FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Karina Puikkonen, karina@ccalt.org, 720.557.8277

November 4, 2024

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A Veteran of the United States Navy with more than a decade of experience in Geographic Information System (GIS) database management, organizational integration and leadership training is joining the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) as GIS Manager.

Marie Burke, who held a variety of program management and leadership training roles during her distinguished career in the U.S. Navy from 2017-2024, begins her duties with CCALT today (November 4). Burke’s Naval career included posts on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; the USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) in Yokosuka, Japan; and the Mariner Skills Training Center in San Diego, Calif.

In her role with CCALT, Burke will develop and manage the organization’s GIS Database and support the Conservation and External Relations Departments with mapping needs to assist with conservation easement transactions, stewardship, fundraising proposals and strategic communications. Burke will also assist in the development and implementation of a remote monitoring program, which will create efficiencies in the conservation easement monitoring process for CCALT and its landowner-partners. Burke will lead in the development, implementation and management of GIS policies and procedures for CCALT and its stakeholders.

Burke is no stranger to conservation, having served as a rewilding volunteer at Trees for Life, where she worked on restoration and species reintroduction projects in the Caledonian Forest in Scotland.  She has also been a volunteer with the Clean Ocean Access and Deldridge Neighborhood Wetlands Restoration projects.

In addition to the experience she gained in the U.S. Navy, Burke earned a bachelor’s degree (Russian studies) from the University of Colorado and a post-baccalaureate certificate (GIS in Geohazards) from the Colorado School of Mines.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree (GIS and Geoinformatics) at Mines.

Burke has strong ties to Colorado, having attended middle school and high school in the state and later returning upon completion of her service in the U.S. Navy.

“CCALT is thrilled to welcome Marie Burke as our GIS Manager, bringing an exceptional blend of technical expertise and dedication to our team,” said Erik Glenn, Executive Director of CCALT. “With GIS technology, we can enhance the precision and efficiency of our work. Marie’s background in GIS and leadership will be instrumental in advancing CCALT’s mission, helping us strengthen our programs across Colorado and ensuring that our conservation efforts have a lasting impact.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to engage with and contribute to this vital part of the Colorado community, bringing my background and experience to support the mission of CCALT,” said Burke.

About the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is a nonprofit land conservation organization whose mission is to “…conserve Colorado’s Western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations.” To date, CCALT has partnered more than 400 families across Colorado to conserve more than 800,000 acres of farm and ranchland.