leadership
Colorado is not just where we live. It is who we are.
Protect & Elevate
From the mountains to the plains, our board reflects the spirit and pride that define Colorado. We understand that litter prevention and beautification are more than cleanup efforts. They are culture shaping work that strengthens communities, protects our landscapes, and inspires long term civic pride.
Staff & BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
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Jenifer Freeman is the President of Keep Colorado Beautiful. With almost 20 years of experience in politics, policy, and community engagement in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, Jenifer brings a depth of expertise and relationships that drive results.
Throughout her career, Jenifer has prioritized community and industry engagement with extensive board work. Currently, she serves as the Vice-President of the Board of Directors for Recycle Colorado, Member of the Board of Directors for Circular Colorado, Member of the Central Regional Board of the USO. Previously, she has served on the Boards of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, A Precious Child, and Circular Action Alliance in Colorado.
For 7 years, she served as the Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs for Swire Coca-Cola, USA covering multiple states. Prior to Swire Coca-Cola, Jenifer served as the VP of State Government Affairs for UnitedHealth Group, Principal at Parquet Public Affairs, and Deputy Executive Director of the Democratic Attorneys General Association. In addition to government affairs, community engagement, and communications, her professional experience includes political consulting for statewide campaigns, operations management for a national political committee, and issue management for national trade groups.
Jenifer holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree from the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies. She’s a proud Rams mom with a daughter double majoring in international studies and German at Colorado State University, Class of 2027.
NicOLAS Wilson
Vice President & Board Chair - keep colorado beautiful
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Nicolas Wilson is a Colorado based environmental leader with deep roots in the energy and waste management industries and an equally strong commitment to stewardship, civic pride, and community impact.
Born in Texas and raised on horse farms in Texas and California, Nicolas developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors at an early age. Summers spent on his family’s farm outside Houston, in rural Indiana farmland, and in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains shaped his respect for land, water, and open space. His Colorado ties run generations deep. His parents attended Colorado State University, his grandmother graduated from the University of Colorado and East Colfax High School, and his great grandparents settled in Denver in the late 1800s. Colorado has always been more than a place to live. It is part of his family story.
The spark for Keep Colorado Beautiful came after Nicolas connected with Susan Russell of Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Seeing the strength of a statewide model led him to ask why Colorado did not have a unified organization dedicated to litter prevention, beautification, and civic engagement. Having witnessed illegal dumping and roadside litter across the state, he recognized that people care deeply about their towns but often lack the coordination, tools, and resources to take action at scale.
Inspired by the ethic behind the most successful litter campaign in history, the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign and the beautification legacy of Lady Bird Johnson, Nicolas believes Colorado deserves a bold, unified culture of pride and responsibility. Through Keep Colorado Beautiful, he is working to build that culture and create a statewide platform that helps communities turn intention into measurable impact. Raised on Texas’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” ethic and inspired by Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification legacy, he felt Colorado deserved that same spirit of civic pride. Discovering that Keep America Beautiful was founded in 1953, the same year his mother was born gave the whole effort personal resonance. The founding of KCOB honors her memory and love of the west.
Nicolas lives in Fort Collins with his family. Through Keep Colorado Beautiful, he brings entrepreneurial drive, hands on experience, and a statewide vision to strengthening Colorado’s environment and elevating civic pride in every corner of the state.
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Kevin Lyons serves as President of FoodBridge after 5 years with BlueSky as Chief Strategy Officer. Kevin is passionate about solving tough challenges and transforming complexity into opportunity. Whether revitalizing brands, launching innovative platforms, or scaling new revenue streams, he thrives on turning ambitious ideas into measurable results. His superpower has been processing complex data and information to craft strategies that empower teams to perform at their best.
Throughout Kevin’s journey at Fortune 500 companies in senior leadership roles like Best Buy, Sears and h.h. gregg, he has driven transformative initiatives that redefine what success looks like. As President of a multinational, omnichannel retailer, Kevin created philanthropic corporate giving programs raising nearly 20 million meals, spearheaded an operational turnaround and created AI-powered solutions. He has consistently delivered impactful outcomes while helping businesses adapt to an ever-changing world.
