Update from Chief Education Officer Stacey Halvorsen

Dear CMC Staff, Volunteers, Members and Friends,

I want to share some personal news: I will be leaving my role as Chief Education Officer to pursue a new opportunity as the National Program Director at Big City Mountaineers. This new role presents exciting challenges and growth opportunities, and while I am eager to embark on this next chapter, it is bittersweet to say goodbye.

As I reflect on the past 3+ years with this incredible organization, I am filled with gratitude and pride. It has been an amazing journey and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks for all that you have contributed to our shared mission.

When I first joined as the Youth Programs Director in 2021, we faced the significant challenge of rebuilding after the pandemic. Together, we navigated those uncertain times and emerged stronger, with our programs now serving over 6,000 youth and collaborating with more than 60 organizations each year through afterschool programs, school programs, camps, family events, and more. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in these achievements and I am truly honored to have been part of this transformative period.

Over the past year as Chief Education Officer, it has been a privilege to work alongside our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together, we’ve made meaningful progress in advancing our programs and services. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to:

• Collaborate on the development of our trip leaders through our biannual Leadership Summits and Trip Leadership School.
• Contribute to enhancing risk management practices across our courses and trips.
• Partner with our team to organize public film series events that celebrate our love for the mountains.
• Work on improving access to our Wilderness First Aid courses.
• Pilot our new custom, private courses and personalized hut trips.
• Support the development of the family section.

These collective efforts have been a testament to our shared commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for both our members and the public.

Even as I transition to this new role, my commitment to our organization remains steadfast. I am enthusiastic about continuing to participate as a member and staying connected with all of you.

Thank you once again for your incredible support over the years. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we’ve shared and look forward to staying in touch and witnessing the continued success of Colorado Mountain Club.

Happy Trails,
Stacey