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

I am motivated to enhance and make lasting contributions to the Colorado green building industry through top involvement and leadership in the USGBC Colorado organization. My passion for building an even stronger Colorado Chapter organization in conjunction with my energy to help others realize the public and personal value of sustainable design, energy conservation, and responsible development make me well-suited to meet the challenges of serving on the Board of Directors.  My public outreach and advocacy experience, along with my strong and diverse public sector background in sustainable policy development and green building practices, make me an asset to this Board.

It is clear that I am passionate about the economic, ecological, and social benefits of the USGBC Colorado Chapter; however, I am also motivated to serve on the USGBC Colorado Board to supplement my current career position, which is very objective in nature.   Becoming a board member would afford me the opportunity to support the needs of our green building community on a much greater level, including on a state level as opposed to a local level.  I would sincerely value an opportunity to bring my positive energy and fresh approaches along with my professional organizing, fundraising, and policy skills to the Colorado Chapter Board of Directors. 

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

I am looking forward to contributing to the Board of Directors in several ways, including my public sector perspective, my understanding of quality advocacy tactics, my fresh ideas and approaches, my desire to build a more sustainable organization, and my shared passion and energy for building healthy and sustainability communities through green building practices.  I have taken on active leadership roles in several of the organizations I have been committed to helping, including serving as the Chair for the City of Colorado Springs Green Team’s Energy Committee.  I have also been identified as a leader among the young professionals in the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). I currently serve as the Advocacy Co-Chair for the USGBC Southern Colorado Branch.  

Although serving on the USGBC Colorado Board of Directors would be my first opportunity to serve a board in a voting capacity, I am practiced and skilled in the functions and actions of a board of directors.  I have even been able to gain some fundraising experience for certain initiatives and business organizations.  As a young professional, I was able to hold a position as a non-voting member to a few boards of directors, such as ICOMOS United States organization and MIT Diversity Program Board.  In addition, I have been involved in membership drives throughout my past involvement in many socially- and environmentally-minded organizations, such as a neighborhood organization in the Cleveland area, a downtown partnership association in the Colorado Springs area, and an alumni association in the Denver area. 

My previous board experiences in addition to my volunteer work allowed me to become practiced at promoting and advancing the mission and work of an organization.  However, my skills in this area have become best honed through my public city planning work involving the start and continued momentum for community-minded initiatives, such as organizing and funding an urban gardening program or implementing a new pedestrian-friendly zoning code.   My inclusive and inquisitive personality lends me the skills necessary to motivate, educate, collaborate, and synergize with all types of people in all types of professions, including industry leaders, administrators, policy-makers, developers, and community members.  And my passion for green building practices and policies makes it easy and enjoyable for me to spread my enthusiasm over building sustainable communities.

Please describe your experience, involvement, and history with green building,
sustainable development, smart growth, or other relevant areas?

I have an extensive background and commitment to sustainable development and community building. I joined the City of Colorado Springs Comprehensive Planning Division about two years ago to serve the community bydeveloping and implementing one of the City’s priority planning initiatives for creating a more vibrant and sustainable Downtown: the establishment of a Form-Based Code.This in-house project was accomplished in conjunction with the creation of a new Downtown Master Plan; and I was the lead ComprehensivePlanner managing the project. 

Other goals outlined in our City’s Strategic Plan that I played an instrumental part included developing and implementing the City’s first major sustainability initiative, the City of Colorado Springs Sustainability Principles and Policies.  As one of the first City employees to become a LEED Accredited Professional I have also became a leader within the City organization as well as the local green building industry.  Before Joining the City of Colorado Springs, I was a Preservation Planner for Loudoun County, Virginia where I worked on several adaptive re-use projects.  I also had the opportunity to work with a few progressive property owners wishing to incorporate passive solar features on their adaptive re-use projects. 

How long have you been a member of USGBC Colorado Chapter and is your
membership current?
About 6 months.  Yes, I am a member in good standing.

a. What involvement have you had as a volunteer, committee member, program participant, or other?
Since its formation, I have been a volunteer and advocate for the USGBC Southern Colorado Branch.  I have represented the Southern Colorado Branch at numerous educational events and local sustainability meetings. I have also served the branch as a government liaison to the City of Colorado Spring’s Green Team.   I was successful in my efforts to get the City of Colorado Springs to join the USGBC as a National Member! 

In the past year I have become more involved as the Steering Committee Advocacy Co-Chair.  I have been successfully recruiting members to join the Colorado Chapter, and also to take on leadership roles on the advocacy subcommittee.  I have had the opportunity to speak to groups, including City Council and the local paint industry association.

What trade and/or business associations are you involved with and how (e.g.
NAIOP, AIA, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Colorado Chapter  - Southern Colorado Advocacy Co-Chairperson
• American Planning Association (APA) - Member
• American Planning Association (APA), Colorado Chapter  - Member
• International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) - Cultural Tourism Scientific Committee Member
• National Trust for Historic Preservation - Member
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Alumni Association Education Counselor