Energy-focused Basalt nonprofit announces new chief executive officer

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency has announced the appointment of Tara Stitzlein as the new chief executive officer.

Stitzlein takes the helm from John Dougherty, who was appointed by the board as the organization’s contracted CEO in 2023. She is “marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history and the broader climate movement,” a press release states.

“I am honored to continue serving CORE as CEO, building on the legacy that John and the previous climate leaders at CORE have shaped.” she said in the release. “The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we expand our impact while ensuring that our work remains community-rooted. I am thrilled to steward CORE’s mission and make climate action accessible for all residents throughout Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties.” 

Dougherty will remain with CORE for a transitional period to support Stitzlein in her new role. Her official start date in this new role in Sept. 15. 

She holds a Master of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Molecular Environmental Biology from The Arctic University of Norway, where she researched the marine plastic microbiome for her thesis. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Environmental Law at the University of Denver.

She has also served in various leadership roles at CORE since June 2022, most recently as the director of Climate Action Programs. She has overseen operations, strategy, personnel management, and significant projects like the Coal Basin Methane Capture initiative.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tara as our new CEO,” said Tessa Schreiner, CORE’s board chair, in the release. “Her extensive experience as a leader in climate action, coupled with her impressive educational background as a scientist, makes her the perfect fit for CORE at this pivotal time. Tara’s unique blend of scientific expertise and passionate commitment to environmental sustainability aligns seamlessly with our mission. We are confident CORE can scale climate solutions to meet the increasing urgency of the climate crisis, and we believe that under her leadership, CORE will expand its impact and further engage the community.”

And Stitzlein is no stranger to the Roaring Fork Valley. Her husband, Cole Green-Smith, is a native of the area who graduated from Aspen High School and currently works as a hydrologist for the U.S. Forest Service, bringing over a decade of experience in public service. They reside in Missouri Heights with their 16-month-old daughter, June.

“This personal connection to the community further enhances Tara’s commitment to leading CORE and making a positive impact in our region,” the press release states.

Stitzlein will be at CORE’s Green Expo on Sept. 12 at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen. The community is encouraged to attend this event from 1-5 p.m., followed by a social hour from 5-6 p.m. where attendees can meet her and learn more about her vision for the future. The event is free and open to the public — registration can be completed at aspencore.org/green-expo.

CORE has pledged to address climate change “swiftly, impactfully, and courageously while enhancing its capacity to combat the climate crisis.” CORE aims to align community priorities with climate action and bridge the gap between ambitious climate goals and measurable action.

For more information about CORE and Stitzlein’s vision, visit the aspencore.org or contact the organization directly.