Board taps Miller to lead organization following stint as interim executive director and more than 15 years on staff

Denver – The board of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has announced the selection of Jackie Miller as the organization’s new executive director. Miller has served as GOCO’s interim executive director since July 1, 2021, filling the vacancy created by Chris Castilian. Castilian departed GOCO after four years in its top leadership position to become CEO of National Ski Patrol and to serve as a strategic advisor to Colorado Mountain College.

Miller’s previous position at GOCO was director of programs, a role she served in since 2013. During more than 15 years with the organization, she has created and directed dozens of programs and initiatives and developed collaborative partnerships with the state’s conservation, recreation, and stewardship leaders.

The Governor-appointed GOCO board selected Miller after a search process they conducted during the summer months.

“We’re excited for Jackie’s new role leading a critical partner to the State and the Department of Natural Resources. GOCO is an important source of support for making our great outdoors even more amazing,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to ensure local vitality, better health, and equitable access to the outdoors for all Coloradans.”

Chair of the Board Mo Siegel noted, “Jackie Miller has demonstrated leadership, vision, and tenacity in her dedication to GOCO. Her background in program development and grant management and her honed experience in strategic planning position her and her staff for success. Jackie is a listener and a relationship builder, and she cares deeply about GOCO’s partners and Colorado’s communities.”

“During the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with and learning from passionate, expert individuals working in many sectors of outdoor life in Colorado, from grassroots community groups and local governments to statewide agencies and nonprofits,” said Miller. “I am honored for this opportunity to weave the network together, seek out alignment, and bring people and organizations together around shared visions with meaningful outcomes for our state.”

Miller produced GOCO’s 2020 strategic plan with a values-based, equity-focused approach to grantmaking that promotes community-driven work and significant, measurable outcomes from a projected $330 million in funding.

“GOCO has been a champion for the state’s outdoors for 29 years, and it is with supreme gratitude to the people of this state that we will continue to thoughtfully invest Colorado Lottery proceeds in projects that boost communities, improve health, protect land and water, and ensure healthy wildlife habitat,” said Miller. “The outdoors is at the heart of our way of life here. I am proud of GOCO’s role in ensuring it remains so for future generations of Coloradans and thrilled to commit the next phase of my career to serving GOCO’s mission and you all.”

About Great Outdoors Colorado
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 5,400 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.

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Contact:
Rosemary Dempsey
Dir. of Communications
Great Outdoors Colorado
rdempsey@goco.org
303-226-4530