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Tackling big ag challenges with Secretary Tom Vilsack

Spur of the Moment: Episode 01
Tom Vilsack headshot

In this Spur of the Moment episode, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discusses some of his top priorities, including equity for people of color in agriculture, nutrition security for all Americans, and using land wisely to combat climate change.

Tom Vilsack is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for the Biden administration. He served in the role for all eight years of the Obama administration as well.

Show notes

So much to do, especially on a cold day.

ERNEST HOUSE, JR.

Senior Policy Director, Keystone Policy Center

As former Executive Director for the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (CCIA) for 12 years, Ernest maintained the communication between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, and other American Indian organizations, state agencies and affiliated groups. In that position, Ernest worked closely with former Governor Hickenlooper, former Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne, and the CCIA members to maintain a government-to-government relationship between the State of Colorado and tribal governments. Ernest represented the State of Colorado and the CCIA at various federal and state public policy meetings and provided legislative and government-related information to community stakeholders. Currently, as Senior Policy Director for the Keystone Policy Center, Ernest is working with various stakeholders in the areas of tribal consultation, energy, healthcare, education, cultural resource management, and international repatriation.

Ernest previously held the position of Executive Director of CCIA under Governor Bill Owens and Governor Bill Ritter from 2005-2010. He is a 2012 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, 2013 Denver Business Journal Forty under 40 awardee, 2015 President’s Award recipient from History Colorado, and 2018 Gates Family Foundation Public Leadership Fellow. Ernest currently serves on the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees, The Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees, National Western Center Authority Board, Conservation Colorado Board, Colorado Interbasin Compact Committee, and the Weenuchu Development Corporation for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Ernest is an enrolled member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc, Colorado. He holds a rich tradition in his position as son of the late Ernest House, Sr., a long-time tribal leader for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and great-grandson of Chief Jack House, the last hereditary chief of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

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PATRESE ATINE

Assistant Vice President for Indigenous and Native American Affairs, CSU

Patrese Atine is a citizen of the Navajo Nation with diverse experience in education and tribal policy. As Assistant Vice President for Indigenous and Native American Affairs, she leads CSU’s outreach to Tribal communities, works with the CSU community on Indigenous and Native American issues on campus, and fosters partnerships with Tribal leadership to increase student recruitment and retention. Prior to joining CSU, she developed and managed national advocacy efforts as the director of congressional and federal relations at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). During her five years at AIHEC, she increased partnerships with federal agencies and advocated for legislation to meet unique needs of tribal colleges and universities, students, and tribal nations.

As a government and legislative affairs associate at the Navajo Nation Washington Office, Patrese developed legislative strategies to advance tribal priorities related to education, health care, social services, and veterans affairs. Prior to her position with the Navajo Nation, Patrese worked at the Corporation for National and Community Service, Bureau of Indian Education, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.

She has served in several higher education roles as a teaching fellow at Harvard University, Instructional Assistant at George Washington University, and Equity and Inclusion Associate at the Lumina Foundation.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in Education, Policy, Planning and Administration from Boston University.

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TONY FRANK

Chancellor, CSU System

Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.

Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.

Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.

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CHANÉ POLO

Executive Director, Colorado Water Congress

Chané Polo was raised on a horse farm in the outskirts of Venice, Italy until the age of 15 before moving to the family Ranch in Paris, Texas. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, and holds dual citizenship (British and American). Chané obtained her B.A. in Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. There, she was also awarded the Dedman Distinguished Scholars Scholarship Award. In December 2015, Chané received both her M.A. and J.D. in Environment and Natural Resources with an Energy concentration from the University of Wyoming.  Her Master’s Thesis, Cargo Ship Emissions: Weaknesses of the Current International Regulatory Framework and a Prescription for the Future, analyzed the global ship emissions framework, scrutinized its three main weaknesses, and prescribed a way to modify the framework to reduce harmful ship emissions. In April 2016, Chané began working at the Colorado Water Congress and is now the Executive Director. Her growing roles at CWC have enabled her to strengthen her passion for advocacy and water.

