CFGV’s Intrepid Leader
In a speech thirteen years ago, George Sibley described Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley as, “a gathering of people that have stopped here, looked and listened, witnessed the history and poetry of the place, and now compile not just their money but their energy, time and talents to give back to the valley that gives us so much.” We are fortunate to have such a talented writer among the people who make up our “gathering,” because his words beautifully describe the heart of CFGV. With this new regular series on our blog, we want to introduce you to CFGV’s board members who give so much of their energy, time, and talents to guide the strategic direction of CFGV.
This month, we introduce you to CFGV’s Board President, Lisa Rodman. She has many years of experience leading nonprofits and a deep history in the Gunnison Valley. She’s smart, kind, enthusiastic, and very welcoming. Please enjoy getting to know a little bit about her below. And, if you see her around town, say hi and “thank you” for her contributions.
Meet Lisa Rodman
What is your role on the board?
Board President
What do you love most about the Gunnison Valley?
The fact that I can walk out my front door and into all sorts of recreational activities.
Why did you join the CFGV Board?
With a professional background in nonprofit management, I believe I have something to offer the organization. That, and the fact that I love joining a team of like-minded, community-oriented people.
What would you like the community to know about CFGV?
Anybody can give money. Any organization can award grants. What makes CFGV truly unique is–as a respected, unbiased, neutral third party–it serves as the catalyst to tackle large valley-wide issues, issues too large for one town, one council, or one nonprofit to address on its own.
Once the Community Foundation gets involved, it is always the start of something bigger. If you have not checked out CFGV’s recent State of the Community Update yet, I encourage you to do so.
What are your hopes for the future of CFGV?
My hope is that one day CFGV will grow its assets to the size that its investment income underwrites all operating expenses, allowing 100% of donors’ support to go directly to the community.
Where are folks most likely to run into you in the Gunnison Valley?
We can most frequently be found somewhere between the Taylor Reservoir and Ohio Creek Pass. We love to get out and snowshoe, hike, fish and – of course – eat! With Harmels on the Taylor, Three Rivers Smoke House and Almont Resort high on the list.
Lisa and her husband, Robert, enjoying the ice fishing on Blue Mesa on a sunny day.
Simplified Summary
Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley has many people behind the work. Board members give their time, energy, and talent to lead CFGV. This post includes questions and answers from Lisa Rodman, board president. She loves the recreation right outside her door in Gunnison County. She has experience working in nonprofits. She loves working with people to make the community better. CFGV is important because it unites the whole community. She hopes that CFGV’s investment income will one day cover its operations.She loves to be active outside and to eat and enjoys the restaurants at Harmels on the Taylor, Three Rivers Smoke House, and Almont Resort.
