MEET THE TEAM
Lauren Berutich, Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Berutich brings 20 years of experience in conservation, advocacy, policy, and nonprofit leadership to her role as CEO of Local First. With an extensive background in sustainable community development, grassroots organizing, and public works, Lauren plays an integral role in launching impactful programs and initiatives to leverage the power of local independent businesses and shape a thriving local economy.
Natalie Martin, Program and Membership Coordinator
Born and raised on the east coast, Natalie made her move to the beautiful Southwest seven years ago. Natalie brings her experience in sales, marketing, as well as her passion for the community's local business community and enviromental conservation to the Local First Team.
Doug McCarthy, Healthcare Advocate
Doug McCarthy, M.B.A., is a longtime resident of La Plata County, a local business owner, and a healthcare policy expert. As Healthcare Advocate and member of the Healthcare Steering Committee, he supports our efforts to promote affordable local healthcare solutions in partnership with the Peak Health Alliance.
Louise Snodgrass, Communications Manager
With hands-on experience in digital strategy and communication for small businesses and nonprofits alike, Louise uses their skills to amplify Local First's mission of shaping a thriving, self-reliant, and resilient La Plata county.
Camela Manheimer – Communications Intern
Yá'át'ééh! (Hello). Camela Manheimer is from Kayenta, a small town located on the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona, and is a tribal member of the Navajo (Diné) nation. In May 2023, Camela graduated from Fort Lewis College with an undergrad in Communication Design and plans to continue her education at Fort Lewis this fall to recieve her Digital Marketing Certificate. Camela enjoys the four seasons, mountains, and greenery in Durango. Her all time favorites are all the local coffee shops!
Gigi Powelson – Local Foods Intern
Gigi, a senior at Fort Lewis College, is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and hopes to build a future career around promoting sustainable development and exploring renewable practices. Since moving to the Southwest she has been inspired by the region's complex relationship with water and has participated in multiple research initiatives aiming to deliver more water conscious alternatives to agricultural communities in the area.
Sadie Schafer – Programs & Sustainability Intern
Sadie Schafer is a current student at Fort Lewis College pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Anthropology with a minor in Borders and Languages. She was born and raised in Durango Colorado and is passionate about this region's sustainability, environment, and community.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Wheeler, Board Chair
A serial entrepreneur Tim has owned a consulting firm, the Durango Coffee Company retail store, and the Durango Compost Company. Over his career, Tim developed a passion for shaping the positive parts of our capitalist economy towards an environmentally and economically sustainable future.
Mary Oswald, Vice-Chair
Mary believes we all have a responsibility to create a community that values people, the planet, and prosperity.... the mission of Local First! Mary continues to own and operate San Juan Hand Therapy (est. 1996) while also serving as a Durango Nordic Ski Club board member, a member and past president of the Durango Daybreak Rotary Club, as well as a volunteer with many other Durango organizations that emphasize environmental stewardship.
John Lopez, Treasurer
John brings over twenty years of experience in public accounting, auditing nonprofit organizations as well as common interest realty associations, and as a board member of Local First, John supports the growth and development of local Durango businesses.
Lisa Mastny, Secretary
Lisa has devoted her career to advancing a more sustainable and equitable world, providing communications consulting to a variety of organizations including Food & Water Watch, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and New Dream. As a member of the Local First board, she welcomes the opportunity to support sustainable economic development in her community.
Kristen Muraro
Kristen Muraro, the Sales & Marketing Director at Ska Brewing Company, and brings her 15+ years-experience in the event planning industry and 10 + years in the craft beer world to the Local First Board of Directors. Kristen also currently serves on the Conference and Events Committee for the Colorado Brewers Guild and the Market Development Committee for the Brewers Association.
Claire Attkisson
Claire Attkisson has an MBA in Sustainable Business and Marketing from Pinchot University. Since then, Claire has founded and grown four successful social and environmental businesses and social ventures in her career: Roll eBike, The Powerhouse Science Center, Common Earth Educational Adventures, and Live Creative Studio.
Michael Hennon
Michael Hennon is the CEO of The Payroll Department, a local independent payroll services company serving 900 clients in the Four Corners region. Before joining The Payroll Department, was Vice President of Deposit Operations at First Republic Bank. Michael is passionate about understanding the forces and factors that make businesses succeed and is eager to learn more about the business ecosystem in Durango.
Kip Koso
Kip grew up in Durango as a Riverview Eagle, Smiley Saint and Durango Demon before moving away for undergraduate and graduate school. He currently works as a consultant for UPMC, a large medical organization, assisting in developing programming in health and wellness. Impact rather than just participation drives his benefits work and personal philosophy when it comes to people and organizations. He firmly believes organizations need to be changing lives for the work they do.
Jeanne Randazzo Szczech
With a firm belief that generosity and gratitude create joy and prosperity, Jeanne Randazzo Szczech has been the owner and independent broker of Arete Mortgage in Durango since 2003 as well as the co-owner/manager of Colorado Mountain Expeditions since 2007. Previously, she has been a member of several local boards and devoted countless volunteer hours within the Durango 9-R schools. Jeanne brings her experience in the local real estate and finance market as well as her passion for the community's local business collective and environmental stewardship to the Local First Board.
