Abel Portillo, (he/him) Conservation Associate

303.419.5418

Ali Colbert, (she/her) Senior Water Programs Coordinator

303.999.3820 x222 • acolbert@resourcecentral.org

Ali is originally from the East Coast and received a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of Vermont. In 2016 she picked up and moved to Fort Collins where she was excited to explore a new environment and pursue an interest in community driven conservation. In the process of figuring out her professional interests she held a marketing and outreach position with a local nonprofit focused on increasing EV ownership along the Front Range, an environmental education position with AmeriCorps in Weld County, and joined the City of Fort Collins horticulture department. These (and others!) led her to join Resource Central in 2019 on the Garden In A Box program. She is thrilled to be part of Resource Central’s team and the commitment to driving environmental change on an individual and community-wide level, and for the opportunity to explore her love of gardening! In addition to cultivating her own waterwise garden, Ali loves exploring new camping spots across the state, biking, and spending time along the Poudre River.

Brandon Hill, (he/him) Program Director, Materials Reuse

303.419.5418 • bhill@resourcecentral.org

Brandon hails from Washington, D.C., and brings his years of experience working in all areas of the supply chain. His interest in sustainability began when he was establishing relationships with farmers and local vendors as the Executive Chef for an award-winning caterer with an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. After spending time working in corporate procurement, Brandon relocated to Colorado and joined the Resource Central team via Materials Reuse in March of 2014. He can be found forming relationships with local businesses, homeowners, and contractors, constantly working to expand Resource Central’s inventory of quality materials. An avid woodworker and cabinetmaker, he is always thrilled to speak with our customers about their ideas for reclaimed materials. When he’s not working, he can be found cycling around Boulder, hiking one of its many trails, or just enjoying the great outdoors.

Brian Cofran, (he/him) Senior Materials Reuse Specialist

303.419.5418 • bcofran@resourcecentral.org

Dave Codding, Materials Reuse Specialist

303.419.5418 • dcodding@resourcecentral.org

Elaine Starks, (she/her) Water Programs Coordinator

303.999.3820 x217 • estarks@resourcecentral.org

Elaine received an Associate in Arts and Associate in Science from Cottey College in 2009, and eventually went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at CSU in 2018.

She started her conservation journey with AmeriCorps in California, building trails, removing invasive plants, creating defensible space, and helping to lead a team that worked throughout California to monitor fish and watershed health. Elaine has also been lucky enough to work with The Nature Conservancy for a summer in Colorado at the Phantom Canyon Preserve, introducing her to the beauty of Colorado.

Elaine grew up in California and her love of the outdoors started on the many camping trips with her family. She still loves to camp, travel, and dance.

Working for Resource Central is very fulfilling for Elaine. She says she gets to help people learn about water conservation, a topic she is very passionate about!

Elisabeth Bowman, (she/her) Conservation Engagement Manager

303.999.3820 x210 • ebowman@resourcecentral.org

Elisabeth happily joined Resource Central in September 2020. After 15 years of freelance writing and editing, she embarked on a short, but exciting time working for the City of Boulder. There, she discovered her passion for contributing to her community and customer service. She has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and German from the University of Denver and a master’s from UMass Amherst. Elisabeth’s dedication to conservation is rooted in her Colorado childhood spent camping, hiking , x-country skiing, and exploring —activities she continues to pursue with her husband and dog.

Em Churchill, (they/them) Material Reuse Sales Associate

303-999-3820 • echurchill@resourcecentral.org

Jenny Steel, (she/her) Marketing Program Manager

303.999.3820 x246 • jsteel@resourcecentral.org

Jenny is Colorado born and Florida raised, returning to her roots after many years. Her childhood was filled with nature walks and frequent visits to plant nurseries due to her parents being avid gardeners. Jenny graduated from Furman University in 2016 with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to Resource Central, she worked in both finance and marketing for a local Jacksonville, Florida nonprofit uniquely focused on human trafficking & sustainability. In 2021, Jenny earned a Sustainable Community Development certificate from CSU. When she isn’t working, Jenny is running, taking photos, reading about psychology, trying a new hobby, misplacing her phone, and/or snacking. Jenny is thrilled to be a part of the Resource Central team!

