Beth Rosen#

Current Position: Grants Compliance Manager, Social Sustainability 

First position with City: Affordable Housing Administrator 

Years with City: 12 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?  

I’ve spent my entire career working on issues related to affordable housing.  Before joining the City, I worked for nonprofit organizations that were recipients of the funding I now administer.  I was excited when I saw the opportunity to join the City and be on the funding allocation and administration side of the work. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

My favorite thing about working for the City, and specifically Social Sustainability, is that I get to do meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives.   

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why? 

My most memorable project was quickly deploying $1.3 Million in COVID response funding from the CARES Act.  My team was able to quickly get money into the community to prevent eviction, fund emergency shelter programs and provide food delivery for persons sheltering at home.   It was truly inspirational to be part of the community response meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable residents.     

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live? 

I get to support housing developers and nonprofit organizations that are addressing some of the community’s toughest challenges around housing insecurity.  The whole community benefits when residents have access to affordable housing options that meet their needs. 

Cheryl Jurgens#

Current Position: Sr. Coordinator, HRIS 

First position with City: Customer Service Representative in Utility Billing 

Years with City: 33 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins? 

I had recently graduated from Colorado State University and saw the job posting.  My husband was also working for the City of Fort Collins at that time, and it seemed like a great place to work, so I applied.   We were some of the lucky ones that attended CSU and were able to stay in the community when we graduated.   

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

In general, I love knowing that by doing my job well, I am helping those who make our community a great place to live. I believe working for the City makes me feel more deeply connected to our community.   

I also love knowing that I matter as a person to my employer.  Working for the City has allowed me to do the things in my personal life that were important to me.  I value that my employer cared enough about me as a person to help me do that.     

More specifically to my department, I love how deeply our HR team cares about each other and our employees.  There is true dedication amongst the staff in our department, which is great to witness.   

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?

My work has always been more of the day-to-day duties, rather than projects.  And I enjoy that very much. I love getting things done.  In my current position, I work directly with our employees throughout the City organization and love the interactions that I get to have with them every day– we have some of the best people that work for the City.  I know how hard everyone works, so I do all I can to make their lives a little easier.  I try to be a dependable source that people can count on for assistance when they need it.    

 One of the most interesting periods of time I have witnessed during my time here was the COVID pandemic – wow, that was something else!  We were all thrown into things we had never experienced before at work and at home.   It was a very trying time, but we persevered, and I think came out better for it.   The teamwork that happened during that time was incredible.   Thinking back, it was amazing how quickly we adjusted and pivoted to address all of the new challenges we faced.   

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?  

In my current role, I support our employees and managers by ensuring that employee data is accurate in our payroll system.   My hope is that by doing my job well, I can take one thing off of their plate, so that the employees and managers can focus on doing their jobs to support our citizens and our community.    

Dawn Worth#

Current Position: Business Support III - Golf Division 

First position with City: Administrative Clerk I - City Clerk’s Office 

Years with City: 24 years on 7/24/2024 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?

We moved here from Nebraska in 2000 and I started as a temp for the City Clerk’s office, through Express Personnel. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why?

I work for an organization that supports and values this amazing community. What I enjoy most about working in the Parks Department is the outstanding group of individuals that I have the pleasure of working with. We strive to provide environments that help promote the physical and mental wellbeing of our citizens.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?

Our Youth Scholarship program is my favorite project. It’s an initiative designed to generate enthusiasm, increase access, and promote youth golf. Seeing the excitement when an applicant picks up their scholarship is priceless.

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?

I do my best to provide exceptional service for an exceptional community.  

Donnie Dustin#

Current Position: Water Engineer II (aka Water Resources Engineer) 

First position with City: Civil Engineer I (aka Stormwater Engineer) 

Years with City: 26 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?

I was finishing my masters at CSU in early 1998 and saw a presentation by the City on the 1997 Spring Creek flood and was impressed. I applied for a Stormwater job I didn’t get, but got the position that was vacated by the person who got that job.  

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why?

It’s the work and the people. I work with the Water Resources Division at Utilities, which supplies the water to the treatment plant. Water Resource issues involve complex and sometimes controversial challenges that requires a combination of knowledge, relationship, and communication skills to address. I like using my experience to tackle those challenges as they help to provide the most important resource to our community. But the main thing that has kept me here for so many years is the positive and helpful culture of those I work with.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?

I think it would be my work on the Halligan Water Supply Project, which has been a decades-long plan to secure the water future for Utilities. In 2023, I led the project permitting through completion of a Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan and release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement – both of which were years in the making. It challenged me to learn about new things, form new and sometimes difficult relationships, and make tough decisions. A highlight was traveling to present to State boards and commissions in Glenwood Springs, Alamosa, and Crested Butte. 

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?

By providing reliable water supplies to the community now and for the future, and trying to communicate simply an otherwise complex topic. 

Elaine Calaba#

Current Position: Technician II – Facility Ops/Natural Areas Department 

First position with City: Technician I – Facility Ops/Natural Areas Department 

Years with City: 2 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?

