Resource Central is fortunate to be made up of incredibly talented and creative people whose collective passion for sustainability, conservation and green living makes work fun every single day. Meet our team (and some of our pets) here!
Abel Portillo(he/him) Conservation Associate
303.419.5418
Ali Colbert(she/her) Water Programs Coordinator - Landscape Programs
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) Materials Reuse Specialist
303.419.5418 • bcofran@resourcecentral.org
Conor Dougherty(he/him) Zero Waste Coordinator
303.419.5418 x102 • cdougherty@resourcecentral.org
Conor joined Resource Central in August of 2021 as our Zero Waste Coordinator. Before joining Resource, he worked in the ski industry, the craft beer industry, and with a Boulder local start up on a regenerative agriculture and community building project called Boundless Landscapes. Conor holds a masters degree from Naropa University in Resilient Leadership. His academic work focused on sustainable systems development, non-violent communication, and environmental leadership. He is passionate about developing sustainable and resilient systems that allow communities to thrive in union with our natural world. In the winter you may find him shredding snowboards in Steamboat or riding backcountry on Berthoud pass. In the summer; dancing at bluegrass concerts and swimming in high alpine lakes. As Resource Central’s Zero Waste Coordinator, it is Conor’s goal to divert as much waste as possible and help situate Boulder as one of the nation’s leaders in zero waste efforts.
Dave CoddingMaterials Reuse Sales Associate
303.419.5418 • dcodding@resourcecentral.org
Elaine Starks(she/her) Customer Service Associate - Water Conservation Programs
303.999.3820 x217 • estarks@resourcecentral.org
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.
Emily Chiles(she/her) Health & Safety Coordinator
303.419.5418 x103
Emily comes to us from the east coast by way of Chicago. She has a bachelor in Architecture from Illinois Tech, and as our Health & Safety Coordinator is responsible for protecting us from our own self-destructive impulses. She enjoys hiking, video games, and baking, and is almost as passionate about material reuse as she is her hatred for carrot cake.
Jen Scroggins(she/her) Director of Operations & Efficiency
303.999.3820 x211 • jscroggins@resourcecentral.org
Jen is our Director of Operations. Prior to joining Resource Central in November 2014, she led the finance and human resources team at The Dairy Center. Jen has a passion for conservation having spent nearly a decade as Associate Director for an environmental nonprofit organization in the Vail Valley. She brings an extensive background in the areas of accounting, IT, human resources and staff management, having worked for large and small organizations in the for profit and nonprofit sectors. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from Oklahoma State University and has completed post graduate work at Thunderbird School of Global Management. A native of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!), Jen has called Colorado home for more than 20 years. In her spare time she loves being outdoors and enjoys running, biking, hiking and snowboarding.
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!
Jeremy ParrickMaterials Reuse Specialist
303.419.5418 • jparrick@resourcecentral.org
Jordanne Feldman(she/her) Water Programs Coordinator
303.999.3820 x221 • jfeldman@resourcecentral.org
Jordanne is originally from Upstate New York, but became a transplant to Colorado due to her love of mountains and geology. Her interest in conservation stemmed from growing up in the Adirondacks and spending countless summers hiking and kayaking on the lake. She studied Geology and Hydrology at the University of Rhode Island and University of Hawaii, where she fell in love with conservation and nonprofit work. Jordanne also spent an AmeriCorps term on Cape Cod where she taught children about water conservation and water quality. She can’t wait to help Coloradans save water through all of Resource Central’s amazing programs!
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.
Kathy Croasdale(she/her) Renew Our Schools Program Operations
303.999.3820 x223 • kcroasdale@resourcecentral.org
Kathy joined Resource Central as an intern in 2008. In September 2010, she began leading the ReNew Our Schools program. After teaching environmental and outdoor adventure education, Kathy taught science at the middle school level in the Cherry Creek School District. She earned a degree in Biology from Roanoke College in Virginia and a graduate degree in Environmental Studies through the University of Illinois. In her free time, Kathy likes to be with her family, train for triathlons, run, hike, camp, skate, ski—basically anything outdoors enjoying Colorado!
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.
