The Board

Kathy Connell has been the president of the Yampa River Botanic Park Association since 2020. Kathy is a managing broker at MR Real Estate and founder of Steamboat Digs Dogs. Kathy is the former President of the Steamboat Springs City Council and Chairman of the Transportation Commission of Colorado.

Sally is a retired speech-language pathologist who has lived in Steamboat since 1971. She is the Park’s Vice President, Chair of its Development Committee, and a greeter with Friends of the Botanic Park. Sally and her family sponsor the Windigo Garden in memory of her son, Nathan. In her free time, Sally spends time gardening and maintaining the Windigo Garden, reading, and exploring “wild places.”

Madison is a Colorado native who moved to Steamboat at the age of four, and while she cannot claim born and bred, the Yampa Valley is home. Madison attended The University of Vermont graduating with degrees in Economics and English. She works at Mountain Valley Bank as a commercial lender. Madison, a prior chair of the Young Professionals Network, volunteers in several capacities within the community

Evelyn Cole moved to Steamboat Springs in 2020 from Dallas after retiring as a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers. She is a Colorado Master Gardener and enjoys the beautiful outdoor activities in Colorado with her family and friends. Evelyn also enjoys greeting visitors to the Park and giving tours.

Russ moved to Steamboat Springs in 1973 during which he ran the Portfolio Collection, Steamboat Hot Shots, and The Photo Express House. He’s been involved with the Yampa Valley Land Trust as well as YRBP. Russ is semi-retired and serves on the board of several HOA’s and manages the property at 743 Oak Street. He rides his bike or skis almost every day and is “living the dream.”

Wendy has been a fan of the Park since its inception, and has been a volunteer for the past 3 years. As a psychotherapist in Steamboat for over 40 years, she is committed to using the Park as a mental health resource, beginning with the creation of the Serenity Walk.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Karen is a retired Occupational Therapist and holds a BS degree from the University of New Hampshire. A resident of Yampa Valley since 1993, Karen is an avid local volunteer and is also on the Board of Casey’s Pond. Karen was instrumental in developing the Park’s Serenity Walk, is a member of the development committee and the Passport Through the Botanic Park's planning committee.

Sonia Franzel has been a real estate broker in Hawaii and Colorado for 30 years. Sonia is a past President of YRBP, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Association of Realtors Foundation, and is a past Director of the Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors. Sonia and her husband David sponsor “Sascha’s Rock Garden” in memory of their daughter, Sascha.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx