wendy Haugen, Executive Director of the Foundation for Protection of Animals, developed her organization from the ground up in 2006.  Wendy has been involved in animal welfare for the past 16 years.  She is especially passionate about reducing the suffering and euthanasia of homeless pets through spay and neuter.  As a newcomer to both nonprofit management and the SW Colorado area, Wendy's involvement with the steering committee has been a great opportunity to network with other organizations and to experience the power of collaboration and cooperation in her community.

Rose Jergens. Executive Director, The Nest: Cortez.

Rose Jergens is the Executive Director for the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center in Cortez, Colorado. She relocated from Columbia, Missouri to Cortez, Colorado in August, 2008. Rose comes to Child Advocacy Center enthusiastic about effecting change for abused and neglect children in the Four Corners area. She is responsible for all administrative activities and program development. She has spent the past 20 years advocating for children in various capacities. While teaching at the University of Missouri and Truman State University, she consulted with the Missouri Network of Child Advocacy Centers in an effort to strengthen the Multi-disciplinary approach when intervening in child abuse cases across the State of Missouri. Prior to that, Rose spent 7 years as a Juvenile Court Officer investigating and managing child abuse cases. She also developed and coordinated several programs; including a Teen Court Program, Educational Neglect/Truancy Program, Intensive Probation and Informal Probation.   Rose hopes to utilize her skills and professional background working to make Rural Philanthropy Days a success. She appreciates the opportunity to be involved in regional collaboration, strengthening nonprofits, and building relationships between grant-makers and grant-seekers.

Chuck McAfee. Co-Chair of Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days 2010, Community Volunteer: Lewis.

Chuck McAfee, a Montezuma County native, retired from Hewlett-Packard after working 32 years in the company’s Northern Colorado branch as an electrical engineer. He and his wife, MB, returned to his family home in Lewis, Colorado, in 1998. He is a 1958 graduate of Cortez High School and attended the University Colorado and Stanford University to become an electrical engineer. In his retirement, Mr. McAfee is involved in a number of non-profit organizations that serve our communities.  Chuck says, “I see what these outfits and their dedicated staff members and volunteers accomplish to make this a better place. Rural Philanthropy Days offers huge opportunities to our regional not-for-profits, including opportunities for funding. But more importantly, the conference will offer opportunities for networking, collaboration, and training for capacity building. I'm proud to be a part of RPD 2010 and to work with others who are making it happen again in Southwest Colorado.”

Cynthia Nieb. Director of Public Outreach, State Historical Fund: Denver.

Cynthia brings over 15 years of experience in writing, administering and providing grants to those interested in historic preservation projects. She is passionate about nonprofit work because collaborative projects driven by non-profits, governmental agencies and private citizens enrich communities and stimulate the economy.  Non-profits often serve as the catalyst for these essential projects, and they should be lauded for their contribution to the health and wealth of Colorado.

Bob Over. Managing Partner, Partners for Dynamic Solutions: Durango.

Bob Over, M.S., is a nonprofit consultant and managing partner of Partners for Dynamic Solutions .He has been an Executive Director/ C.E.O. for 35 years, successfully leading nonprofit organizations on national, state and community levels. His concentration has been on designing and implementing creative strategies and developing resources that provide the means for growing program capacity, building organizational strength and long-term sustainability, as well as designing and directing multi-million-dollar campaigns and building new facilities. Since moving to Durango 3 years ago, Bob has developed and taught classes through the office of Continuing Education at Fort Lewis College, (Nonprofit Management, Making a Difference, and High- Impact Board Tune-up). In addition, he serves as the Director of the Professional Nonprofit Management Certificate Program, also through the Office of Continuing Education. Bob is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University, with post-graduate work at the the University of Northern Colorado.

Jim Phillips. Board Member: Montezuma County Economic Development: Dolores.

Colonel, US Army, retired.  Applying 46 years of leadership training and experience to home town betterment through volunteering.

Christy Pollard. Production Manager, Directory Plus: Mancos.