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MARTÍN CARCASSON

Founder and Director, CSU Center for Public Deliberation & Professor of Communications Studies, CSU

Martín Carcasson, Ph.D., is a professor in the Communication Studies department of Colorado State University, the founder and director of the CSU Center for Public Deliberation (CPD), and faculty in CSU’s new Masters in Public Policy and Administration program. He also works closely with International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA) and the National Civic League, running workshops on public engagement, and is currently serving as a faculty resource for the ICMA Leadership Institute on Race, Equity, and Inclusion. His research focuses on helping local communities address “wicked problems” more productively through improved public communication, community problem solving, and collaborative decision-making. The CPD is a practical, applied extension of his work, and functions as an impartial resource dedicated to enhancing local democracy in northern Colorado. Dr. Carcasson and the CPD staff train students to serve as impartial facilitators, who then work with local governments, school boards, and community organizations to design, facilitate, and report on innovative projects and events on key community issues.

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MANUEL HEART

Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute

Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Manuel Heart is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Manuel Heart was raised on the Ute Mountain Reservation in Towaoc, Colorado. He is happily married with six children and 18 grandchildren. Mr. Heart was first elected into council in 1994 and has since served as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary Custodian.

Mr. Heart is a strong advocate for health care, education, housing, water, and cconomic development. Mr. Heart is also recognized by many Native American organizations for his leadership and service on a national and state level as former area vice president NCAI for the southwest region, health board, Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Utah Tribal Leaders, New Mexico Indian Affairs, Colorado Energy Resource Tribes, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Native American Finance Officers Association, and several water committees, TIBC.

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MEAGAN SCHIPANSKI

Associate Professor, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University

Dr. Meagan Schipanski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University. Her research group applies systems-based approaches to improving the resilience of cropping systems, including topics of crop diversity, soil health, nutrient and water management, and climate adaptation strategies. Most of her research is conducted on working farms and in collaboration with innovative producers. She has led large research teams focused on improving groundwater management in the U.S. High Plains Aquifer region and the sustainability of dryland cropping systems. She also collaborates on food systems research efforts to evaluate food policy impacts on producer decisions and environmental outcomes. She has received university and national awards for her research, teaching, and interdisciplinary scholarship. She received her B.A. from Oberlin College and Ph.D. from Cornell University.

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BEN MOLINE

Director of Water Resources and Environmental Policy for Molson Coors Beverage Company

Ben Moline is the Director of Water Resources and Environmental Policy for Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC), located in Golden, Colorado, USA.  In this position, he oversees the Water Rights portfolio along Clear Creek for MCBC with regards to legal protection of the water rights portfolio, environmental aspects of water quality, continued water deliveries to the brewery, and corporate responsibility.   With regards to Environmental Policy, he helps to develop programs that are used globally to drive efficiency within each brewery and with legal and supply chain members in an effort to reduce the water and energy footprints of MCBC’ global network of breweries.  Project also include development of renewable energy opportunities.

Ben also manages and oversees environmental projects, including Clear Creek water quality and reclamation of a coal mine for Coors Energy Company.  He works extensively with federal, state and local environmental agencies to ensure compliance to regulations and betterment of the watershed. 

Ben was the President of the Clear Creek Watershed Foundation, and organization focused on the clean-up and remediation of orphaned mines within the Clear Creek watershed.  The foundation shut down due to major project goals being met.  Ben is also the past-chair of the Upper Clear Creek Watershed Association, an organization comprised of water users along Clear Creek that is focused on nutrient loading, water quality, and monitoring of Clear Creek.

Outside of work, Ben is an avid biker, skier, and climber.  He was also a volunteer Captain with the Golden Fire Department.

