Meet our Board of Directors
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Trace Brooks is the founder and managing attorney of Brightside, an Atlanta-based law firm focused on estate planning, tax planning, and business succession. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University College of Law, where he teaches Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Trace joined the Board of Directors in January 2023 and was elected to Board Chair in January 2024. An avid fly fisherman, Trace's favorite initiative is Coldharbour's Healthy Watershed program. |
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 drawn to the Coldharbour Institute for its unique mission of using place and community to create a more sustainable, resilient, and, regenerative world. |
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Lucky to call the Gunnison Valley home, Rachel has been able to work across all jurisdictions of land management with years spent with the National Park Service, Gunnison County to now at the Crested Butte Land Trust. Outside time is a must and with that comes a love of all things plant taxonomy to landscape ecology and social connections to place. Her background includes a Masters in Environmental Management with a focus on managing at a landscape scale. |
Ben brings nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit accounting, financial operations, and organizational systems to the Coldharbour Institute Board. He joined the Board because he values Coldharbour's commitment to regenerative practices, community stewardship, and the lasting impact of its programs in the Gunnison Valley. Ben is passionate about aligning the Institute's resources with its mission while supporting the continued growth of its existing programs. |
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Ellen brings more than five years of experience in program development and community engagement, with a focus on expanding equitable access to sustainability initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, a Master of Environmental Management, and certificates in Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Building Science Principles. As one of Coldharbour Institute's first Clark Fellows focused on solar energy, Ellen has a longstanding connection to the organization. She joined the Board because she values Coldharbour's experiential approach to land stewardship and is passionate about expanding the Institute's community impact and educational programs. |
Micah Russell. |
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Devin is an environmental systems scientist and agricultural consultant specializing in regenerative agriculture, watershed restoration, and climate-adaptive food systems. He holds a B.S. in Integrative Biology and an M.S. in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. He joined the Coldharbour Institute Board because of its commitment to hands-on restoration, education, and community stewardship. He is passionate about helping Coldharbour grow as a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, and watershed resilience. |
Stacey Baxter. |
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Donny Davol is an engineer and electrician with expertise in systems integration and infrastructure development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences and a Master of Environmental Management from Western Colorado University. Donny joined the Coldharbour Institute Board because of its potential to serve as a living laboratory for land restoration, energy, and resource management. He is passionate about building practical infrastructure that supports education, research, and community stewardship. |
Trey brings extensive experience in financial planning, business succession, and investment strategy to the Coldharbour Institute Board. A graduate of the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, he works with business owners and investors to develop practical, long-term financial strategies. Trey joined the Board because he values Coldharbour's commitment to conservation, education, and community stewardship. An avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, he is passionate about supporting the Institute's long-term vision and lasting impact on the Gunnison Valley. |
