Katherine Hilberg

Why are you interested in serving on USGBC Colorado's Board of Directors?

I have a strong belief in the mission of USGBC Colorado. I attended the GreenBuild conference in Chicago and was thoroughly impressed and engaged and have tried to bring that enthusiasm back to my organization. In an attempt to be accountable as a member, I downloaded and read all of the proposed drafts of the new certification programs, but found that I had less to contribute from a technical aspect. I believe my talents would better serve the organization as a board member. I am a creative and attentive problem-solver, and I am thoughtful in decision-making. I can see the big picture and not get sidetracked by the details.

What are your qualifications (experiences and expertise) for serving on a nonprofit board of directors? Please address some or all of the following:

a. Business or organizational leadership
As project manager for a real estate development company, I lead diverse groups of professionals and tradespeople from the creation of a project through ultimate move-in.

b. Nonprofit board experience
Although I have been on various architectural review boards and HOA boards, I do not yet have experience on a nonprofit board. I have many friends and colleagues who have, and from whom I can draw experience and advice.

c. Fundraising experience
I am a member of the Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver Women Build Committee whose goal it is to raise funds for the purchase of land and materials each year to create a house built only by women for a partner family.

d. Experience promoting the mission and work of an organization
As a member of the Women Build Committee, I have represented them at various fund-raising events as well as at professional gatherings. I have also gathered diverse groups of women to engage in the building of a home. As a strong advocate for Habitat, I have also been involved in their Global Village programs, both as a representative to other regions and as a host for this region.

e. Other
I have a strong belief that nonprofit organizations need board members who are thoughtful and creative. Since a quorum is needed to make decisions, they need board members who are willing to give their time and energies to their roles.

Please describe your experience, involvement, and history with green building,
sustainable development, smart growth, or other relevant areas?
I am in the process of wrapping up the first phase of Aria Denver, which we are targeting for LEED ND. The first phase buildings are all energy star rated. The development company that I have chosen to work for has built almost exclusively on brownfield, urban infill sites. We share a strong commitment to the environment and to smart growth. We are a strong proponent of density and urban infill. Last year, during the Democratic National Convention, we hosted and helped organize the Sustainable Living Roadshow, to take advantage of the publicity and attendance surrounding the DNC to promote sustainable living and development. As an architect, practicing before the advent of LEED certification, I tried to be conscious of energy efficiency, material use, and building siting. As a graduate student, my thesis was an urban redevelopment project closely tied and linked in to a transportation system. As an individual and a family member, I try to live what I believe, using fewer resources, re-using, composting, etc. Much of the remodeling that we have done in our home has been through the re-use of building materials and using environmentally low-impact and highly energy-efficient components.

How long have you been a member of USGBC Colorado Chapter and is your
membership current?
This is the first year of my membership in USGBC Colorado Chapter.

a. What involvement have you had as a volunteer, committee member, program participant, or other?
As yet, I have had no involvement.

What trade and/or business associations are you involved with and how (e.g.
NAIOP, AIA, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
I am a member of the AIA and NCARB. I am LEED accredited. We have also joined
Energy Star as a developer partner. I am currently enrolled in the Denver Community Leadership Forum. I attend and help host many ULI functions, but am not a member.