NEWS
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Incoming Executive Director will focus on accelerating programs and implementation
Denver, Colo. – NoCo Places, a collaborative of nine federal, state, and county land management agencies in the northern Colorado Front Range, has named a new Executive Director to take the place of founder Steve Coffin, who is retiring. JD Tanner, Ed D, CPRE, will join the coalition and lead it into the future of implementing the coalition’s Conservation and Recreation Vision.
Dr. Tanner joins the regional partnership from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, where he served as Director of Education and Training. He has over 25 years of experience as an outdoor educator and administrator, bringing a perspective gained from over 18 years in higher education. He has lived in Colorado for over ten years. Dr. Tanner has a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Education (MS Ed) in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University.
“NoCo Places’ commitment to regional collaboration and proactive public land management resonates deeply with my professional and personal values,” says Dr. Tanner. “I am eager to bring my experience in partnership development, program implementation, and organizational leadership to support NoCo Places’ strategic goals and help advance recreation stewardship initiatives for Northern Colorado’s public lands.”
Dr. Tanner has experience in developing, managing, and implementing innovative outdoor programs, securing major grants and donations, and building strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local land management agencies. His skills in developing partnerships with the BLM, NPS, USFS, and state land managers to advance public lands education and stewardship programs are well established. In addition, his experience in forging relationships and building consensus among multiple stakeholders will greatly benefit NoCo Places.
“Dr. Tanner’s experience in turning ideas into boots on the ground action is exactly what will set NoCo Places up for its next exciting chapter,” says Sandy Hollingsworth, Gilpin County Commissioner and Co-chair of NoCo Places.
As the coalition has continued to grow over the past seven years, its focus is now transitioning to implementing shared values and desired future conditions derived from the Conservation and Recreation Vision announced in 2024. “We are excited to have Dr. Tanner leading the coalition,” says Shannon Schaller, Deputy Regional Manager, Northeast Region, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Co-chair of NoCo Places. “He brings a wealth of relevant experience to the coalition and will lead plans into implementation and operationalize the group overall.”
NoCo Places’ work ties in with the recently announced Colorado’s Outdoor Strategy from the state. The Conservation and Recreation Vision guides public land managers in this region as they develop conservation and recreation-focused plans and commit to principles and goals for the future condition of the region. Dr. Tanner will ensure the coalition continues to collaborate with other regional partners and helps advance Colorado’s Outdoor Strategy when implementing plans for NoCo Places.
NoCo Places collaborates to protect and conserve natural and cultural resources while providing equitable access and a quality recreation experience for current and future generations. NoCo Places focuses on Northern Colorado Front Range public lands and is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for long-term conservation and the quality of the visitor experience.
Learn more about NoCo Places.
Media Contact:
Katie Matthews, Communications Manager, katie@creativecontentkm.com, 720-879-8159