Prior to joining MCBC, Ben was a consulting engineer in the San Francisco Bay area and Denver.  He holds Professional Engineer licenses in both Colorado and California.  He went to school at the University of Iowa, College of Engineering majoring in Civil Engineering.  While at Iowa, he was a teaching assistant for the Principles of Hydraulics class and laboratory at the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research Institute.

Ben grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River in Fort Madison, Iowa.  This is where he started to develop his passion for water and environmental causes.   

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SARA FOX

Senior Water Planner, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

Sara Fox is the Senior Water Planner for the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. Sara is a professional engineer who holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental and civil engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Sara started her career working in Colorado as a water rights engineer. She moved to New Mexico 3 years ago and began working for the State of New Mexico on water rights and water planning. Currently, Sara is the project manager overseeing the implementation of the 2023 Water Security Planning Act, which reimagines and reinvigorates regional water planning for the state of New Mexico.

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JAMES EKLUND

Member, Sherman & Howard 

James Eklund is a Western water lawyer at Sherman & Howard, Colorado’s oldest law firm, and a prominent figure in Western water policy. He helps manage Norse Sky Ranch, his family’s centennial ranch on the Western Slope, and teaches public policy and democracy at CU Denver. Specializing in advising public and private sector clients on acquisitions, asset management, planning, and strategy, James serves on multiple water boards and commissions, advising water officials throughout the West. Focused on compensated agricultural water conservation, he founded WaterCard PBC (WaterCard.org). As Colorado’s principal representative on the Colorado River, he negotiated and executed the first contingency plans addressing climate change impacts. James also directed the Colorado Water Conservation Board, where he led the creation of Colorado’s Water Plan. His expertise has made him a key contributor to water discussions throughout North America.

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LAURA ZIEMER

Partner, Culp & Kelly

Laura is a nationally-recognized expert in Western law and policy, with experience as an environmental lawyer spanning more than three decades. Her areas of expertise beyond water law include administrative law and permitting, NEPA compliance and review, non-governmental organization program development, tribal reserved water rights, and a broad range of public and private land management and restoration experience. Prior to joining Culp & Kelly, LLP, Laura established Trout Unlimited’s (TU’s) Montana Water Project in 1998, beginning TU’s flow restoration efforts, and subsequently helping to grow TU’s water work to nine states (MT, CO, WY, ID, UT, NM, OR, WA, and CA), and growing its water staff from two to 122. TU’s Western Water and Habitat Program became TU’s largest conservation initiative during her tenure, which works to restore and maintain streamflows and watersheds for healthy coldwater fisheries.

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MINDY BRIDGES

State Policy and Government Affairs Manager, U.S. Water Alliance

Mindy Bridges is the State Policy and Government Affairs Manager at the U.S. Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads the Alliance’s state policy engagement and works across programs to support government affairs. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mindy worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures for over ten years. There, she focused on environmental and agricultural policy research and developing nonpartisan educational resources for policymakers. She also convened states and Native American Tribes with the federal government to address issues related to environmental cleanup.

She has a dual BA in anthropology and ecology & evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Outside of work, Mindy enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog and family, and training for short-distance triathlons. She loves living in her hometown of Denver.

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KRISTAN UHLENBROCK

Executive Director, Institute for Science & Policy, DMNS

Kristan Uhlenbrock is the Executive Director of the Institute for Science & Policy, a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where she works to ensure science has a respected role in public discourse and policymaking. She is motivated by life’s interesting people, places, problems, and potential for advancing our understanding of the world and the solutions we need to sustain it.

For the past two decades, she’s worked at the intersection of science, policy, community engagement, and communication for organizations like the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, the Center for American Progress, the American Geophysical Union, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House. In 2023, she was the recipient of the National Academies Eric & Wendy Schmidt Excellence in Science Communication Award.

