IMBA Selects Rich Cook as Development Director

For Immediate Release
04-09-07
Contact: Mark Eller, Communications Director

303-545-9011

Concluding a national search, IMBA has selected Rich Cook as its new Development Director. An active figure in the outdoor industry, Cook has worked with several sports oriented non-profit organizations over his career. In his new role, Cook will oversee development and fundraising including: corporate memberships, sponsorships, government and foundation grants, and contributions. He can be reached via .

"Rich is fired up to join IMBA and I am equally enthusiastic," said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "There were several strong candidates for this position, but Rich's enthusiasm and depth of experience were highly impressive."

Cook brings a wealth of management and development expertise to IMBA. He directed the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) from 1993 to 2004. He led BOEC to notable growth, more than doubling its revenue and participation through marketing partnerships, special events, major donor development (including a capital campaign), as well as corporate sponsorship and grant writing. Cook worked closely with the Town of Breckenridge, Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Forest Service on open space acquisitions, collaborative trail development and recreation planning. He also founded and directed the Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon, a trail running race that enjoys national prominence as a USA Trail Running championship event.

Cook began his outdoor industry career working summers with Colorado Outward Bound and as a trekking and climbing guide in Peru, while spending winters running retail, rental and skier service operations at Copper Mountain Resort. After graduating from the Leeds College of Business, Cook served as director of the University of Colorado Outdoor Program, where he established an outstanding mountain biking program. Over the years he has worked as adjunct faculty for Prescott College, Cornell University, University of Colorado and Colorado Mountain College.

Cook relocated from Breckenridge back to Boulder in 2005. He is married, with two active preschoolers at home. He has a passion for the outdoors, and can be found doing any number of active outdoor pursuits, including running, climbing, fly fishing, backcountry skiing, alpine mountaineering and mountain biking.