Meet Our Team
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 here!
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.
Ava Martz(she/her) Materials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • amartz@resourcecentral.org
Brian Cofran(he/him) Senior Materials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • bcofran@resourcecentral.org
Cameron Bernardo(he/him) Material Reuse Sales Associate
303-419-5418 • cbernardo@resourcecentral.org
Carly Hester(she/her) Program Coordinator: Renew Our Schools
Carly is a proud Boulder County native with a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. She taught in the Denver Public School District before staying at home and raising her two kids. After some deeply valued years at home, she pursued a certificate in project management from the University of Denver. She is overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to work for the Renew Our Schools program. Carly believes in community and the power of people working together as neighbors to create a better world for our children. Carly plays an active role in her children’s schools and volunteers with her neighborhood association. On the weekends, Carly likes to go camping, hiking, and make a mess in the kitchen cooking with her kids.
Chad WarkentinMaterials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • cwarkentin@resourcecentral.org
Conor Dougherty(he/him) Zero Waste Manager
303-999-3820 x 102 • 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.
Courtney Smith(she/her) Employee Success Manager
303.999.3820 x216 • csmith@resourcecentral.org
Courtney’s roots stem from Bourbonnais, Illinois, a small town an hour south of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2013 with her Bachelor’s in Environmental Communications and minors in Environmental systems, Animal Sciences and Food Sciences. Her ecological journey led to Costa Rica, where she worked in habitat conservation and helped raise numerous species of butterflies. Upon her return, the voyage through F&B management ultimately reconvened with her environmental roots, leading her to the Resource Central team. In her free time, you can find her camping in the beautiful mountains, enjoying live music, or spending time with her family.
Dave CoddingMaterials Reuse Interim Senior Specialist
303-419-5418 • dcodding@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.
Em Churchill(they/them) Materials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • echurchill@resourcecentral.org
Emily Drost(she/her) Program Manager: Renew Our Schools
303-999-3820 x226 • edrost@resourecentral.org
Emily joined Resource Central in May 2022. An award winning marketer, Emily has extensive experience in brand expansion and business operations. Through her work with the Renew Our Schools program, she is excited to bring Energy Conservation to life for kids in the classroom. Emily holds a Master Gardener certificate from the Colorado State Extension, and enjoys spending her free time outdoors. Currently she is working on converting her entire yard to Xeric and practices energy conservation planting (i.e. how plants can help a home conserve energy).
Hayden Bernot(he/him) Water Programs Manager
303-999-3820 X 224 • hbernot@resourecentral.org
Hayden is a sixth generation Colorado native. He comes to us with a degree in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University and has many years of real-world experience in the green industry, leading teams and coordinating resources. He specialized in watershed science and sustainability and is eager to help Colorado and the fight against water scarcity. Along with his passion for Colorado’s natural resources, Hayden is an avid angler and enjoys getting out on the water as much as possible. In his free time you can catch him enjoying the outdoors, and exploring the great wonders our state has to offer.
Hunter deKieffer(he/him) Materials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • hdekieffer@resourcecentral.org
Joe Pitts(he/him) Program Director: Materials Reuse
303-419-5418 • jpitts@resourcecentral.org
Joe joined in March 2023 to help scale our Reuse programs and double the amount of waste diverted through Reuse over the next five years. Joe is an experienced team leader and has a passion for customer service, sustainability, and streamlining operations. Originally from Georgia, Joe has southern roots and spent several years living in and exploring the Pacific Northwest before settling in Colorado. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and introducing his kids to the joys of outdoor adventure.
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.
Katherine Arbour(she/her) Water Programs Manager
303-999-3820 x218 • karbour@resourcecentral.org
Katherine is a Texas native and new to Colorado. She has a bachelors degree from The University of Texas at Dallas focusing in Economic, Political, and Policy Science. Katherine has worked for multiple Water Utilities and municipal governments in various roles. In her spare time, you can find Katherine riding her bike, trying a new restaurant, or baking bread. Katherine is excited to be a part of the Resource Central team and make an impact on the greater Colorado community.
Katie Butler(she/her) Research Fellow
Katie was born and raised in Colorado and received her B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from Colorado State University. She moved to San Diego, CA and while there received an M.A. in Geography at San Diego State University. Through her grad research she strengthened her passion for conservation and responsible natural resource management. Now she is thrilled to put that passion and her skills to use working at Resource Central. In her free time she enjoys gardening, myriad activities in the CO outdoors, playing board games, and cosplaying.
Katie O’Malley(she/her) Marketing Coordinator
303-999-3820 • komalley@resourcecentral.org
Katie grew up in Ohau, Hawaii, then moved to Arizona, where she received a b.s. in Environmental Science from the University of Northern Arizona. Before joining Resource Central, she worked as a rock climbing instructor, a field technician for the Nature Conservancy, and the Communications Coordinator for the American Mountain Guides Association. Her passions revolve around community outreach, outdoor recreation, and conservation. In 2021 she moved to Boulder, Colorado, and has enjoyed exploring local trails and learning more about Boulder’s local environmental and outdoor communities. She is excited to join Resource Central and help to spread the word about all the amazing projects, incentives, and happenings. In her free time, you can find her rock climbing, hiking, thrifting, and trying out new recipes!
Katie Schulz(she/her) Water Programs Coordinator
303-999-3820 x211 • kschulz@resourcecentral.org
Katie was born and raised in Nebraska, but has always had a love for the Rocky Mountains. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Drake University in Iowa, where she gained a wide range of experience from catching butterflies to manning a chainsaw. Recently she completed her M.S. degree in Forest Resources from the University of Maine, where she studied the effect of climate change on northeastern tree species. In addition to her passion for sustainability and conservation, Katie enjoys hiking, petting dogs, playing the violin, and working on her latest embroidery project.
Kaylee Riggi(she/her)Water Conservation Specialist
303-999-3820 X 221 • kriggi@resourcecentral.org
Kyle Latoski(he/him) Assistant Manager
303-999-3820 x 107 • klatoski@resourcecentral.org
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.
Leslie Butler(they/them) Zero Waste Associate
303-999-3820 x 102 • lbutler@resourcecentral.org
Lisa Anderson(she/her) Water Programs Coordinator
303-999-3820 x 103 • landerson@resourcecentral.org
Lisa grew up in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and in 2021, decided to move back to her home state after spending 10 years in Virginia. She originally had a career in healthcare working as a Registered Dietitian primarily in hospitals. During Covid, she decided to go back to school to obtain an environmental science degree and pursue her passion of conservation. She started with Resource Central as a field associate in the summer of 2022 and is excited to now grow into her role as a program coordinator. In her free time, you can find Lisa hiking, gardening, reading, knitting, ballet dancing, or relaxing at home with her husband and 2 dogs.
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) Senior 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) Water Programs Manager
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
303-999-3820 x 102 • 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) Materials Reuse Sales Associate
303-419-5418 • randres@resourcecentral.org
Sam Krieger(he/him) Materials Reuse Specialist
303-419-5418 • skrieger@resourcecentral.org
Sarah Smith(she/her) Water Programs Coordinator
303-999-3820 x 222 • ssmith@resourcecentral.org
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Sarah graduated from the University of Portland in 2014 with a degree in Environmental Ethics & Policy and a minor in English. She also holds a graduate degree in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. She has recently moved to Boulder from Wichita, KS where she has lived for the past 6 years working for a large nonprofit.
Sarah is passionate about environmental sustainability, running, biking, writing, and cats.
Shea DouglasCustomer Service Supervisor, Materials Reuse
303-999-3820 x 104 • sdouglas@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