Kristan values giving back through leadership and volunteer roles, including serving on boards and committees for the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion, the American Meteorological Society, the Association of Science & Technology Centers, and the Science Writers Association of the Rocky Mountains Board, as well as being a mentor for the Morgridge Acceleration Program and the Promoting Geoscience Research, Education, and Success Program. She was a CIVIC DNA Fellow and an ASTC Deliberation & Dialogue Fellow.

In her free time, Kristan enjoys escaping to the outdoors, writing, and good food and drink with friends.

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RUSS SANDS

Section Chief, Colorado Water Conservation Board

Russ Sands has worked in the water industry for 18 years. His career has included time spent ensuring water quality for Denver Water, managing water conservation and stormwater programs for the City of Boulder, and working as a consultant on climate, resilience, and water issues. Russ serves as a Section Chief at the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), where he led the development of the Colorado Water Plan update that was released in 2023. Russ has been a champion for both water quality and water quantity issues as it relates to municipal, agricultural, environmental, and recreational needs. His efforts have worked to elevate cross-cutting issues and solution sets like water conservation, collaboration, and climate adaptation.

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CANDICE HASENYAGER

Director, Utah Division of Water Resources

Candice Hasenyager’s exemplary track record and visionary leadership led to her appointment as the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources in 2021. In this role, she oversees state water planning, robust water conservation programs, and funding sources for vital water infrastructure projects.

Hasenyager developed a deep appreciation for water resources when she witnessed the transformative power of water in shaping landscapes and sustaining life. This passion led her to pursue an education in engineering. She graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering and then embarked on a career at Water Resources in 2007.

As a staff engineer, Hasenyager worked on water resources planning, surface water modeling, hydrology studies, and municipal water demand projections. She played a critical role in water policy advancements, including the Recommended State Water Strategy, water banking, conservation programs, and Great Salt Lake issues. Hasenyager continued to take on increasingly challenging projects with vigor and strategic vision, always focused on supporting the division’s mission to “plan, conserve, develop, and protect Utah’s water resources.” 

Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, Hasenyager is an Alternate Commissioner for the Upper Colorado River Commission, a Utah Council Member for the Western States Water Council, a Utah forum member on the Colorado River Salinity Control Forum, and actively participates on other state boards and councils.

She believes that with innovative approaches and multi-faceted solutions, we can prepare, plan and sustain Utah’s water future.

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CAROLYN LAWRENCE-DILL

Dean, College of Agricultural Science, CSU

Carolyn Lawrence-Dill is the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. In this role, she stewards the college’s vision for advancing agriculture and CSU’s land-grant mission of intentional discovery, inclusive learning and collaborative engagement. Lawrence-Dill is a plant biologist, data scientist, and seasoned leader in agricultural research and education, with a career shaped by a deep commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines, promoting diversity and inclusion, and driving transformative change. Originally from Texas, Lawrence-Dill earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Hendrix College, master’s degree in biology from Texas Tech University, and Ph.D. in botany from the University of Georgia.

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WILL SARNI

Practice Lead, Water and Nature, Earth Finance

Will Sarni is the Practice Lead, Water and Nature at Earth Finance. Prior to Water Foundry’s acquisition by Earth Finance, Will served as the firm’s founder and CEO. He is also the Founder and General Partner of Water Foundry Ventures, a water technology venture fund focused on addressing water scarcity, quality and equitable access to water. He has been a sustainability and water strategy advisor to multinationals, water technology companies, investors, and non-governmental organizations for his entire career.

Prior to Water Foundry, he was a managing director at Deloitte Consulting where he established and led the water strategy practice. He was the founder and CEO of DOMANI, a sustainability strategy firm, prior to Deloitte.

Will is an internationally recognized thought leader on water strategy and innovation. He was ranked as; Worth Magazine Worthy 100 for 2022, A Key Player Pressuring Businesses to Care About Water and one of the Top 15 Interviews In Smart Water Magazine 2019. He is the author numerous publications on water strategy and innovation.

