The Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University announced the formation of a new, nine-member executive board, which will provide strategic guidance, inform research priorities and advance outreach and fundraising efforts in support of the water center’s long-term mission.

With the executive board in place, the water center said in a news release it 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 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.”

The 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.

The executive board members are:

• 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.
• 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 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,” CMU President John Marshall said.

To learn more about the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center, visit coloradomesa.edu/water-center.