The Conservancy is excited to announce the addition of two bright, talented staff members to our team along with new staff roles. The Conservancy will now be able to expand its leadership and impact in preserving, protecting and enhancing our 71-mile legacy Canal. Join us in welcoming our staff and celebrating our growth!
New Staff Members
Elle Derwent – Development Associate
Elle has a unique background in geology, event planning and nonprofit development. After graduating from James Madison University with a B.S. in Geology, she worked as a geologist at a geotechnical engineering firm in her hometown of Virginia Beach. Elle then moved to Denver and worked in multiple development roles while completing her Masters in Nonprofit Management at Regis University. Upon completing her graduate program, Elle worked at the Geological Society of America as a meetings coordinator. As the High Line Canal Conservancy’s Development Associate, Elle looks forward to combining her passions of science and community engagement. In her spare time, you can find Elle snowboarding, enjoying yoga classes, hiking, camping or re-watching old seasons of Survivor.
Hayley Ward – Communications and Marketing Associate
As a New York native, Hayley spent much of her time exploring the Hudson River Valley region, finding a sense of peace among the mountains, trails and open spaces. She found that her passion lived in helping to preserve, protect and enhance our natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Hayley moved to Colorado to fulfill this passion and is inspired by the opportunity to be a part of the Conservancy and localize her impact within an industry she cares so deeply about.
As an ambassador for the organization in her new role, Hayley will help expand public awareness of the Conservancy and promote engagement from constituents near and far. She will work to promote the Canal as a vital recreational and natural resource in Colorado and share the extraordinary progress of the Conservancy’s efforts with the public.
Staff Changes
Connie Brown – Community Relations and Development Coordinator
Connie has lived near the Canal for most of her 30 years in Denver and provided critical leadership and support since the Conservancy’s formation. She’s designed outreach efforts, shaped the Conservancy’s social media voice and coordinated marketing and communications efforts, to name a few highlights. She looks forward to connecting with the community and advancing donor engagement in her new position. She enjoys long walks and bike rides with family and friends, and even trained for the New York Marathon on the trail.
Connie on Annual Thanksgiving Canal walk with family and friends.
Shannon Bauman – Grants and Programs Assistant
Joining the Conservancy as an intern in the Summer of 2019, Shannon found an organization that touched many of her passions. Environmental stewardship, community health and sustainability became her main interests as she finished her B.A. in Environmental Studies, and led her to intern with several governmental and nonprofit groups. At the Conservancy, Shannon has enjoyed supporting marketing and development efforts, especially learning about the profound impact and potential of the 71-mile Canal to connect and strengthen communities. Her new role will involve identifying and coordinating grant proposals and assisting with on-Canal programs. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys playing board games with friends, trying new recipes and running on the Canal.