While attending school at CSU, I was an avid user of the Natural Areas around the city. When I was about to graduate with my MS, I decided to apply to the department. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

 My favorite aspects of working for the Natural Areas Department are the type of work I am able to do and being able to do that work in the culture that has been fostered within the department. I appreciate having a career that continually challenges me with learning both new soft and hard skillsets in a department that promotes safety, inclusion, support, communication, and continued learning.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why? 

My most memorable project has been coordinating with the HOPE Team, Social Sustainability, Parks and all participating partners in the site cleanup efforts. It has allowed me to interact with departments and organizations across the city I would not normally have interacted with and to experience different perspectives on a complex and exigent issue. 

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live? 

In my role, I attempt to address where I am able, the needs and concerns of all community members who are impacted by my work. 

Jake Rector#

Current Position: Senior Buyer 

First position with City: Senior Buyer 

Years with City: 4 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?

With my previous employer I came to know Tracy Ochsner and began bouncing ideas about alternative fueled vehicles off of him.  Specifically EVs. This position with Operation Services opened and he reached out to me about having any interest in it.   

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why?

The cheesesteak cookouts at Fleet.  In addition to those, it’s the people I get to work with and the different projects I get to be involved in.  We have such an incredible culture rooted in respect and teamwork in Operation Services.  There is such a diverse amount of projects from managing custodial services, buying Police vehicles to large building renovations and everything in between.  It requires a diverse amount of knowledge and expertise.  We are always there to help one another get through the finish line…although the work really never ends in Ops Services.   

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?  

The annual Lease Purchase project is where we put together a schedule of equipment to purchase for various departments.  It requires meeting with multiple departments, often multiple times, to establish what pieces of equipment they need to either add or replace in their fleet in order for them to effectively do their jobs.  The process takes a few months to complete.  Each department is like a puzzle piece.  Executing, or finishing that puzzle each year is a great feeling and it gives me a tremendous amount of pride to be able to assist so many departments at one time.  

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?  

I have direct involvement on assisting the City achieve its Our Climate Future initiative in helping the City buy alternative fueled vehicles/equipment as well as renovating the City’s current buildings to operate more efficiently.  It’s pretty cool to be part of.  

Jerrod Kinsman#

Current Position: Police Lieutenant, Special Operations 

First position with City: Police Officer 

Years with City: 23 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?  

When I was in college, I was doing a research project at Polaris Alternative School and was late for a meeting. Corporal Al Brown pulled me over, and rightfully issued me a citation, however I was so impressed by his professionalism and how he represented FCPS and the city I applied to be an officer with Fort Collins. To my surprise, after I applied, Officer Brown was one of the hiring officers who offered me the opportunity to join FCPS. I owe so much to him and that 4 point speeding ticket!  

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

I appreciate the people I work with and their commitment to their careers. I have been able to work with people from all over the city and have built incredible relationships with so many. I appreciate how we all have the common goal of making this city a great place to experience life.  

At police services, I favor the people and the impactful work we do. FCPS is made up of individuals who care about the community we serve and each other. One of my favorite things about working for police services is our culture. Working in a police culture that sees itself as part of the community and not separate from the community as enforcers is why I came to Fort Collins 23 years ago. This has always made working for Fort Collins rewarding and like I am part of something uniquely right.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?

I have had so many memorable projects, cases and experiences over the years it’s hard to choose one, but I would say the one that does stand out the most has been our experience with Cora last year. Life has an interesting way of placing people and experiences in your path that you never would expect but change you forever. Having her, her family and this tragedy as part of our life has influenced my efforts for the city in my role at work.  

The tragic and untimely loss of life creates everlasting ripples in the lives of so many. Over the past year, this issue of fatal crashes has come to mean so much more both personally and professionally. Working towards reducing if not eliminating fatalities from crashes has been eye opening but will remain a memory and purpose for the rest of my life. Currently I am working with a team to make sure fewer people experience what Cora is living today which is creating my most memorable project. Having Cora in our lives has been my most memorable experience. 

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?

I believe I am making this community a better place by caring about the work I do and understanding how it impacts the lives of others. Whether it is planning for a safe special event so our community can enjoy a holiday weekend without worry or working to reduce the risk to people driving on our roads one stop at a time, it all adds up. I believe being actionable and addressing big problems with big solutions contributes to this as well. I feel leading with action and having the courage to face challenges has made and will continue to make this community a better place to live.  

Joshua Covington#

Current Position: Senior Technician, Recreation Department 

First position with City: Technician II, Recreation Department 

Years with City: Five 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?  

After graduating from CSU, I was interested in starting my career in Information Technology locally, particularly in the public sector. I had heard how great it was to work for the City of Fort Collins and was lucky to find a job listing in the Recreation Department. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

My favorite thing about working for the City and Recreation is the culture. I feel like the City of Fort Collins has done a great job of creating a healthy environment of inclusion and collaboration. Even though my work is focused on IT, I still really feel like a member of the Recreation team and connected to our department goals of providing recreation programs to the community. 