Christy Pollard is one of the few steering committee members employed by the private sector, but works for a company that very much believes in supporting the community, something that Christy holds in high regard.   Christy has been a Southwest Colorado resident since the late 70s and a resident of Mancos for the past 18 years and professionally employed by the same company for 27 years.  Sitting on boards or volunteering for events that enhance the well being of Southwest Colorado is more often where Christy might be found.  She is very pleased to be able to give energy to the 2010 Southwest Colorado Rural Philanthropy Day event that just happens to be taking place in her home town of Mancos, Co.

Lauren Price. Director of Rural Outreach, Community Resource Center: Denver.

Lauren has served the Colorado nonprofit sector in many roles: grantmaker, grantwriter, program director, board member, and volunteer. A strong advocate for small and rural communities, she has traveled to 59 of Colorado's 64 counties. Lauren directs CRC’s Rural Philanthropy Days program; she also works with clients and trains across the state in board governance, grants and reporting, donor development, and fund planning to build their sustainability and increase their mission impact. Prior to joining Community Resource Center as a Consultant and Trainer, Lauren served as Campaign Manager for the Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver’s $19MM capital and endowment campaign; the campaign achieved over $3.9MM of new commitment during the year of her service. Lauren also participated in the competitive El Pomar Foundation Fellowship program. Fellows staff the Foundation’s grantmaking process and direct its statewide community outreach programs. Lauren graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, with departmental honors for gender studies and theology.

Jeff Pryor. Executive Director, Anschutz Family Foundation: Denver.

Executive Director, Anschutz Family Foundation (human, community and economic development).  Adjunct faculty in Regis University's Masters of Nonprofit Management and the University of Stellenbosch Business School – South Africa.  Recognitions include: Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy, the Trailblazer Award – Colorado Rural Development,   Outstanding Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Outstanding Teaching – Regis University, Community Resource Center “Legends,” and the Century Award - Rocky Mountain Farmers Union commemorating its 100th Anniversary.

Michael Rendon. Executive Director, Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO): Durango.

Born and raised in Colorado, Michael has lived in Durango since 1993. Michael is the first male director of SASO and has been with agency since October 2008. Aside from being the Director, Michael sits on the Durango City Council, and currently serves at the Mayor Pro-tem for the city of Durango. Michael is the Vice-President of the La Plata County Regional Housing Alliance providing housing through the City of Durango, and is a Board member with the Unity Project, providing inter-cultural understanding in the Durango area. For fun Michael plays violin with his Gypsy band, Carute Roma and he enjoys hiking, gardening, and reading with his Partner, Minna Jain.

Pat Senecal. Assistant Manager, Town of Ignacio: Ignacio.

Pat Senecal, M.A., Asst Town Manager and Planner, Town of Ignacio. Having used Rural Philanthropy Days in 2006 to apply for and receive a grant from the Colorado Council of the Arts to launch a downtown Mural Project for Ignacio, Pat chose to get involved this year in order to inform others and stay informed for other projects the town plans

Julie Simmons. Executive Director, Colorado Housing, Inc.: Pagosa Springs.

Julie Simmons is the Executive Director of Colorado Housing, Inc, a regional affordable and energy efficient homeownership provider in southwest Colorado.  She has been involved with nonprofits in some capacity since 1997.  Currently, she is involved with several collaborative endeavors including: the creation of a regional strategic alliance plan for housing providers in southwest Colorado and; creating a network of nonprofits to strengthen the threads of the social fabric of in Archuleta County.  Julie is excited for the opportunity RPD affords to meet nonprofit leaders, funders and capacity builders and to explore the possible collaborations that have not yet been defined in southwest Colorado.

Judi Swain. Director of Sales & Marketing, Aramark Parks & Destinations: Cortez.

With 20 plus years of tourism industry experience in operations and Sales & Marketing for ARAMARK Parks & Destinations, currently as Director of Sales & Marketing at Mesa Verde National Park, Judi is passionate about hospitality and leadership. She currently serves on the Colorado Tourism Organization’s International Marketing Committee, she is past president past board member of the Grand Circle Association, and an active  member of several other regional tourism entities and associations. She has attended TIA’s International Pow Wow for the last decade (plus!)  as well as  Go West Summit, World Travel Market in London and ITB in Berlin. As a British immigrant and a certifiable National Parks “Junkie,” Judi is committed to collaboration, community and calendulas!

