New board will help guide strategic planning, strengthen regional partnerships, and support the Water Center’s long-term sustainability
GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado — The Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University has announced the formation of a new Executive Board, marking an important next step in its continued growth as a trusted Western Slope hub for water policy and academic education rooted in West Slope knowledge and expertise, fostering leadership, dialogue and innovation in water resource management.
With the Executive Board in place, the Water Center is positioned to strengthen its organizational foundation, deepen regional partnerships and expand its capacity as a trusted source of knowledge and expertise on Western water issues. The board will provide strategic guidance, inform research priorities and advance outreach and fundraising efforts in support of the Water Center’s long-term mission.
“I am excited for the future of the Water Center,” said Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall. “The Executive Board will play a critical role in helping to build an organization that serves as a strong convener and as a source for new, innovative and trusted information that will inform sound policy decisions.”
The Executive Board includes broad regional representation across four major river basins: the Colorado, Gunnison, Yampa-White-Green and Southwest. Members bring diverse expertise in higher education, water management, agriculture, local government, public policy and regional leadership.
Executive Board members include:
- John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University
- Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District
- Andy Rossi, General Manager of the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District
- Celene Hawkins, Colorado River Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy
- Janie VanWinkle, Owner of VanWinkle Ranch
- Kathy Chandler-Henry, Board Member for the Colorado River District
- Representative Russ George, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives
- Tim Casey, Professor of Political Science at Colorado Mesa University
- Wendell Koontz, Delta County Commissioner
“The formation of the Executive Board marks an exciting step forward for the Water Center,” said Shannon Wadas, executive director of the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center. “This group brings together deep regional knowledge and expertise, leadership in water management and a shared commitment to strengthening the Water Center’s role as a trusted resource for western Colorado. Their guidance will be invaluable as we begin strategic planning, expand partnerships and build a sustainable foundation for the future.”
To learn more about the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University, visit coloradomesa.edu/water-center.
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John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University.
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Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District.
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Andy Rossi, General Manager of the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District.
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Celene Hawkins, Colorado River Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy.
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Janie VanWinkle, Owner of VanWinkle Ranch.
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Kathy Chandler-Henry, Board Member for the Colorado River District.
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Representative Russ George, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.
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Tim Casey, Professor of Political Science at Colorado Mesa University.
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Wendell Koontz, Delta County Commissioner.