Amy graduated from Dartmouth College in 1993 and the University of Denver College of Law in 2000 with an emphasis in environmental law. Prior to working at the Colorado Water Trust, Amy spent six years in the field of water litigation, clerked for the Honorable Gregory J. Hobbs of the Colorado Supreme Court, and served as a staff attorney at the Wyoming Outdoor Council. As Executive Director, she brings a wide array of knowledge and skills to accelerate the pace of water conservation in Colorado in ways that respond to the state’s unique water allocation system and its challenges. Contact: abeatie(at)coloradowatertrust.org
Zach was born in Denver, Colorado. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he was moved progressively east as a child. Once graduated from high school, Zach reversed the trend and progressively moved back west, eventually writing for High Country News and the Santa Fe Reporter after college. In 2006, Zach enrolled at University of Denver Sturm College of Law and focused on environmental and water law. During school, he interned with Denver Water and the Natural Resources and Environment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. After graduation, Zach enjoyed a brief stint as a water policy analyst for a San Diego City Councilmember before coming back to Denver as the Colorado Water Trust’s staff attorney. Zach spends the majority of his free time climbing throughout Colorado and the West. Contact: zsmith(at)coloradowatertrust.org
A Colorado native, Ellen graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder. After gradution, Ellen spent several years working odd jobs as she traveled around the state. She eventually settled in beautiful Salida where she lived for 8 years. While in Salida, Ellen became the owner/operator of a small whitewater rafting company and also worked for Chaffee County as the Economic Development Coordinator. She likes to spend her free time cross-country skiing, hiking or floating the West’s incredible rivers. Contact: eolson(at)coloradowatertrust.org