CAA Staff & Board
Our dedicated staff brings expertise, passion, and local knowledge to advance CAA’s mission. Guided by a diverse board of directors, and supported by countless community partners, our team continues to grow the future of local agriculture.
Meet the CAA Staff
Amber Pougiales
Executive Director
Amber grew up in Routt County, always knowing it would be difficult to find another place that truly felt like home. As she puts it, “Routt County is home to a unique community rooted in agriculture that has grown into a renowned recreational hub—yet the small-town values and traditions still shine through.”
Amber’s appreciation for agriculture and food systems began at a young age and has been shaped by both her education and professional experience, along with a deep belief in the importance of supporting the people who steward our land and water. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, and in 2019 found her way back to the Yampa Valley while working with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work for the communities of northwest Colorado, and to help grow the Community Agriculture Alliance into a highly visible organization that supports our regional agricultural community by strengthening resources, building bridges, and creating a resilient food system for producers and consumers alike.”
Katie Stanhope
Yampa Valley Foods Program Director
Katie moved to Steamboat with her family in 2009, and after growing up in the valley, developed a strong sense of pride and loyalty to the community. Her passion for agriculture and the local food system was ignited in 2015 after her first season selling produce at the farmer’s market. Since then, Katie has spent years working for local farmers and ranchers, raised her own pigs, and is actively pursuing a B.S. in Agriculture Business. Katie began working for the Community Agriculture Alliance in 2021 because it was the perfect place to combine her love for the community and her passion for agriculture. “I’m grateful and proud to be a part of the CAA. The best parts of my job are the producers, building connections with members, and helping the CAA Market grow. My coworkers aren’t half-bad either :)” When Katie is not at the Market, you can find her and Ruby enjoying a beer with pals, hiking, or studying.
Patrick Stanko
Ag Resource Coordinator
Patrick is a fourth-generation rancher on a local Yampa Valley ranch that has been in the family for more than 100 years. After a 20-year hiatus from the Valley, while gaining his Engineering degree and working in the business world, Patrick moved back to the ranch in 2013. Starting work for the CAA in 2018 Patrick is dedicated to the work of promoting agriculture in the Yampa Valley. As the Agriculture Resource Coordinator, Patrick will continue the water education programs and outreach for agriculture in the Yampa Valley.
Mendi Figueroa
Land Stewardship Liaison
Mendi grew up on the wide‑open plains of northeastern Colorado in a small farming community where agriculture wasn’t just a livelihood — it was a way of life. Her grandpa owned and operated a cattle and dryland corn farming operation, and some of Mendi’s happiest childhood memories were made there. From a young age, Mendi was actively involved in 4‑H, proudly showing rabbits and market swine. Those early experiences nurtured a deep appreciation for rural communities, hard work, and stewardship of natural resources — values that continue to guide her today.
Mendi went on to earn her B.S. in Natural Resources with a focus on Watershed Science. After graduating, she began her career with the State of Colorado’s Division of Water Resources as a Water Commissioner in South Routt County. In this role, she developed a strong connection with the ranchers and agricultural producers of the Yampa Valley. Working alongside them, she gained a profound respect for their dedication and the vital role they play in Colorado’s water and land management. Genuinely invested in the people she serves, she is excited to have the opportunity to work closely with landowners, producers, and local partners to support the strength and resiliency of agriculture in the Yampa Valley.
Jessie Sykes
Yampa Valley Foods Program Assistant
Born and raised in the Midwest, Jessie has always had a passion for food. In college, she was introduced to the Slow Food movement, which motivated her to be more cognizant of where our food comes from and to support local agriculture. After graduation, she spent a few months working on a farm in Idaho, where she found that she not only loved the process of growing produce, but also getting to connect with the local community. She moved to the Yampa Valley in 2015 and quickly found it to be the place to call home with beautiful landscapes, a strong community, rich history, and a commitment to supporting local agriculture. She has continued to pursue her passion of farming, working at a number of farms in the valley, and growing her own produce. Now at Yampa Valley Foods, she hopes to share her passion for eating local as well as help connect the growing community to their farmers. Outside of the market, she is a ski instructor, an avid runner, and loves exploring the Flattops and Zirkels with her family.
Lucas Morter
Yampa Valley Foods Lead Associate
Born and raised outside of town in Steamboat Springs, Lucas was always surrounded by farms which sparked his interest in local agriculture.
