Meet our Board of Directors
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. |
Chris Nutgrass BOARD VIce Chair |
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. |
Rachel Sabbato BOARD Secretary |
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. |
Ben Calvin Board Treasurer |
Ben Calvin
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Ellen Ross Board Member |
Ellen Ross
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Micah Russell BOARD MEMBER |
Micah Russell.
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Devin Quarles Board Member |
Devin Quarles.
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