Board of Directors
Michael Cassio, President and Director
Mike has been spending time enjoying the Grand Lake area since the late 1970’s and has been passionate about improving the environment for the past 25 years. He has been a property owner on Grand Lake and with Three Lakes Watershed Association for the past 12 years. In his career, Mike has managed and directed major environmental protection and cleanup projects for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security throughout the US, Asia, Middle East and Europe and is passionate about supporting sensible environmental solutions.
Jeff Metzger, Secretary and Director
Jeff Metzger and his family have recreated in Grand County for 40 years. They enjoy the area so much they built a log home in Grand Lake 23 years ago. Favorite activities of his large, active and extended family are skiing, hiking, fishing, boating or just relaxing watching wildlife and the seasons.
Jeff worked for 30 years in the Financial Services and Investment Industry in various Executive Leadership, Management, Operations and Human Resource positions. His passion was to build and leverage people and process to add significant customer, employee and shareholder value. He had the privilege to work with some outstanding people at Standard & Poor’s, Colorado National Banks and Rocky Mountain Bankcard System before retiring in 2005. He has also served on several non-profit Board of Directors.
Jeff’s educational background is a BA from Johns Hopkins University (majoring in Biology, Economics and Lacrosse) and he has graduate education from the University of Colorado and the University of Virginia.
Kirsten Heckendorf, Treasurer and Director
Kirsten Heckendorf worked in the medical/legal for more than twenty-two years as a Project Manager and Director of Operations, providing medical and environmental experts (primarily in toxic torts including Anderson vs. PG&E aka: Erin Brokovich Case) with document management and research to prepare physicians and experts for testimony. Currently, Ms. Heckendorf sits on two water boards with an emphasis on water infrastructure and its effects on the environment. Ms. Heckendorf’s background includes strategy, management, conflict resolution and facilitation, and project management. Her focus is on collaborative efforts and a team driven approach to achieve the most effective results for all stakeholders.
In addition, Kirsten brings tireless dedication and energy to There With Care, a national non-profit organization providing fundamental support to families with a child facing critical illness. As a board member, she has helped to expand the community of care to help better support the families we serve during a fragile time.
Kirsten spends most of her time with her family and friends in Grand Lake, Colorado.
Dr. Jason Sutherland, Director
As a new addition to the Board Jason has been very impressed by the group's dedication and tremendous depth of knowledge into the complicated intergovernmental and operational aspects of the Colorado Big Thompson project. He loves sailing on Grand Lake's challenging waters, and as a practicing pathologist for Summit Pathology knows that water quality is key to the health of his Northern Colorado patients served by the system.
Join Us in Preserving, Protecting, and Advocating for Our Precious Waters!
Do you have a passion for preserving the health and vitality of the Three Lakes in Grand County, Colorado? Are you committed to ensuring clarity and longevity for our watershed?
The Three Lakes Watershed Association (TLWSA) is seeking engaged and visionary individuals to join our board. As a driving force behind this vital and progressive organization, board members play a crucial role in shaping the future of our watershed. Experience is not necessary; we welcome all who share our dedication to learning about safeguarding our precious natural resources.
Apply now to make a difference as a TLWSA board member. Let's work together to preserve the beauty and sustainability of our lakes for generations to come.
Board application - HERE