5 replies to this topic

[Aaron]

The Rocky Mountain Nature Association's Executive Director, Curt Buchholtz, is leaving the organization effective October 1, 2011 to pursue new challenges.

Buchholtz's departure ends a 26-year career with the organization. During his tenure, RMNA completed dozens of major philanthropic projects benefiting Rocky Mountain National Park, including the construction of the Fall River Visitor Center, five handicapped-accessible trails, as well as an addition to the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, the restoration of the McGraw Ranch cabins, the Never Summer Ranch cabins and the Wigwam Tea Room, the construction and restoration of many miles of trails, and the acquisition of many acres of land within and abutting the Park. When he joined the organization in 1985, there were only two employees. Today, RMNA employs dozens of staff, including full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.

Buchholtz is most proud of the organization's creation of the American Conservation Corps, which provides 24 college-age youth the opportunity to work and learn in Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby public lands. Over the last nine summers these youth have worked on trails, removed hazard trees, brush and exotic plants and more. The experience is designed to introduce young people to careers in conservation, build leadership skills and create the public lands stewards of the future.

"Even more than all our construction projects," Buchholtz said, "our Next Generation Fund and the Corps are building for the future. Philanthropy made these projects happen. And I am proud to have played a role in making some positive changes to benefit our public parks and forests."

Frank Kugeler, RMNA Board President said, "We have experienced many successes under Curt's skilled leadership. We are very grateful for his numerous valuable contributions and vision and wish him well in his new ventures."

The RMNA Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee and has begun the process of identifying which individual will lead the organization into the future. The search is expected to take several months, and they do not anticipate making an announcement until sometime in 2012. Dave Mohr, RMNA's General Manager from 2002 to 2008 has been appointed as Interim Executive Director effective October 2, 2011 and will serve in that position until the permanent Executive Director is hired.

About the Rocky Mountain Nature Association:
The Rocky Mountain Nature Association (RMNA) was founded in 1931 by private citizens and Rocky Mountain National Park's Chief Naturalist. It was originally established to develop educational materials for park visitors. Today, RMNA develops award-winning interpretive publications, operates retail sales locations, conducts Rocky Mountain Field Seminars, offers internships and fellowships, and offers membership in the organization. RMNA also advocates private philanthropy for projects in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, and other public lands. Projects include education, research, land acquisition, capital construction, historic preservation, and trails.

View the full article

[Scrapinator]

Sad to see him go. He's been a good leader for the association as far as I can tell.

Edited by Scrapinator, 14 September 2011 - 03:56 PM.

[DrCloud]

They've finally started recruiting for a replacement: http://www.kittleman...age=jobs&id=204

This is likely to be one of the juiciest jobs to open up in Estes Park in quite some time. HPH

[Melanie]

DrCloud, on 13 January 2012 - 01:32 PM, said:

They've finally started recruiting for a replacement: http://www.kittleman...age=jobs&id=204

This is likely to be one of the juiciest jobs to open up in Estes Park in quite some time. HPH

So, I checked out the requirements and I guess just loving RMNP isn't enough.


Melanie<><

[DrCloud]

Yes, they're serious.

I expect, though, that they want more than they can afford, in the real market for positions such as this. What this means is that there will be the expectation that "living in Estes Park, blah blah, will cost you..." [some amount in the tens of thousands, compared to similar position in Boulder, Denver, or Washington DC]. You have to approach it as a labor of love, and the energy to go with it, to accompany with your stellar credentials. Still, I bet that they're overwhelmed with applications. HPH

[Aaron]

Melanie, on 13 January 2012 - 02:45 PM, said:

So, I checked out the requirements and I guess just loving RMNP isn't enough.


Melanie<><

Dang. There goes my hopes.

--Aaron