Kate Collins
executive director
Executive Director Kate Collins has lived at or near the headwaters of the Colorado River for most of her life, which has contributed to her deep love and respect for the river—and its water—upon which all life depends. Known for her leadership in public outreach, advocacy and coalition-building, Kate has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in both business and environmental circles. Throughout her career, she has made contributions across a range of industries and organizations in Garfield and Eagle counties—including nonprofits, community banking and tourism—using her expertise in organization management, communications and marketing to drive meaningful change. She envisions a future that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Lori Mentink
Liberty Costello
project manager
Liberty Costello was born and raised in Kremmling, Colorado. She now lives in Grand Junction where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology Colorado Mesa University. The focus of her degree was freshwater fisheries, and she put it to use as a fisheries technician for CPW. Her passions include taking care of the native fish of the Colorado River, spearfishing and scuba diving in the kelp forests of the Pacific, and exploring the many peaks and valleys of Colorado with her husband.
Paula Stepp
Consultant
Turning stream management plans into projects is one focus of the Executive Director for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) for four years. Paula Stepp, local community activist and previous MCWC board member, took on the position in December 2020 to coordinate water, drought and wildfire-related projects that are part of MCWC’s Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) and manage the operations of this important nonprofit. Paula has resided and worked in the Glenwood area since 1979 as a business consultant, educational promoter, community organizer, and nonprofit advocate with a work history in media and the outdoor industry.
Lori Mentink
RIVER STOP Facilitator
Lori Mentink was born and raised in Rifle, Colorado. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science degree in Agriculture: Integrated Resource Management, both from Colorado State University. Lori has been a secondary public school teacher in western Colorado for 25 years. She is excited to bring her passion for education, plants, animals, and the Colorado River watershed together in this new role as River Stop Facilitator.