Trailhead Institute Board of Directors Appoints Lisa Olcese as Interim Executive Director

The Trailhead Institute Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Olcese, she/her, as the organization’s Interim Executive Director. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector, Lisa has been an integral part of the Trailhead team for the past 6 years, demonstrating exceptional leadership as the Director of Operations since September 2018.

Throughout her tenure at Trailhead, Lisa has contributed her extensive expertise in coaching and organizational development, emphasizing collaboration and innovation across a spectrum of operational and administrative functions. With 7 years of experience as a nonprofit executive director, Lisa brings valuable insights in leadership and has deep content knowledge in youth sexual health, women’s health, and domestic violence prevention.

Lisa holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership and is an International Coach Federation-certified professional coach. We look forward to the positive impact Lisa will continue to  bring to Trailhead Institute in her new role as Interim Executive Director. 

Adding to our robust team of staff and board leadership, Lisa will collaborate closely with Jeff Zayach, Trailhead’s interim Strategic Advisor. Jeff, the former Executive Director for Boulder County Public Health, brings an invaluable perspective and a wealth of experience to Trailhead’s work, including his work as a consultant for public health initiatives at the community, county, and state levels.

Jeff will contribute his expertise to bolster Trailhead’s external partnerships, drawing upon his extensive knowledge in public health. Meanwhile, Lisa will continue to lead Trailhead’s internal operations, ensuring the organization’s continued success and effectiveness.

As the national search for Trailhead’s next Executive Director begins, the Board is also pleased to announce the addition of Amy Downs as a contractor to guide the executive search process. Amy Downs, Founder and President of Results Count, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in supporting nonprofit and public organizations in the health sector, will play a pivotal role in this transition.

Bringing her expertise in strategy development, policy analysis, program evaluation, and financial sustainability, Amy will collaborate closely with the Board and Lisa during the selection and transition process for the new Executive Director. Her focus will prioritize engaging with Trailhead’s Board, staff, and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for determining the next steps in Trailhead’s leadership.

The formation of this dynamic Interim Team reinforces Trailhead’s dedication to achieving excellence internally and making a meaningful impact externally. Combined with our accomplished Board and Staff, we look forward to embracing opportunities, fostering growth, and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve. You’ll be hearing more from us as the executive search process unfolds and as our work continues. Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to enhance public health outcomes and create a healthier future for all.