Beyond his focus on FoodBridge, Kevin has also started several new business lines. He has served as a peer advisor and leadership coach for CEO’s and senior leaders, volunteered in many non profit organizations, served on several boards and advisory panels influencing customer experience and AI college business school curricula.
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Accomplished senior advisor with decades of success driving transformation for global multi-nationals at Deloitte. I’m now focused on empowering the next generation of innovators. My expertise in strategy, digital transformation, inorganic growth and organizational effectiveness is now dedicated to leveraging A.I. and Big Data to drive growth and profitability.
Proven CIO / CTO and Board Director with 30 years of experience guiding global organizations through technology transformation, digital innovation, and corporate growth initiatives. Skilled at aligning technology strategy with business objectives, scaling platforms, and modernizing IT and cybersecurity to support rapid growth.
Known for fostering collaboration across executives, boards, and investors while bringing a forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies and disruptive business models.
Trusted advisor to boards and founders, committed to helping early-stage startups scale technology, strengthen governance, and accelerate innovation.
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John Briest, P.E., is a licensed engineer and the owner of Blue River Infrastructure Group. His firm provides specialized services to landfill owner-operators, focusing on engineering, permitting and operational matters for solid waste facilities and their related assets. The firm's core services include due diligence, the development and permitting of new solid waste infrastructure, and the redevelopment of existing facilities. With more than two decades of experience, Mr. Briest has built a strong background in providing engineering and environmental services to the solid and hazardous waste industry. He has held diverse roles at industry leaders such as WM and Republic Services and has also served in a leadership capacity as an engineering consultant. As a consultant, Mr. Briest has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in the design of a wide range of facilities. His work spans from low-level radioactive disposal sites at the federal level to large-scale evaporation ponds and municipal solid waste facilities. In Colorado, his expertise has been pivotal in the design and regulatory guidance for nearly all publicly traded landfills and numerous county-owned facilities. He recently directed a multi-year effort for the expansion design of the Tower Landfill. His professional expertise includes developing greenfield facilities, construction oversight, permitting, compliance, RCRA, FAA interaction and mitigation near waste facilities, biogas project development, expert witness, and redevelopment of pre-subtitle D landfills following post closure.
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Alicia Archibald has been developing partnerships and assisting communities throughout Colorado for over 25 years. Alicia’s love for people and systems thinking has assisted businesses, nonprofits, military communities, and municipalities with sustainability initiatives to include green purchasing, environmental management, and zero waste strategies. Alicia’s analytical mind primes her for the work she enjoys which includes research, strategic planning, public education and outreach, and data analysis. Alicia also enjoys making music, spending time in the yard, and hanging out with her family.
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Stephanie Altman is an environmental attorney, former diplomat, and community leader who believes that strong, beautiful places are built when people come together with care, respect, and a shared sense of responsibility. Throughout her career, she has worked across government, nonprofit, and international settings to advance environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community-centered solutions, with an emphasis on collaboration and inclusive engagement.
Stephanie is a Boulder Leadership Fellow and currently serves as a Commissioner on the Sustainable Futures Commission in Lyons, where she helps advise the Town’s Board of Trustees on sustainable practices and policies and supports efforts to reduce environmental impacts while strengthening local resilience. As a member of the Board of Directors of Keep Colorado Beautiful, Stephanie is proud to support work that advances environmental stewardship, strengthens community connections, and fosters shared responsibility for Colorado’s landscapes and public spaces. She is especially drawn to efforts that bring people together in meaningful, hands-on ways--building community while protecting the environment for generations to come.
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Dee is the Executive Director of Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful. Born and raised in San Francisco, she moved to Colorado Springs in 1993. After living in the city for three years, she began seeking opportunities to work with both the environment and the community in what she describes as a magical place.
Dee began her journey with KCSB as the Program Director in 1996 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2006. Her passion for environmental work began in high school when she enrolled in a “new and innovative” class called Ecology, which sparked a lifelong interest in Environmental Science and Biology.
