Matt Brady joined GOCO in March as our new executive coordinator. His job basically consists of keeping us all in line and organized, but his main focus is serving our fantastic board and making sure they have everything they need to serve GOCO and our grantees. After all, our board is volunteering their time to lead our organization, and we are so appreciative of that commitment of service. Matt has already made a big impact in the last month and we're thrilled to have him! We'll let Matt take it from here.
What did you do before you came to GOCO?
I was on the development team at Colorado Health Network (CHN), a statewide public health nonprofit. I worked to share CHN’s story and message to community members through digital/print media and putting on small fundraising events.
What brought you to GOCO? Why did you want to work here?
I originally moved to Colorado after accepting a positon with AmeriCorps NCCC, a community development program that eventually sucked me into the conservation world. I knew at that point it’d be a field where I’d be motivated to do my best. When an opening at GOCO came up, I jumped on the opportunity to be part of such an integral part of Colorado’s conservation effort.
What has been your favorite part of your job so far?
Besides my new short commute by bike, I love that all GOCO staff are given the opportunity to see first-hand the work we accomplish. Whether it’s a ground breaking ceremony, a board meeting, or a site visit, these first few weeks I’ve seen a glimpse of how we leverage our funding to do such awesome things throughout the state!
What is your typical day like?
As a member of the operations department, I work to keep GOCO running smoothly. Specifically, my role is to act as liaison between GOCO’s Board of Trustees and the organization. Day to day, this could be coordinating logistics around travel, event planning, and/or finding ways to make in-house processes more efficient. The unique thing I’ve found is that my day could also be spent at a state park or school.
What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?
The beach (not the one at A-Basin) and volleyball probably were the answers to this question for most of life, being born and raised in San Diego. But since making Colorado home, my options have grown. Whether it’s hiking, snowboarding, camping, or running, I enjoy leading an active lifestyle were weekends hopefully include frequent day trips with my partner and dog.
Where is your favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado?
Not much can beat Guanella Pass in fall, except maybe a Crested Butte ski weekend in winter. But if I had to choose one place year-round, it’d have to be Elk Meadow Park’s off-leash dog area in Evergreen. I find myself there at least once a month.
What is your most memorable outdoors mishap?
While serving in Ukraine with Peace Corps, I had the opportunity to hike the highest mountain in the country, Mount Hoverla. After taking a 20+ hour train to get there, I unfortunately learned I brought about 5% of the gear needed (compared to the Ukrainian hikers traversing with their hiking poles, gaiters, hydration packs, etc.). Long story short, my frail rain jacket and boots made it up and down while only losing one Yaktrax and a little dignity.
What is the coolest wildlife you have spotted in Colorado?
On a few trips through Genesee Park it was neat to see the herds of buffalo. They’re such impressive animals.
Note: Not a buffalo, just Matt's adorable dog Max.
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a Constitutional Amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 4,700 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support.