Lauren Brueggeman(she/her) Senior Materials Reuse Specialist
303.419.5418
Lindsey Renner(she/her) Materials Reuse Sales Associate
303.419.5418 • lrenner@resourcecentral.org
Lindsey grew up in St. Louis, MO and received her bachelors in Environmental Studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Before starting at Resource Central, Lindsey performed three seasons of trail work; two with the SCA/Americorps and one season with OSMP in Boulder. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys hiking, binge watching tv/movies and baking/cooking in the kitchen.
Robin Amoruso(they/them) Materials Reuse Sales Associate
303.419.5418 • lamoruso@resourcecentral.org
Liz Marchitto(she/her) Development Director
303.999.3820 x215 • emarchitto@resourcecentral.org
Liz joined Resource Central in 2016 as Development Director and works with supporters to help them implement their philanthropic vision while accelerating our conservation impact. After graduating from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin, Liz taught English in Japan and then returned to the States where she has worked since 2000 to raise funds for environmental organizations. Liz is a proud Cheesehead, a runner, and a lover of nature. She is passionate about Resource Central’s mission because we all have a responsibility to live more sustainable lives and Resource Central helps to make that easy.
Melanie Stolp(she/her) Water Programs Manager
303.999.3820 x225 • mstolp@resourcecentral.org
Melanie is originally from North Carolina and has a Bachelors in Environmental Studies & Sociology/Anthropology from Denison University. After graduating she spent about 5 years working in non-profit organizations specializing in program management. Most recently Melanie completed a Master’s of Science degree in Conservation Leadership from Colorado State University and conducted her research in rural Guatemala focusing on indigenous ecosystem management. She enjoys exploring the West through climbing, hiking and camping and jumps on any opportunity to see live music. She is thrilled to be part of the Resource Central team and continue her work in community-based conservation!
Neal Lurie(he/him) President & CEO
303.999.3820 x202 • nlurie@resourcecentral.org
Neal is a social entrepreneur with more than 20 years of leadership experience in Fortune 500, nonprofit, and grassroots organizations. As executive director of the nonprofit Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association, he played a lead role in increasing solar energy use across the state, growing Colorado into one of the top solar states in the nation. He also served in leadership roles at national, state, and local nonprofits. Previously, he developed the vision and support to build the US 36 Bikeway, an 18-mile bike path from Boulder to Westminster. Neal received his MBA from CU’s Leeds School of Business and is a veteran of ten political campaigns. He enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and playing guitar.
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.
Phebe Taylor(she/her) Senior Program Coordinator
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.
Rachel Bernstein(she/her) Program Manager, Renew Our Schools
303.999.3820 x226 • rbernstein@resourcecentral.org
Rachel joined Resource Central in May of 2020 and is very excited to lead the Renew Our Schools program. After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rachel began her career at Accenture but returned to school before too long, earning her Masters in Secondary Education from Northwestern University. Rachel has spent most of her career in education including teaching high school and directing internship abroad programs. Even for a lifelong midwesterner, the call of the mountains was hard to resist. In the summer of 2018, Rachel and her family moved from Chicago to the Boulder area to embrace the Colorado lifestyle. After completing the University of Colorado’s Corporate Social Responsibility certificate program Rachel was ready to jump into a new chapter of her career and is thrilled to be a part of the Resource Central team. Outside of work, Rachel loves to explore new hiking trails with her family, ski as many days as possible, and recharge in the Colorado sunshine.
Raul CarrascoMaterials Reuse Sales Associate
303.419.5418 • rcarrasco@resourcecentral.org
Hi I’m Raul, I was born in Boulder Colorado. I am 18 years old and just graduated from Fairview High School. I played football at Fairview. I love Colorado (besides the winter).
Stan RubioMaterials Reuse Specialist
303.419.5418 • srubio@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.
Zak Lance(he/him) Water Programs Manager
303.999.3820 x213 • zlance@resourcecentral.org
Zak joined the Resource Central team in early 2020 and is excited to expand the Lawn Replacement Program. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont (2010) and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver (2019). He’s energized by connecting communities to their environment and by creating social enterprise programs that help people reduce their everyday impact. Zak’s experience includes creating authentic partnerships to implement river restoration and up-cycling projects with River Network, inventorying the City of Boulder’s Open Space trail network to effectively deploy resources, building a more equitable local food system with Gorge Grown Food Network, and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. You’ll find Zak skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, or gardening in his spare time.