Deb Uroda. Fund Development and Marketing Director, Women's Resource Center: Durango.

Deborah Uroda is the Director of Marketing and Fund Development for the Women’s Resource Center in La Plata County. A 33-year Durango resident, she has extensive experience in print, broadcast, and Internet media; strategic marketing and communications, and crisis communications. Uroda began her career in Southwest Colorado by starting a weekly newspaper in the Pine River Valley serving Vallecito, Bayfield, Ignacio, and Arboles. She joined The Durango Herald in 1981 as a general assignment reporter covering the Four Corners and winning more than a dozen reporting and writing awards from the Colorado Press Association, The Associated Press, and other national media organizations.  After her journalism career, she dove into public and media relations, first at Purgatory Resort, then at Fort Lewis College, and most recently at Durango School District 9-R. During her 13-year tenure at Fort Lewis, she provided marketing, communications, and media relations support as part of the Office of Institutional Advancement, which grew enrollment by nearly 1,000 students and raised more than $13 million to build the Community Concert Hall and the Center of Southwest Studies.  She joined Durango School District 9-R in 2001 and provided the communications support for the successful passage of an $84.5 million bond referendum to repair, renovate, and expand the district's 13 schools. She also developed an Internet-based communications program for the district that included podcasts, Web-casting and other mult-media activities. After retiring from District 9-R in 2008, Uroda joined Durango Community Access Television – Channel 22 as its Director of Marketing and Development. She has been with the Women’s Resource Center since July 2009.  Uroda is a 1980 graduate of Fort Lewis College.

Tim Walsworth. Executive Director, United Way of Southwest Colorado: Durango.

Tim Walsworth has served as the President and CEO for United Way of Southwest Colorado since January 2003. He has over a decade of nonprofit management experience and has worked for two leading United Way’s prior to arriving in Southwest Colorado. In the past seven years, United Way of Southwest Colorado has generated $4.67 million in funding for local needs. The organization is also revamping the process it uses to invest the funds raised each year and is working to bring 2-1-1, a phone-based information and referral program, to Southwest Colorado.

Beth Warren. Community Development Director, KSUT Public Radio: Ignacio.

Beth is the Community Development Director at KSUT Public Radio and has been a leader in the Durango not-for-profit community for 25 years, with early staff positions at the Adaptive Sports Association, and board seats with local educational and cultural groups.  She serves on the board of the Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority.  CECFA helps non-profits access low cost capital financing for education and cultural facilities.

Eileen Wasserbach. Executive Director, Southern Ute Community Action Programs (SUCAP): Ignaco.

Responsible for administering diverse human service programs for all eligible residents of the Ignacio community and sometimes beyond. Also affiliated with Healthy Lifestyle La Plata, Pine River Valley Centennial Rotary, Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County.

Nancy Whitson. Executive Director, Ballantine Family Fund: Durango.

Nancy Whitson has been the Executive Director of the Ballantine Family Fund since 1999 and worked as the Human Resource Director for The Durango Herald for 14 years.  Nancy has volunteered on various boards in the area and understands the challenges non-profits face in our 5 county area.  She is excited to work on the Philanthropy Days steering committee and sees this as a powerful way for nonprofits to network with each other while sharing their passion of their work with potential funders.

Judy Woods. Administrative Intern, Dolores County: Dove Creek.

I am very new to the region, having just moved to Dove Creek from Denver in December 2009 to be the Administrative Intern with Dolores County while working toward my Master's Degree through the New Directions in Politics and Public Policy through University of Colorado at Denver.  This is my first hands-on experience with local government and it has been enlightening to see the specific challenges of my new community.  Working with Rural Philanthropy Days has given me the opportunity to interact more with local nonprofits and see how important they are to the community, an important lesson no matter what the future holds.