Since 1997, Dee has worked to implement Keep America Beautiful programming while also creating and launching initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Colorado Springs and the greater Pikes Peak Region.
In 2008, she was asked to help form the first Homeless Outreach Team for the Colorado Springs Police Department. She completed Homeless Outreach training in Florida alongside law enforcement and outreach partners, and collaborated with the ACLU to develop humane protocols for unhoused individuals camping in restricted areas. In 2023, she was honored to present this work at the Keep America Beautiful National Conference.
Today, under Dee’s leadership, KCSB specializes in addressing large-scale illegal camping situations with empathy and environmental responsibility. Her enduring passion lies in environmental restoration—whether through trash removal, creating pollinator gardens, or inspiring people of all ages to care for the planet.
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Gary D. Davis has been involved in the upstream and midstream oil and gas industry for over forty years, with more than twenty-five years in upper management and executive roles, including several privately backed start-up ventures. He is a partner in Covault Resources LLC, a private equity investment firm that focuses on early-stage businesses with technical IP in oil and gas, oilfield services, critical minerals, water, and alternative energy sources. He currently serves as a Board member for Star Valley Energy, an international drill pipe rental business. He is known for his depth of knowledge and practical experience in technical, operational, and financial aspects of business as well as teaching and mentoring new talent in the business.
Mr. Davis began his career as a petroleum geologist in the Appalachian basin. He moved to Texas to work in exploration and production for a Fortune 20 oil company which later moved him to Denver, Colorado. He pursued a graduate degree in geology at the University of Houston, graduate work in petroleum engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and completed his MBA degree at the University of Denver, with honors. He maintains his licensure as a certified petroleum geologist and remains current with technology while managing ventures for profitability.
Gary is an avid bicyclist, skier, golfer, and outdoorsman. He resides in Golden, Colorado.
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Steve Gilmore is responsible for all aspects of municipal government business development, community relations, public process, and communications for Republic Services for the company's Denver Metro and Colorado Springs business operations. Steve is also responsible for managing the company's statewide Government Affairs initiatives, where he works closely with the National Waste and Recycling Association and Recycle Colorado. He started this new position in Colorado in April of 2025. In the ten years before transitioning to Colorado, Steve worked for Republic Services’ post collection business unit in Washington State, which includes the largest waste by rail system in the Country.
Before joining the company, he was the CEO of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce in Oregon and served in the non-profit sector representing businesses for over ten years. Steve has experience working with government entities on various issues and has been involved with public policy decisions for over 25 years. He graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in History and a minor in Political Science.
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Scott is the Director of Government Affairs for WM in the Four Corners region, which encompasses Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and a portion of Texas. In this role, he is responsible for managing legislative and political activities and overseeing contract lobbyists. He adopts a collaborative approach by engaging closely with state and local elected officials to address sustainability challenges and incorporating input from all stakeholders to resolve complex issues.
With over three decades of experience in public policy, Scott emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives in the formulation and execution of ordinances and legislation. He represents WM on various boards in the market area, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, the Arizona Trucking Association, the Colorado Counties Foundation, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Denver Energy Efficiency Advisory Board. Previously, he served as chairman of both the Colorado Motor Carriers Association and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association.
Before joining WM, Scott gained extensive experience in political campaigns and governmental relations. Notably, he served as the Director of Advance for Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, overseeing gubernatorial trips and managing logistical aspects, including press coordination, issue briefings, community outreach, and security arrangements. His skills were particularly evident during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver and as the Director of the 41st Gubernatorial Inaugural celebration.
Earlier in his career, Scott was a Denver City Council Aide to Council President Rosemary Rodriguez, where he managed legislative duties, drafted ordinances, mediated community issues, and handled press relations. He has been involved in more than 25 successful campaigns, including municipal and school bond measures, as well as significant projects such as the expansion of the Denver Convention Center and the creation of the Denver Stadium District.
Scott earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Western American History from Metropolitan State University in Denver. His commitment to leadership is further demonstrated by his lifetime membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.