Sarni is a host of the podcast Distilled by Qatium and co-host of The Stream with Will and Tom. He is on the board of Hydraloop, an advisor to FIDO Tech, Ketos, True Elements and WaterMarq. He was the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for the WAITRO Global Water Innovation Summit 2020 and was on the Scientific Program Committee for Stockholm World Water Week from 2013 through 2019. His advisory work includes working with the 2020 X-PRIZE (Infinity Water Prize), as a Bold Visioneer for the 2016 X-PRIZE Safe Drinking Water Team and a Technical Advisor for the Climate Bonds Initiative: Nature- Based Solutions for Climate and Water Resilience. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Water Security.

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HEATHER DUTTON

Manager, San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District

Heather Dutton grew up in a farming family in the San Luis Valley, where she gained a love for agriculture and the outdoors. She is fortunate to have worked as the Manager of the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District since 2016. The greatest reward of this position is the opportunity to work with friends in the water community to find creative ways to manage water and natural resources in the Upper Rio Grande Basin.

Prior to working for the District, Heather was the Executive Director of the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project. She serves on the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC), Colorado State University Water Center Advisory Board, and Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation Board.

Heather is happiest when enjoying the San Juan Mountains on foot, motorcycles, and snowmobiles with her husband, Tanner.

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MICHAELA KERRISSEY

Management Professor, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health

Professor Michaela Kerrissey, PhD, MS, is on the faculty at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. She conducts research on how teams and organizations innovate, integrate, and perform, with a focus on team climates and psychological experiences at work.

Dr. Kerrissey has authored over 30 publications on team and organizational topics. She publishes in leading academic journals, such as Administrative Science Quarterly, and in popular outlets, such as Harvard Business Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and NEJM Catalyst. She has received numerous Best Paper awards, including from the Academy of Management and the Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research. She is listed on Thinkers50 Radar, a global listing of top management thinkers, and was shortlisted in 2023 for their top award.

Dr. Kerrissey designed the Organization Science course at the Harvard School of Public Health and co-teaches an online Teaming course across Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School. She also teaches in multiple executive programs across Harvard University and received the Bok Center award for excellence in teaching.

Dr. Kerrissey holds a PhD from Harvard Business School, an MS from Harvard School of Public Health, and a BA from Duke University. She has been a Robertson Scholar, a Hart Fellow, and a Reynolds Fellow. Prior to academia, she was a consulting team leader at The Bridgespan Group, which was launched out of Bain & Company.

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CSU Spur is turning 2! Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

It’s our anniversary!

It’s our anniversary! CSU Spur has been fully open to the public, sharing hands-on, family-friendly activities around food, water, and health for two years. Join us on Saturday, Jan. 11, for 2nd Saturday activities, including desserts, a mariachi performance, face painters, horses on treadmills, veterinarians in surgery, scientists in labs, and more. The celebration is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and CSU Spur will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; no registration required, all public activities are free.

2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is presented by Canvas Credit Union.

JOCELYN HITTLE

Associate Vice President for CSU Spur, Colorado State University

Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on the CSU Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.

Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.

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AMY PARSONS

President, CSU

Amy Parsons is the 16th President of Colorado State University and is also a proud CSU alumna. Prior to being named CSU President in 2023, Parsons served for 17 years in various senior executive leadership roles at CSU and the CSU System. She combines her higher education background with private sector experience, as well as a background in law. She served as executive vice chancellor of the CSU System, vice president for university operations at CSU, deputy general counsel, and associate legal counsel at CSU. She began her career as a litigation attorney for Denver-firm Brownstein, Hyatt, & Farber (now Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck).

Parsons currently serves on the NCAA Committee for Infractions, the Salazar Center for North American Conservation External Advisory Board, the Colorado Business Roundtable Board of Directors, and the Committee on Economic Development Board of Trustees of The Conference Board. Additionally, she is seated on the Mountain West Board of Directors (through June 2026) and the PAC-12 Board of Directors.

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