Jenny Hill says her primary goal is to build organization’s workforce
There’s a new face at the helm of 4CORE, a Durango nonprofit dedicated to climate solutions in Southwest Colorado.
It was announced last week that Jenny Hill would be taking over as executive director of the nonprofit. Hill’s background includes a master’s degrees in Urban Design and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado in Denver, as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Business. She also brings 20 years of experience working with various clean-energy businesses and nonprofits.
During her tenure as treasurer of the 4CORE board of directors, she played a pivotal role in organizing events such as the Beyond Solar Home Tour and Soiree fundraisers.
“I came back to 4CORE part time in the fall as the transportation program manager. And then shortly after, it all happened very quickly, Laurie Dickson announced that she was leaving and moving to Canada,” Hill said.
Hill was chosen out of three candidates for the position and has some big ambitions for the nonprofit under her leadership. One of her long-term goals is to make renewable and solar energy accessible to lower-income families.
“We have had previous EPA grants for solar programs. So it really depends on what grant funds are out there to support our programs,” Hill said.
Currently, the nonprofit is working to deliver 25 e-bikes and e-trikes to low-income riders who are 55 and older. Support will be provided by the town of Pagosa Springs and Pagosa Mountain Sports. Pagosa Mountain Sports will provide assembly and maintenance of e-bikes and e-trikes.
4CORE is also trying to help preserve water through its rain barrel initiative. 4CORE is working with Rainwater Solutions to bring an affordable way to take part in water conservation. People can purchase a barrel for $95 and $180 for two. Barrel pickup will be 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Other events include the Earth Day Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at the La Plata Fairgrounds & Event Center. This will serve as an opportunity to educate residents on electric vehicles and where to purchase them.
But Hill’s primary goal is to grow 4CORE’s workforce. Before Hill took over in December, there were four part-time employees working for the nonprofit. Recently, the organization hired a communications and transportation manager.
She said it is hard to pinpoint how many employees 4CORE is looking to hire because it is based on the number of environmental programs added.
“We’re really working toward a culture of collaboration, especially with creating partnerships with other nonprofits. And also making sure that we uphold a work-life balance,” Hill said.
Hill was born and raised in Durango and went to middle school in the Smiley Building, where the 4CORE office is now located.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
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