Farewell & Welcome: SCAPE Announces Executive Transition

Message from SCAPE Executive Director, Elizabeth Marsh:

After 11.5 meaningful years, I will be stepping down as Executive Director of SCAPE to begin my retirement.

It has been an honor to walk alongside so many incredible local entrepreneurs as they built and grew their businesses. I’ve been continually inspired by their tenacity and creativity, and grateful for the unique ecosystem that makes SCAPE possible. The generosity of our local investors, the dedication of mentors, and the collaborative spirit of our rural mountain town have been the foundation of this work.

Over the years, there have been many visible milestones and wins, but what I hold closest are the quiet moments—those pivotal conversations when founders faced hard decisions, shifted direction, or redefined success. Supporting them through those inflection points has been the most rewarding part of my role, and I’m proud of the thoughtful, behind-the-scenes guidance SCAPE has been able to provide.

In early August, I’ll be passing the reins to Heather Otter, and I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to lead SCAPE into its next chapter. Heather brings a deep understanding of regional economic development, a strong community network, and an authentic ability to connect with and guide entrepreneurs.

Heather shares:
“I am excited by the opportunity to step into the role of Executive Director at SCAPE. Having had the privilege of partnering with SCAPE through my work at Region 9, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of its mission. I am committed to furthering our mission to spark the connections between entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic development, and I see our ongoing partnership with Region 9 as crucial to achieving this. Our continued collaboration will allow us to leverage our collective strengths and expand our impact for the benefit of Southwest Colorado entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.”

I’ve grown close to many of our portfolio companies over the years, and I know they will be in excellent hands. I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition and onboarding process through the fall, and I look forward to cheering on SCAPE’s continued growth and impact from the sidelines. Thank you all for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.