Meet our Board of Directors
Melody Marks Board Treasurer |
Melody Marks - Melody Marks is a retired CPA and County Treasurer. She moved to the Gunnison Valley in 1977 and raised her family here. She graduated from Western with a major in accounting and a minor in computer science. She loves this country for all the open space it provides and the amazing people that live here. Her hobbies have included skiing, horseback riding, and scuba diving, and she loves camping and hiking. She's grateful to be able to work with the passionate people involved at Coldharbour Institute and play a small part as Treasurer of the Board in the support of its mission of education and demonstration of restorative living practices.
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Richard Strömberg board Member |
Rich Stromberg first became intrigued with off-grid living when a subversive classmate brought a copy of The Whole Earth Catalog to elementary school. Turns out that sustainability living wasn't just for hippies and those folks don't mind sharing what they've learned. Rich acquired his first solar panel (a Sharp 80-watt module) in 2005 and has been living off-grid since then - first on a small ranch on the east side of the Sangre de Cristos, then at an old homestead in southcentral Alaska and now back at the Colorado ranch. After a two-decade career in the semiconductor industry, Rich worked at the Alaska Energy Authority running the state's solar and wind energy programs.
He collects college degrees and certificates like a numismatist collects coins. These include a BA, BS, numerous fire and medical certifications and MEM. His current doctoral studies are focused on the reuse of solar photovoltaic systems for social and ecological benefit which is based on his work as a co- founder of the Equitable Solar Solutions™ program at Coldharbour Institute. He is currently employed and sponsored by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he gets to play in the realm of Food-Energy-Water-Waste. In his "spare" time, he works on ecosystem restoration at his ranch and delights in being a novice hop farmer. |
Brett Guarrero BOARD MEMBER |
Brett Guarrero has been working in the energy industry for over 20 years. He owns BPG Consulting, an interdisciplinary engineering and consulting firm specializing in energy system assessments, design and project management. Founded in 2004, BPG houses a team of engineering and design experts who apply building physics, systems design, and an awareness of sustainability to assist clients to design, construct and operate more durable, healthier, and energy efficient operating systems and structures.
In addition to operating BPG, Brett, along with his wife Mary Jo, own Enzo USA, Inc., an energy system supply company offering custom thermal management products to industrial markets, energy producers, power companies, municipalities, mining companies, airports, and institutions. Brett is certified in geothermal heat pump technology through Oklahoma State University; has received his green building certificate through Colorado State University; is active in the USGBC LEED community; holds bachelor degrees in Engineering, Marketing and Finance from Southern Illinois University; and received a Masters of Science degree in Organizational Leadership at Regis University in Denver. |
Chris Nutgrass BOARD MEMBER |
Chris Nutgrass first learned about Coldharbour Institute while completing his Master’s in Environmental Management at Western Colorado University. He was drawn to the organization for its unique mission of using place and community to create a more sustainable, resilient, and, regenerative world. He is passionate about local government and local organizations creating positive change for our community.
Chris works as an appraiser in the Gunnison County Assessor’s Office where he focuses on Rural and Agricultural Valuation. Prior to his work in the Assessor’s Office, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea, West Africa focusing on food security and agroforestry. He holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Anthropology and International Affairs and a Master’s in Environmental Management. Chris is excited to be a part of Coldharbour Institute and can’t wait to help create a more regenerative community in Gunnison and beyond. |
Gloria Montgomery Board Member |
Gloria Montgomery is a humble leader who believes in lifelong learning and personal growth. She is a proud graduate of Winthrop University equipped to lead positive change in organizations and within the community. Her work experience, which spans over 40 years is rich and varied. Gloria was employed with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services for 20 years, where she worked with states and tribes monitoring the implementation of federal regulations Titles IV-B and IV-E for state and tribal child welfare programs, ensuring the safety permanency and well-being of children, and strengthening and improving the lives of children and families. She also has many experiences working with the Denver Department of Human Services, as an English/ Reading Instructor at Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University, as well as numerous positions in community education, government, and church organizations.
Gloria is committed to cultivating a culture of equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion. This commitment is woven into her core values, and she believes that we are strongest when we embrace and celebrate our differences, equality, justice, inclusion, and fairness for all. When we value diverse experiences and perspectives and protect all human rights, we can improve lives and improve and empower communities. Gloria currently serves as President of Coterie, an African American Women’s Research Group that has served the Colorado community for over 100 years and on the Board of Directors on Sister-to-Sister International Network of African American Women, Inc. and is the recipient of numerous awards for her work and her leadership in these areas. |
Rachel Sabbato BOARD MEMBER |
Rachel Sabbato is from the San Luis Valley and has resided in the Gunnison Valley since 2003. She has navigated a few different paths including a graphic design degree, an environment studies degree, the City of Gunnison Gardner position to the National Park Service, and now with Gunnison County.
As an MEM graduate student (2016) she helped Butch Clark with a few projects at Coldharbour and now looks forward to serving on the board. Her land use planning skill set from her county position will be of good use to this role and she looks forward to the momentum CI has been gaining. She loves living in the Gunnison Valley and skiing, biking, and camping (all the things) with her family and friends. |
Trace Brooks BOARD CHair |
Trace Brooks is an attorney and business owner based in Atlanta, Georgia. In his practice, Trace represents clients in estate planning, land use, and tax matters. Personally and professionally, Trace is fascinated by the complex relationships between people and land. He is also an avid traveler and outdoorsman - two passions which led him to first visit the Gunnison Valley, and which drive him to return often.
Inspired by Coldharbour Institute's vision to be an innovation center for regenerative solutions, Trace joined the Coldharbour board in 2023. He considers Coldharbour a model organization for community-focused regenerative living solutions, and advocates for Coldharbour's increasing involvement in both the Gunnison Valley community and the regenerative living community at large. Trace graduated from the Georgia State University College of Law with highest pro bono distinction and a certificate in environmental and land use law. After law school, Trace pursued specialization in tax law, earning an LL.M. from the Graduate Tax Program at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Prior to law school, Trace earned Masters and Bachelors degrees in Anthropology at Georgia State University. |
