The Board of Directors is charged with managing the affairs of Roaring Fork Conservancy. Each board member is elected to an initial three-year term. The Board of Directors meets monthly, although subcommittees may meet more often.

Current Board Members

Diane Schwener—President  President Founder and president of Schwener Design Group, Diane joined Roaring Fork Conservancy's Board in June 2001. Her branding and design expertise is evident in the Conservancy’s new logo and branding strategy (adopted in 2006), as well as in our River Center Capital Campaign and special events marketing materials. She serves on the River Center, Finance, PR/Marketing and Governance Committees. Diane has been Board President since January 2004. She lives in Basalt with her husband, Rob Schwener, and children, Annie and Michael.

 Carter Brooksher—Rivers Council Liaison  Carter joined Roaring Fork Conservancy's Board in September 1998. She co-founded the Rivers Council and was instrumental in the creation of the River Rendezvous. Carter’s experience with numerous nonprofit organizations provides Roaring Fork Conservancy vital support. Carter serves on the Development and River Center Committees.

Stephen Ellsperman—Vice President  Stephen is Director of Natural Resources and Construction for the City of Aspen and has his own ecological consulting business, Ellsperman Ecological Services. His expertise includes ecological restoration, natural resource management, and many other resource arenas. He received Roaring Fork Conservancy’s River Conservator Award in 2002 and joined the Board in January 2004. He serves on the Land & Water Conservation Committee.

Ramsey Kropf—Secretary  Joining Roaring Fork Conservancy's Board in May 2003, Ramsey is a shareholder with Patrick, Miller & Kropf in Aspen. Because her legal practice is limited to the complicated field of water law, her expertise is invaluable as RFC addresses a range of water issues. Ramsey serves on the Land & Water Conservation and Legal Committees.

Andrew Light  Andrew joined the board in April 2008. A Roaring Fork Valley native, he recently returned to the valley to work in research and development for Roaring Fork Lodging Company after working in San Francisco and Costa Rica. A former fishing guide, Andrew is excited to get reacquainted with his home rivers and get involved with RFC.

Jim Light*  As a founding board member, Jim has helped create Roaring Fork Conservancy from its beginnings. He served as Treasurer from October 1996 until December 2001. Jim is a founder and partner of the Roaring Fork Club, from whom Roaring Fork Conservancy receives instrumental seed funding. Jim’s current focus with Roaring Fork Conservancy is on establishing the River Center while maintaining long-term Roaring Fork Conservancy programs. He also serves on the Development Committee.

Rick Lofaro  Rick was promoted to Executive Director and joined the board in May of 2005. Formerly, Rick oversaw the River Watch Program that conducts monthly water sampling throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed. Rick also serves as a technical advisor to the Town of Basalt and addresses community watershed issues such as violations, public meetings, and other committees. He has worked as a naturalist for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and as a fishing guide in northwestern Montana. Rick volunteers as a board member for the Ferdinand Hayden Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and he enjoys fishing, rafting, hunting, skiing and hiking within the magnificent Roaring Fork Valley.

Louis Meyer  Louis joined RFC's board in December of 2006.Louis is Principal, President, CEO of Schmueser Gordon Meyer. With a background in civil engineering and water management, Louis will help keep RFC focused on addressing current water issues throughout the watershed and region-wide. Louis serves on the Land & Water Conservation Committee.

Rick Neiley—Rivers Council Liaison  Rick joined Roaring Fork Conservancy's Board in November 2000. He is the Chairman of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and an attorney with Neiley & Alder in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Rick’s expertise in legal and financial matters is especially valuable with the Conservancy’s conservation easements. Rick serves on the Land & Water Conservation and Housing Committees.

Gail Orrick—Treasurer  Gail brings a wealth of financial experience to Roaring Fork Conservancy's Board. She currently Director of Finance for Cottle Car Yaw Architects Ltd in Basalt. A long-time local, Gail joined the board of directors in May of 2009.

Larry Yaw—Rivers Council Liaison  Larry joined RFC's board in December of 2006.Larry is a principal architect with Cottle Carr Yaw Architects in Basalt. Larry serves on the River Center Committee. 

As of April 19, 2010