As I pen my final column for the Clarion, I find myself reflecting with a deep sense of gratitude for the Western Colorado Alliance and the wonderful humans I have had the pleasure to meet and work with along the way. At this year’s Annual Conference, I will be stepping back from the Board of Directors. Serving on the Board since 2015 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it has been an immense honor to serve as the Chair for the past four years. Now, as I prepare to pass the baton, I want to take a moment to bid farewell and express my heartfelt thanks to each of you.

When I first joined the Board of what was then called the Western Colorado Congress (WCC), I was driven by a passion for issues specific to my community in Grand Junction. The staff and my fellow board members introduced me to the broader work of WCC in our region and a commitment to the values that unite us—community, sustainability, and justice. Over the years, I have witnessed incredible growth and transformation within our organization. We restructured, refocused, and rebranded (goodbye Western Colorado Congress, hello Western Colorado Alliance!), built up a team of inspiring leaders on staff and within our membership, survived (and thrived!) through COVID, supported the successful unionization of Alliance staff, purchased a building, and grown the overall impact of our Alliance. Together, we have tackled numerous challenges, celebrated significant victories, and, most importantly, made a tangible difference in the lives of our community members. I can say with confidence that we have made real progress toward our shared vision of building a future where engaged local voices are leading communities across Western Colorado that are healthy, just, and self-reliant.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our remarkable staff, and the unwavering leadership of Emily Hornback, our Alliance’s Executive Director. Your unwavering commitment, creativity, and resilience have been the driving force behind our successes. I am continually inspired by your passion and professionalism, and I have no doubt that you will continue to propel the Alliance forward.

To my fellow Board members, I extend my deepest gratitude for your support, wisdom, and camaraderie. Our collective efforts have stabilized the Alliance during times of uncertainty and positioned it for continued success. I am confident that the incoming Chair will build upon the foundations we have laid and guide the organization to even greater heights.

As I step down from my role, I do so with a sense of optimism and hope. The Western Colorado Alliance is in a strong position, poised to tackle the challenges And seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you for the privilege of serving on the Western Colorado Alliance Board of Directors. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the memories, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged along the way. I look forward to watching our Alliance continue to thrive and make a lasting impact on our beloved region.