Cowdin joined the River District in May. As Director of Public Relations, Cowdin will help tell the stories of the River District and lead external communications for the organization. Cowdin holds a master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Lewis & Clark Law School. She has experience coalition building for watershed advocacy and working to improve equity in the health and outdoor industries. At the District, Marielle is eager to spend time with water users across the West Slope to better tell their stories. In her free time, Cowdin enjoys fly fishing, hiking and camping with her two dogs, trail running, photography, and getting on the rivers.

Stephanie Moore started at the River District in June. As executive assistant, Moore works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure our board meetings go off without a hitch and Directors have the information they need to best stand for West Slope water interests. Moore grew up in Grand Junction and has a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. After some time as a paralegal in Las Vegas, Montana and San Diego, Moore returned to her home state of Colorado about five years ago. She is proud to work for an organization working to serve and improve the lives of people on the West Slope. Outside of work, Moore enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, paddling, hiking and playing pickle ball.

Lindsay DeFrates came on board as Public Relations and Media Specialist in July. She will manage the District’s social media and website content as well as assisting in putting on River District events. DeFrates’ background includes being an eighth grade English teacher, a freelance outdoor writer, and a former river guide.
She is looking forward to using her voice and experience on Western rivers to support the River District’s mission. When she is not in the office, DeFrates is out rafting with her three kids and her husband or getting lost somewhere in the backcountry.