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why? 

When I first started my position, the Recreation Department was preparing for a major software upgrade. I had to jump right in to learning and supporting our current software while also learning (and then teaching others) about the upcoming software. It was a challenge but also a great way to learn about all the various aspects of the Recreation department, how those functions interact with technology, and collaborate with all my new colleagues. 

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live? 

Technology plays a major role in the Recreation Department, both in how our staff manage their programs and in how our patrons sign up online and visit our facilities. I’m proud to help play a role in making sure our software helps our staff accomplish our mission and provide our community members with a smooth customer service experience. 

Michael Bussmann#

Current Position: Business Liaison for Capital Projects in the Economic Health Office 

First position with City: This is my first position with the City! 

Years with City: 1.5 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?

I had spent my career working in the private sector and I needed something different. I love this community, so when I saw an opportunity to contribute to the City, I jumped. Working in the Economic Health Office has allowed me to utilize my skillset in many positive directions.   

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why?

My colleagues in Economic Health make working for the City wonderful. The commitment, the empathy, and the joy they bring to work everyday is inspiring. Our office is doing great things in our community, and I am lucky to get to contribute to that effort.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why?

Any project with good collaboration is always the best. And, working with Streets, CPIO, and my colleagues in EHO to craft the right business engagement plan for the Mason Street Improvement Project in 2023 was hugely successful in ensuring everyone had the right information, resources, and opportunities to positively affect the outcomes.  

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live?

Good engagement and communication help mitigate the challenges businesses face during major construction. In this role I am supporting local businesses when the discussion turns to our community’s future.  

Rachael Russell#

Current Position: Administration Supervisor 

First position with City: Events Concierge at The Lincoln Center 

Years with City: 6.5 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?  

A couple months after moving to Fort Collins, I came across a job listing for an hourly Events Concierge position at The Lincoln Center. I’d always had a passion for the arts and event planning, so I was ecstatic to get an interview. I worked in that position for about a year then was promoted to the Events Coordinator role, and then the Sr. Conference Services Coordinator role. After five years with The Lincoln Center, I made the jump over to Natural Areas, where I now work as the Administration Supervisor. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

My favorite thing about working for the City is the incredible network that comes with it. At what other organization do you have coworkers who range from utilities engineers to theatre managers to horticulturists?! I have met such talented, innovative, and supportive people across numerous departments who have facilitated my growth and some of whom became lifelong friends.  

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why? 

The most memorable experience I have had while working for the City was my second day at Natural Areas. I was invited to see a property the department had just acquired at Bobcat Ridge. It was a beautiful sunny day in August and we toured the expansive property in UTVs. I love the outdoors and feel very lucky that my job allows me to explore this city’s natural spaces. This experience was very affirming for me that I was going to love my new job and department!    

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live? 

In my role, I manage operations at Primrose Studio. I take pride in contributing to an affordable event space for members of the community to connect with nature and celebrate important moments in their lives. 

Thaylor Iron Rope#

Current Position: Equipment Operator Two 

First position with City: Seasonal employee 

Years with City: Five Years 

How did you come to work for the City of Fort Collins?  

I worked as a cook at Texas Roadhouse for eight years but wanted a different job to broaden my skills. In 2019, I was hired for a seasonal position with the Streets Department and became a full-time employee later that year. I chose to work for the city to start a career in a different field that would benefit me and have a positive impact on my community. 

What are your favorite things about working for the City, and more specifically, your department, and why? 

I have been on the rehabilitation crew and am currently on the patch crew. I enjoy learning the processes of both paving crews and how they complement each other. 

I appreciate working for the City, especially learning to use new equipment, training new employees, and collaborating as a team. 

Working in my specific department is particularly rewarding because of the nature of our work. I genuinely value my co-workers and the camaraderie we share. The work relationships we've developed are authentic and supportive. 

I also appreciate working with my fellow employees because we prioritize teamwork and safety. 

Lastly, I am returning to college to further my education, and my department and crew chief have been supportive in allowing me to attend classes. I am truly grateful for their support in helping me achieve my college degree. 

What has been your most memorable project or experience while working for the City, and why? 

I was recently part of the Mason Street project, where both the paving rehabilitation and patch crew worked together to complete a massive undertaking. It was impressive to witness, and I was proud to be involved. 

The most impactful moment in my time working for the City was when I was informed that I had received the Equipment Operator 2 (EO2) position. All the hard work over the years finally paid off. I was humbled and honored when my supervisor shared the news of my promotion. 

In your role as a City employee, how do you believe you are making this community a better place to live? 

As a City employee, I believe I am making a difference in my community by contributing to a safe transportation environment through paving and snow plowing. Living in the city makes me proud of the work we do in the Streets Department. Lastly, I believe Christ is using me as an instrument in my vocation to serve Him and my neighbors.