Update from your Chief Executive Officer

As we approach the halfway point of the year, I wanted to reach out and touch base with all of our valued members and supporters.

2024 marks the 112th anniversary of Colorado Mountain Club. Over the past century, the Club has not only weathered its fair share of challenges and adversity but has also thrived and grown stronger. The years 2022 and 2023 were no exception, presenting us with transitions in leadership, pandemic recovery, and the quest to maintain relevance—each a formidable mountain to climb. Yet, as any mountaineer knows, with challenges come opportunities for growth. This spirit of resilience and optimism has guided us through tough times and will continue to inspire us as we look forward to a future filled with promise and potential.

2024 is our Year of Transformation. 

Transformation is more than just change; it signifies a direction and a sense of hope for the future. It encompasses the entire organization, from our volunteer leadership and participants to the systems and processes that support us all. As we embark on the journey into the next 112 years of the Colorado Mountain Club, our focus will be two-fold: risk management and relevancy.

Maintaining a Strong Foundation
Risk Management remains a top priority for us. Ensuring the safe practices of our leaders and participants is paramount, and we are continuously refining our strategies to address potential risks. Two significant areas we are focusing on are Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and permitting. Both are essential for managing risk and upholding industry standards, while maintaining strong relationships with land managers. We are committed to improving our processes in these areas to better serve our community. By aligning our practices with the latest developments and nurturing these relationships, we can continue to offer meaningful and impactful experiences for our members.

Success in the First 90 Days
In February, I outlined several key objectives for my first 90 days as CEO. I am pleased to report that we have successfully achieved these goals, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff. The addition of Development Director, Gabriel Romero, and Operations Director, Zach Jump, have been essential in these early days and will continue to play a crucial role in our ongoing transformation.

We are proud to share our Annual Impact Report for the fiscal year 2022/2023. It showcases the significant progress we have made in fulfilling our mission to foster connections among our mountain community and to promote the enjoyment and protection of Colorado's mountain environments. This report is a testament to the collective efforts of our members, volunteers, staff, and supporters.

As part of our transformative journey, it is important to encapsulate our goals and the essence of our work. Our mission is to foster connections with Colorado’s landscapes through community, stewardship, and outdoor recreation, all the while envisioning a Colorado inspired by place, grounded in inclusive outdoor experiences, and sustained by every generation.

These goals underscore our commitment to creating meaningful relationships with the natural world and with each other, reinforcing our dedication to both the people and the places that define Colorado.

Renewal with Direction
As we embrace this Year of Transformation, we do so with the understanding that this transformation isn't change for change's sake. It is a natural part of growing and shifting with the times, with the culture, and with our own needs in the same way we evolve as people, as leaders, and as a relevant organization. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead, seize new opportunities, and continue to make a positive impact on our community and the environment. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Colorado Mountain Club. Here’s to a transformative year ahead!

Warm regards,