CFGV’s Newest Team Member
CFGV is thrilled to introduce our newest staff member: Leslie Channell. If her name seems familiar, that’s probably because it is. Leslie grew up in Gunnison before attending the University of Northern Colorado. After her graduation, she returned to Gunnison and worked at the Gunnison Art Center for a decade before working at a variety of nonprofits around the country. Leslie is a talented, experienced nonprofit leader who is already adding to the CFGV team in many ways. We’re very excited to have her as the new CFGV Operations Manager.
Like all new staff members, we asked her a few questions so you can get to know her a little bit better.
What do you love most about the Gunnison Valley?
I love the people, the sense of community that runs through everyday life, the proximity to nature, and the fact that my nearest and dearest live here. This valley is home. I grew up in Gunnison from age 5 and lived here as an adult for ten years after college so I run into people every day who have known me at every stage of my life, a truly special and unique way to feel connection to a place.
What other nonprofits have you worked or volunteered with? In what roles?
I worked at the Gunnison Arts Center from 1998 to 2008 as Business Manager and Director of the GAC School of Dance. Outside of the valley I’ve worked at several larger nonprofits including the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY where I was Assistant to the Executive Director and most recently at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts as the Director of Business Operations for Education & Community Engagement.
What’s the best part of working at CFGV (so far)?
The team! The group is super special and I’m excited to be learning from people with decades of community foundation experience. I LOVED getting to participate in Here for Good and be reminded of the incredible work being done by the dedicated nonprofits up and down the valley.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside of work.
I share my life with my wonderful wife, Rae. We are based out of Denver for Rae’s work and I’m very lucky to be able to work both from Denver and in Gunnison. My parents are long-time residents of Gunnison, and my sister recently moved back here so I love spending as much time as possible with my family. I love to camp and spend time in nature, travel, read, support the arts, and most of all dance! I love tap dancing and am excited to get back to dancing and teaching at the GAC! I also love competition reality tv and dream of one day being on Survivor!
What’s your favorite Gunnison Valley event?
The Night of Lights! Even when I was living full time in Denver, coming to Gunnison for that weekend has always been a priority. I love bundling up, running into friends downtown and watching the community gather to watch Santa light the tree.
Simplified Summary
CFGV (Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley) has hired a new team member named Leslie Channell. Leslie will be serving as the Operations Manager. She grew up in Gunnison and also lived here for 10 years early in her career. Then she worked for a lot of different nonprofits in different places.
Outside of her job, Leslie loves spending time with her wife Rae, in nature, dancing, and with her extended family. The Night of Lights is her favorite Gunnison Valley event.
