Abram Herman

Leading FOYAN's transition from an all-volunteer organization to formalized nonprofit operations as the organization's first paid Executive Director. FOYAN connects youth across Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray counties with transformative outdoor experiences that build resilience, confidence, and mental well-being. Key Responsibilities & Initiatives: - Implementing the Generation Wild Uncompahgre program in partnership with Montrose Recreation District, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), delivering accessible outdoor programming including hiking, camping, rafting, and youth leadership development to underserved communities - Directing strategy to maintain and expand organizational impact, building on growth from 800 youth served in 2018 to 12,000+ in 2025—a fifteen-fold increase in seven years - Addressing critical youth mental health challenges in Western Colorado through evidence-based, nature-connected resilience programming in a region with one of Colorado's highest youth suicide rates - Strengthening collaborative partnerships with schools, outdoor education providers, and youth-serving organizations across the four-county service area - Managing scholarship programs providing transportation and program funding to eliminate barriers to outdoor participation for at-risk and underserved youth - Overseeing organizational operations, fundraising strategy, and grant management Previously served as FOYAN Board Member (2019-2025) and Vice Chair (2021-2025), helping guide the organization through significant growth and impact expansion.

Own and operate a specialized e-commerce business providing sukkah kits and Jewish holiday accessories to customers throughout North America at sukkot.com. Manage all aspects of the seasonal business including product development, financing, digital marketing, SEO content strategy, material sourcing, and customer relations. Oversee a full-time Operations Manager who handles product assembly, warehousing, fulfillment, and supervises warehouse and customer service staff. Built the company into a recognized resource for quality Sukkot supplies within the Jewish community.

Leadership of City Council and the City of Grand Junction organization, comprising 880 employees and 17 departments. Oversaw annual process and approval of City budget of $359m ($185m Operations, $158m Capital). Stewarded through voter approval and construction of $83m, 100,000+ sq ft Community Recreation Center (Grand Junction's first).

Represented ~70,000 Grand Junction residents in our local government processes. Modeled productive disagreement for the community to make sound, fact-based decisions to better the City.

Worked with the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk to manage city council agenda. Facilitated city council meetings in the mayor's absence.