Kate Larson, (she/her) Program Director, Water & Energy Programs

303.999.3820 x214 • klarson@resourcecentral.org

Kate joined Resource Central in June of 2009. Kate has a Marketing Degree from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. Kate has a strong customer service and nonprofit management background. Through her experience she has gained an understanding of how education can empower a community to make sustainable choices. Kate’s passion for water conservation issues has led her to become a Colorado Master Gardener Certificate holder and develop expertise in irrigation auditing. In her spare time she enjoys running, biking, being outside, and spending time with her family.

Kaylee Riggi, (she/her)Water Conservation Specialist

303-999-3824 • kriggi@resourcecentral.org

Kyle Latoski, (he/him) Assistant Manager

303.419.5418

Kyle is a born and raised Colorado native. (Go Broncos!)  He began working in construction at the age of 16 and brings 13 years of hands-on expertise and knowledge to ReSource customers. Kyle has extensive experience in a range of trades–including framing, installing doors and windows, full house remodels, roofing, small engine repair, and deconstruction.  He is an expert with all major power tools and stays busy with woodworking jobs and side projects when not working at ReSource.  In his free time, Kyle enjoys hanging out with his wife, fishing, and camping.

Neka Sunlin, (she/her) Senior Program Coordinator

303.999.3820 X212 • nsunlin@resourcecentral.org

Neka joined Resource Central in 2016, bringing her professionalism and expertise to the Slow the Flow program from several different, unique fields. After receiving her BS in Marine Sciences from Texas A&M University, she worked as a biologist at a large aquarium, caring for many species of marine animals including fish, penguins and seals.  Her technical background includes work at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory where she trained astronauts to assemble the International Space Station. In addition to her passion for wildlife and the environment, she is a self-proclaimed Dallas Cowboys fan. And while Texas is her home state, Neka has enthusiastically embraced Colorado, for it’s breathtaking scenery and culture that encourages an active lifestyle.  In her spare time, she enjoys biking, snowshoeing, and hiking with her dog.

Nick Law, (he,him) Zero Waste Coordinator

303.419.5418 • nlaw@resourcecentral.org

Phebe Taylor, (she/her) Water Programs Manager

303.999.3820 x236 • ptaylor@resourcecentral.org

Phebe is an east coast transplant with a Bachelors in Psychology and Art from Bucknell University. She then went on to pursue her massage therapist certification from Boulder College of Massage Therapy. Phebe most recently worked on local organic farms but also brings operations and project management experience from her 5+ years working for a local insurance company. You can find Phebe hiking, climbing, practicing martial arts, learning about plants and sewing. She is excited to work at Resource Central to collaborate with other passionate do-ers, partner with the local community and steward our valuable resources.

Red Andres, (he/him) Material Reuse Sales Associate

303-419-5418 • randres@resourcecentral.org

Tara B. Wenger, (she/her) Business Manager

303.999.3820 x219 • twenger@resourcecentral.org

After graduating with her B.S. in Theatre Arts and a minor in Art from the University of Oregon, Tara went on to utilize her management skills at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts in Eugene, Oregon as the Venue Coordinator for their concert hall and music school facility. She then moved to Seattle and managed the office at Artech Fine Art Services. Tara is a Colorado native, and missed her family, so in 2011 moved back to her home state where she went from a project manager for a graphic design boutique in the RiNo District, to business managing for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.  She loves camping and cars that scare rocks, is passionate about conserving our natural resources and loves dogs and music! It is an honor for her to be a part of, and support, such a dynamic and creative team here at Resource Central.

Tori Petersen, (she/her), Senior Water Programs Manager

303-999-3820 x213 • tpetersen@resourcecentral.org