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August 28, 2018 01:37 PM UTC

Kelly Nordini Takes Over at Conservation Colorado

  • 10 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols
Kelly Nordini (center)

Conservation Colorado announced today that it has hired well-known Democratic strategist Kelly Nordini as its new Executive Director. Conservation Colorado has been operating without an official ED since Pete Maysmith left last September for a position with the League of Conservation Voters.

According to a press release from Conservation Colorado:

After conducting a nationwide search, Conservation Colorado today announced Kelly Nordini will be its new Executive Director. Nordini is an experienced conservationist, political strategist, and policy expert. Her decades of experience at the intersection of Colorado politics and conservation policy and her vision for the future of Conservation Colorado distinguished her from an extraordinary field of more than 100 candidates.

Nordini has extensive experience in public policy, political strategy and campaigns, and community organizing, as well as a background in management. She was previously a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions, where she led efforts to advance clean energy policies in Colorado. She has also held leadership positions at Western Conservation Foundation and Project New America, and she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Ritter…

…Conservation Colorado is the largest state-based environmental advocacy organization in the country with nearly 40 staff, five offices across the state, and 40,000 members. The organization spent $1.3 million in the 2016 elections and had a 90 percent win rate of its endorsed candidates.

Nordini moves to Conservation Colorado after heading up Democrat Cary Kennedy’s campaign for Governor (Kennedy finished second in the June Primary to Jared Polis).

Conservation Colorado has long been the most influential environmental advocacy organization in the state. It was renamed in 2012 when it formed like Voltron in a merger of Colorado Conservation Voters and Colorado Environmental Coalition.

You can read the full press release after the jump:

Conservation Colorado Announces Kelly Nordini as New Executive Director

After conducting a nationwide search, Conservation Colorado today announced Kelly Nordini will be its new Executive Director. Nordini is an experienced conservationist, political strategist, and policy expert. Her decades of experience at the intersection of Colorado politics and conservation policy and her vision for the future of Conservation Colorado distinguished her from an extraordinary field of more than 100 candidates.

Nordini has extensive experience in public policy, political strategy and campaigns, and community organizing, as well as a background in management. She was previously a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions, where she led efforts to advance clean energy policies in Colorado. She has also held leadership positions at Western Conservation Foundation and Project New America, and she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Ritter.

“Kelly is the leader we need to build on our legacy of advocacy and help mobilize the growing population of conservation-minded Coloradans to achieve even greater public policy success across the state,” said Diane Carman, Conservation Colorado board chair. “The fast-moving political environment demands that we are continuously adapting to meet our goals—protecting public lands, conserving water, and ensuring a healthy future for all Coloradans. Kelly will bring political savvy, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to organizing to lead Conservation Colorado into this new chapter.”

“I am so excited to join the exceptional team at Conservation Colorado, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Kelly Nordini. “We have so much to do in the next three months to ensure a pro-conservation Governor and state legislature. The organization is growing and in an incredibly strong position to advocate for bold policies that ensure we protect the Colorado we all love. I’m thrilled to be able to take on these challenges with such smart, thoughtful colleagues.”

Nordini has a deep history in Colorado, and the announcement of her new role was praised by leaders from across the state.

“This is a great move for Conservation Colorado. Kelly has a successful record of bringing people together to find creative solutions. With her at the helm, I have no doubt they will continue fighting to ensure Colorado has the cleanest air and water possible,” Governor John Hickenlooper said.

“Protecting our air, land, and water is critical to our state’s future, especially to the diverse communities that call Colorado home. I know Kelly will continue the transformational work of Conservation Colorado to ensure that it remains a model for conservation efforts across the country,” said Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran.

“Conservation Colorado’s work for our state is invaluable. I am confident in Kelly’s ability to continue moving our state forward. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership and protecting our public lands, clean water, and clean air,” said Senate Minority Leader Leroy M. Garcia.

“Ever since my time with Governor Owens, I have appreciated Kelly’s desire and ability to work across the aisle and with a variety of Colorado interest groups,” said Mike Beasley, Former Legislative Director for Gov. Owens and President of 5280 Strategies. “I look forward to working with her to ensure that we protect the environment and create economic prosperity across the state.”

Conservation Colorado is the largest state-based environmental advocacy organization in the country with nearly 40 staff, five offices across the state, and 40,000 members. The organization spent $1.3 million in the 2016 elections and had a 90 percent win rate of its endorsed candidates.

Comments

10 thoughts on “Kelly Nordini Takes Over at Conservation Colorado

  1. Maybe she can work out a deal to partner with the Sierra Club, find another spare $600,000 to donate in support of environmentally concerned candidates for Colorado offices, as Sierra Club did for Polis in the primary.

  2. Best of luck to Ms. Nordini to take over at this critical time before a critical election.  With Republicans wanting to exploit the planet for their personal greed in their lifetime without any concerns for the future, it should be an easy red flag.  Hope her group has some solid criteria for backing candidates.

    1. I will be keeping a close eye on Ms. Nordini. Pete Maysmith left some big shoes to fill. Disclosure: I joined ConCo in the early 1980s when it was still the Colorado Open Space Council; have been a member ever since; and served on their board for a few years "way back when." 

      Michael: with his blanket condemnation of Republicans, I think Gilpin Guy needs a healthy dose of that "tonic" that you recommended for Moderatus. Just sayin'. 

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