Julie Klett joined FACO in spring of 2024 as the organization’s first Development Director.  Boasting over a decade of experience spearheading fundraising and communications initiatives for nonprofits, Julie has worked in conservation, land protection, environmental advocacy, wildlife preservation, and the stewardship of public lands.

Julie grew up exploring the hay fields, wetlands, and sugarbushes of rural New Hampshire and is a former communications director for New Hampshire Audubon. During her more recent tenure as the Director of Donor Relations at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Julie played a pivotal role in securing more than $7 million in support of youth education, land conservation, trail development and maintenance, and fire mitigation efforts in Rocky Mountain National Park and adjacent National Forests. The popular Rocky Mountain National Park Group Special License Plate was another of her significant projects. Her broad skill set extends to grant research, writing, editing, and the effective management of the entire grant life cycle.

In her capacity as Development Director, Julie will help ensure FACO’s sustained financial health through diverse channels, including donations, grant proposals, sponsorships, Colorado Gives Day, and more. She will also assist our partners in navigating the complexities of the federal grant application and administration processes. 

Residing in Estes Park, Colorado, and having experienced evacuation during the Fern Lake and Cameron Peak/East Troublesome Fires, Julie understands firsthand the need for wildfire resilience. As a life-long naturalist, she also understands the impact of wildfire on impact on habitats, ecosystems, and watersheds. 

Outside of her responsibilities at FACO, Julie serves as a guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, educating visitors about fire safety, plants, wildlife, geology, and more. She is a slow hiker who must identify all the wildflowers, a voracious reader (with a cup of chai and her ferocious cat, Bode, by her side), a casual but enthusiastic birder, a fine artist working in oils and mixed media, cultivates orchids, gardens, and establishes and maintains native plant areas to support wildlife. Julie’s wildfire evacuation “Go Box” is always ready and waiting by the front door.