Starting at the age of ten, he participated in the local Routt county 4-H program which taught him a lot about how much time and effort goes into growing the food that you can buy at the grocery store. It also taught him about how much better it can be for you depending on what you feed your animals and how they are taken care of.
Working at the CAA Market is a great way for Lucas to see old friends from 4-H while still being connected to the community through agriculture. Outside of working at the CAA Market you can find him skiing, floating down the river, and hanging out with his friends.
Macey Wyman
Yampa Valley Foods Sales Associate
Keigan Rand
Yampa Valley Foods Sales Associate
Keigan grew up in Colorado and moved to the Yampa Valley in 2017, where she quickly found a strong connection to the community and local way of life. She graduated in 2025 with a degree in engineering.
She has spent much of her life working with horses and gained hands-on experience at several guest ranches throughout the valley. Through this work, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, the outdoors, and the dedication it takes to support local food systems.
Now working as a Sales Associate at the market, Keigan enjoys connecting with local producers and customers, and values being part of a space that brings the community together. She takes pride in supporting local agriculture and helping others feel more connected to where their food comes from.
When Keigan’s not at the market, she is usually found with her family, friends and dog, goose, hiking or hanging out at the river.
Grace Lee
Yampa Valley Foods Sales Associate
Grace moved to Steamboat Springs in 2022 after graduating from college in North Carolina and quickly fell in love with the area.
For the past four winters, she has worked as a ski instructor on the mountain, sharing her love for the outdoors and the sport with others. She has long been passionate about environmental issues and hopes to build a career that integrates her studies in communication and sustainability.
Through her academic experience, Grace has developed an appreciation for the role local agriculture plays in supporting both environmental health and community well-being.
Grace is excited to join the Community Agriculture Alliance, seeing it as a great opportunity to deepen her connection to the Yampa Valley community while growing her knowledge of local agriculture. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors skiing, rafting, and hiking, and loves any creative project.
Board of Directors
- Brad Christensen
- Brian Ripley
- CJ Mucklow
- Claire Sollars
- Colby Townsend, Board Chair
- Deborah Fitch
- Elizabeth Wood
- Kent Sandstedt
- Kristina Tober
- Laurie Kuelthau
- Leah Allen
- Lisa Brown
- Robert Masyczek
- Susie Wyman
Advisory Committee
- Angelica Salinas – Routt County Commissioner
- Chereen Leong Schwarz – Wilderbean Provisions
- Clinton Whitten – National Resource Conservation Service
- Todd Hagenbuch – CSU Routt County Extension
- Clare Zecher – Clare Zecher Coaching
- Nick Osadchuk – Electric Microgreens
- Meredith Rose – Rose West
Meet the CAA Board of Directors
Brad Christensen
Secretary; Distiller/Owner, Routt Distillery
Brad combines his background in food systems and economic geography with a passion for local craftsmanship. As owner of Routt Distillery, he brings insight into value-added agriculture and supports CAA’s mission to strengthen local food connections through innovation and community collaboration.
Brian Ripley
Managing Broker/Owner, Triad Property Advisors
Brian Ripley is a Colorado native shaped by a deep connection to the land. He earned a Master’s in Animal Science from Colorado State University, specializing in ranch management, which launched a career in responsible land stewardship. With nearly two decades of leadership—including roles at Lost Valley Ranch, King Creek Ranch, and as owner of Ripley Livestock LLC—Brian became a licensed real estate professional in 2017, now helping clients with informed, values-driven decisions alongside his wife Kira and their three adult sons.
CJ Mucklow
Emeritus Extension Regional Director, Colorado State University
With more than three decades of leadership in CSU Extension, CJ brings deep experience in agriculture, land management, and rural community development. His long-standing commitment to Northwest Colorado’s producers and landowners continues through his work with CAA, supporting education, collaboration, and sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
Claire Sollars
Attorney, Founder and Owner of Colorado Water Matters, PLLC
Claire, a Colorado native, moved to Routt County in 1981 after earning her decree from Colorado State University. She then acquired a boots-on-the-ground education in water resources, land management, and regulatory compliance while working in the mining sector for 9 years. Claire fine-tuned her skills at the University of Wyoming Law School and since 1991, has focused her practice on Colorado water and rural property law. Beginning in 1997, she has been a Board member for the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights Program. Claire’s commitment to water resources and rural communities, coupled with her background and experience, strengthen CAA’s goals to preserve agricultural lands and support working landscapes.
