Thank you Elizabeth Marsh!

On behalf of the SCAPE community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth Marsh for over 11 years of visionary leadership. Your dedication and belief in rural entrepreneurs helped launch more than 60 startups, raise $65 million in investment capital, recruited 67 mentors and 60 investors building a strong, resilient ecosystem in Southwest Colorado.

Your legacy lives on in the companies you supported, the founders you inspired, and the vibrant community you helped grow. We’re incredibly grateful—and we wish you the very best in your next chapter. As a farewell, our community wanted to give their thanks:

“The footprint Elizabeth leaves can be measured in the huge positive effect she had on so many local business dreams. The area business community will continue to benefit from her hard work for decades to come.” - Geoff Wolf

“I was part of the hiring team that selected Elizabeth way back when. We had a perfect candidate ready to hire, and Elizabeth was our final interviewee. But after meeting with her, it was a no-brainer that she was the best candidate for the position. And I am so glad that we chose her for the role. Shortly after hiring her, she asked me, "What do you want me to do?", to which I replied, "Treat SCAPE like it was a business that you owned". And she sure did. I am amazed at what Elizabeth was able to accomplish and wish her all the best in her 'retirement'.” - Jim Mackay, co-Founder

“Congrats on your retirement!  You have earned it! I've enjoyed all the overlap through the years.  You and the entire SCAPE program really pioneered the startup work of rural Colorado. The state's ecosystem and our region specifically are better off because of the work that you have done.  I appreciate how much you have always cared for the founders you have worked with. The ecosystem will miss you!” - Cory Finney

“It has been a real pleasure working with Elizabeth.  Her ability to deal successfully with a wide variety of issues and tasks has been instrumental in SCAPE’s achievements.  Business founders, investors, and professionals involved in our mission have all relied on and benefited from her capabilities.  She has been steady, calm, reliable, pleasant, and very effective.  I thank her immensely. - John Wolgamott

“Southwest Colorado, and specifically SCAPE has led the way in proving that amazing founders and great businesses can be built anywhere. You've helped rewrite the narrative for what is possible in our small communities. Thank you Elizabeth!” - Marc Nager

“Elizabeth - Congratulations on your retirement! Although we've only had the opportunity to work together remotely, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the meaningful work you've done, both within the Rural Innovation Network and in the Durango community.  Your dedication and leadership have been evident even from afar. It's clear that your efforts have helped lay a strong foundation for local innovation and progress. Your passion for rural development has been inspiring, and your impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.  Wishing you all the best as you enter this new chapter.  May it be filled with well-earned rest, fulfillment, and exciting new opportunities.” - Brēyana Ray

“Best of luck in your next adventure!  Thank you for everything.  SCAPE is an invaluable part of the Durango community thanks to you.” - John Witchel

“Thank you Elizabeth!! Your guidance over the last few years has allowed us to grow Farm To Summit in a way that would never have been possible without you! I truly can’t imagine a better person to have our back than you. Your ability to approach business from a place of simultaneous badassery (donkey joke?) and humble kindness has been such an inspiration to me. Thanks for doing what you did and being a friend along the way.” - Louise Barton

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Elizabeth for her extraordinary leadership and unwavering support during my time with SCAPE. I joined the program in 2022 and it marked a pivotal moment in both my personal and professional journey. Elizabeth’s guidance and encouragement opened my eyes to opportunities far beyond my initial vision, empowering me to dream bigger and take transformative actions.

“Elizabeth’s proactive support in identifying and securing grant opportunities, specifically the Colorado Advanced Industries grant and the prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative, was instrumental in driving GeekPack’s significant growth and impact. Grants were not even on my radar until Elizabeth introduced them to me, and her continued encouragement has opened massive doors for me and GeekPack. Her belief in my potential and enduring support has profoundly shaped our trajectory, and I am deeply appreciative of her influence.” - Julia Taylor

“Elizabeth - thanks for all you've done all these years.” - Gary Masner

“Working with Elizabeth Marsh, SCAPE’s Executive Director, has made a huge difference in both our personal and business journeys. She was instrumental in connecting us with the right experts to help transition Agolix from an LLC to a C-Corp, setting us up to attract seed-level investors. Elizabeth also helped us find the right financial forecasting expertise, which gave us the confidence to apply for grant funding successfully. Thanks to her advocacy, we secured our first seed-level investments—a milestone we couldn’t have reached without her support.

But beyond connecting us with the right people, Elizabeth has been a trusted advisor, always there with valuable feedback on everything from grant applications to pitch presentations. As she moves on to a well-deserved retirement, we want to congratulate her and wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter. We’ll miss her a lot and are so grateful for everything she’s done for us. With gratitude” - Jen Sparks (CEO) & Witt Sparks (CTO) Co-Founders, Agolix

“Elizabeth, I just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you for all the amazing work you’ve done with S.C.A.P.E. and the startup community. Your contributions have been truly inspiring, and it’s clear you’ve made a lasting impact. Collaborating with you has always been a blast. Your positivity and insight have made everything more enjoyable and meaningful, and you’ll definitely be missed! Wishing you all the best in this next adventure—enjoy all the fun moments with Little D! You’ve earned it. Take care and enjoy. “ - Kate Ishay

“Elizabeth, it has been a wonderful experience working alongside you at SCAPE. The impact you’ve created is a rarity - a female investment fund and program leader that has set an example not only in Colorado but in rural communities across the nation. You lead by taking action rather than boisterous words, which is attributed to the many accomplishments SCAPE has achieved in your decade plus of contribution. Thank you for your humble perspective, dedication to the SCAPE’s founders, and for your delightful sense of humor. Little D is lucky to have all your attention now, though he would never admit it ;).

“Steph and Heather are in the Lil D Fan Club – we have a hat to prove it!”

“Elizabeth, it has been a true joy to work with you these last few years.  Through some tedious and frustrating projects (tax returns!), you have such a calm and humorous approach that I so appreciate.  I wish you much happiness and relaxing times ahead with your best human and equine pals.  And I look forward to staying connected within our northeast/234 corridor.” - Carolyn M., SCAPE Accountant


“Elizabeth has been a part of Team 9 since she began at SCAPE and I have had the honor of working with her the entire time.  She has done such an amazing job putting SCAPE on the map and having to be a ‘jill-of-all -trades’. She made it look easy and leaves a legacy that will be hard to top.” - Laura Lewis Marchino

“To my business mom: while I do know that we are the same age, your wisdom and care as we started EsoTerra was exactly what we Needed, exactly when we needed it. There are literally no words to be able to describe how much you have affected our lives, you are an inspiration, a joy to be with, and a wealth of knowledge. You will be missed, but I fully expect to see you and your donkey out and about soon! Enjoy retirement! - Elizabeth Philbrick

From Holly Shure: