The Journal

San Juan Mountains Association, which is dedicated to promotion of public lands stewardship, in Southwest Colorado, will hold a coffee and cookies meet and greet beginning at 2 p.m. May 16 at the San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Ct..

The meeting will allow for the introduction of the following new SJMA team members:

David Taft, conservation director: David has several years’ experience leading stewardship and outdoor education programs in the Four Corners. He was most recently the Adventure Director at the Canyon Country Discovery Center in Monticello, Utah. David will oversee SJMA’s efforts to engage volunteers on public lands stewardship projects.Lea Novak, associate director: Lea joins SJMA with a background in nonprofit fundraising for both national and local organizations. Most recently, Lea was the development director at the La Plata Open Space Conservancy where she oversaw and implemented local fundraising efforts. Before that, she worked in the fundraising department at the Trust for Public Land in Denver for more than a decade. As SJMA’s associate director, Lea will help oversee SJMA’s private fundraising campaigns and bookstore operations.Priscilla Sherman, director of visitor information services: Priscilla is a longtime SJMA volunteer with a deep passion for our local public lands. She has excellent experience developing interpretive displays, coordinating volunteers, and providing conservation education programs. As director of visitor information services, Priscilla will work daily at the front desk in the Public Lands Center in Durango where she will oversee SJMA’s visitor information program across Southwest Colorado.Rachelle Fish, visitor information and communication specialist: Rachelle is a chemical engineer by training and a zealous hiker, backpacker and camper who is committed to the conservation of the San Juan Mountains. Rachelle will work as a visitor information specialist at the Durango front desk and serve as SJMA’s webmaster and social media guru.