Colby Townsend
Board Chair; Producer/Owner of Hayden Fresh Farm
A lifelong rancher and entrepreneur, Colby brings deep agricultural roots and community perspective to his role as CAA Board Chair. From managing cattle and running a local feed store for over two decades to building Hayden Fresh Farm with his family, Colby is passionate about supporting local producers and keeping agriculture thriving in Northwest Colorado.
Deborah Fitch
Owner/Operator, Fitch Ranch & Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co.
Deborah is a restaurateur, USDA processor, and cattle rancher. She and her husband, Cameron share a deep commitment to land stewardship, regenerative practices, livestock production, and community resilience in Northwest Colorado. Through Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co. she focuses on producer collaboration and regional food production to create a locally resilient food supply system. Her involvement with the Community Ag Alliance reflects a passion for supporting producers, rural communities, and the long-term future of agriculture in Northwest Colorado.
Liz Wood
Fair Operations and Grounds Manager, Routt County
Elizabeth (Liz) brings a strong background in agronomy, animal science, and community leadership to her role with CAA. With a B.S. in Agronomy from Texas A&M University and experience across landscape management, nursery operations, and nonprofit leadership, Liz offers a hands-on understanding of agriculture and land stewardship. As Routt County’s Fair Operations and Grounds Manager, she helps support and preserve one of the region’s most important agricultural traditions. A CAA committee member since 2023, Liz is passionate about connecting people to local agriculture. When she’s not working, you’ll most likely find her spending time with her horses where her love for agriculture and rural life began.
Kent Sandstedt
Owner, CR Summit
Kent is a local rancher and community leader, managing CR Summit with his wife, Aileen, including ranch operations and an equine center offering horsemanship and riding instruction. As a Routt County Conservation District board member and active participant in local nonprofits, Kent brings practical agricultural experience and a commitment to conservation and community engagement to the CAA Board.
Kristina Tober
Marketing and Communications Consultant
For over two decades, Kristina has partnered with Fortune 500 and startup clients in technology and agriculture to identify and market solutions that are producer-focused and impact driven. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and is focused on sharing the positive impact farmers and ranchers have on people and the planet.
Laurie Kuelthau
Owner/Operator, Elk Mountain Ranch
A lifelong rancher, Laurie also worked as a Colorado wildlife officer and later as a middle school registrar. Laurie and her husband Cam are dedicated to improving the conservation values of their ranch through regenerative practices and are committed supporters of local agriculture and heritage.
Leah Allen
5th Generation Cattle Rancher, Production Assistant at 360 Insurance Company
Leah is a 5th generation cattle rancher in the Yampa Valley who works alongside her family to produce quality cattle and hay. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Communication at the University of Wyoming while competing on the UW Meat Judging Team and taking on leadership roles in agriculture-based clubs. Growing up in Steamboat Springs, Leah understands the importance of representing producers and strives to be an “ag-vocate” for our land, water and locally produced food.
Lisa Brown
Treasurer; Co-Owner Brown Farms Ltd, Nonprofit Leadership Consultant
Lisa brings extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and community development to the CAA Board. With a career spanning healthcare, philanthropy, and nonprofit growth in Northwest Colorado, she is dedicated to strengthening local systems, supporting equitable access to resources, and fostering community resilience – values that closely align with CAA’s mission to sustain agriculture and local food systems. A lifelong resident of Steamboat Springs, Lisa and her sister continue to operate their family’s timothy hay farm.
Robert “Bob” Masyczek
Food Systems Professional and Financial Advisor
Bob brings a diverse background in food science, winemaking, and finance to the CAA Board. He holds degrees in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, and an MBA from UC Davis. Bob spent 25 years as a Napa Valley winemaker, including serving as Director of Innovation and Emerging Brands for Diageo Wines, followed by 10 years as a financial advisor. He retired to Steamboat Springs in 2020 and previously worked part-time at Yampa Valley Foods.
Susie Wyman
Vice Chair; Community Advocate, Educator, and Dryland Hay Producer
A former elementary teacher, non-profit director, and active volunteer, Susie brings a strong commitment to education and community engagement to the CAA Board. As a new land owner/hay producer she is an enthusiastic supporter of local agriculture and land stewardship. Susie’s passion for connecting people and strengthening community makes her a valued advocate for CAA’s mission.