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Jeffrey R Kendall, is a Partner at Laurel Mountain and serves as the CEO of our Colorado operation, Bruin Waste & 5280 Waste Solutions. Jeff has an engineering background and brings 10 years of heavy operational leadership experience across a variety of different sectors. He is known for leading with a keen focus on process and technological innovation.
Prior to Laurel, Jeff served as Director of Medical Operations & Digital Health Products for Restore Hyper Wellness, where he scaled a team of medical providers and digital health tools as Restore grew from 50 to 250 studio locations. He started his career at Chevron where he held roles in engineering, capital projects, operations, and sales. He managed large scale capital projects and led large teams. It was at Chevron that Jeff developed his passion operational excellence and safety that he brings to our operations.
An alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder, Jeff holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, an Engineering Entrepreneurship Certificate, and a Lockheed Martin Engineering Management Certificate. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. His educational trajectory also includes internships at notable institutions like the US Department of Defense and NASA.
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Matt Prescott is a committed advocate for environmental stewardship and responsible materials management, bringing deep industry insight to the Keep Colorado Beautiful Board of Directors. As a Sales Supervisor at Waste Connections of Colorado, Inc., Matt plays a key role in partnering with municipalities, businesses, and community organizations to promote sustainable waste solutions across the region.
With years of experience in Colorado’s waste and recycling industry, Matt specializes in helping communities improve diversion programs, expand access to recycling services, and adopt practices that reduce landfill reliance. His work focuses on developing practical, long‑term waste strategies that support both environmental and economic sustainability.
Matt is passionate about community engagement and believes education is critical to strengthening Colorado’s recycling culture. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with local leaders, schools, and environmental partners to increase awareness about recycling contamination, responsible disposal, and the shared responsibility of keeping Colorado clean and beautiful.
Serving on the Keep Colorado Beautiful Board allows Matt to bring his industry perspective to statewide efforts focused on litter prevention, cleaner communities, and preserving Colorado’s natural landscapes for future generations.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and skiing—activities that deepen his connection to the outdoor spaces and community values he works to protect through both his professional role and volunteer service.
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Ryan Peters is the Plant Director at Niagara Bottling in Aurora, Colorado, where he’s spent over a decade growing from Production Supervisor to leading plant operations. With more than 15 years of manufacturing experience, Ryan focuses on building strong teams, improving efficiency, and driving community engagement across the Denver metro area.
He’s helped establish partnerships with Volunteers of America, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and Arapahoe Community College’s Robotics & Automation program—reflecting his commitment to wellness both inside and outside the Factory. Before joining Niagara, Ryan worked in aerospace manufacturing at Firth Rixson (now Alcoa), holding technical and leadership roles in California and New York. He holds degrees in Metallurgy and Engineering Management from the Colorado School of Mines. Ryan lives in Denver with his wife, Dani, a behavioral health consultant, and their two sports loving young boys.
As a Colorado native, Ryan takes immense pride in the natural beauty and resilience of his home state. His passion for Keep Colorado Beautiful stems from a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the environment and enhancing the communities where we live and work. For Ryan, it’s not just about keeping Colorado clean—it’s about fostering a culture of care, responsibility, and pride in the places we call home.
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Nikki is a climate and sustainability professional dedicated to building cleaner, more resilient communities across Colorado and beyond. As a Market Manager at Vanguard Renewables, she leads business development across the Mountain West — helping food and beverage companies transform organic waste into renewable natural gas through circular, farm-powered systems. Her work sits at the intersection of clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and waste innovation, guided by a deep belief that healthy landscapes and thriving communities are inseparable. From the soils of Colorado’s farms to its open spaces and local neighborhoods, Nikki brings a systems-thinking mindset and a collaborative spirit to every initiative she touches. She is honored to serve on the Keep Colorado Beautiful board, where her passion for land stewardship, circular solutions, and community empowerment finds a natural home
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A circular‑systems specialist, Evan creates behavior-change strategies that boost waste diversion at municipal, state, and national levels. He is the founder and executive producer of Diverse Video & Design, the first full‑service communications agency focused on cultural‑ecology: the relationship between people and the environment. Evan’s real strength is uniting constituencies and communities to address large-scale ecological challenges.