40 under 40: Darcie Goodman Collins, League to Save Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Chamber | October 16, 2018 | 40 Under 40
Share This
Darcie Goodman Collins is the muscle and enthusiasm behind every “Keep Tahoe Blue” sticker. Since becoming the CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Collins has helped to advance the organization into a movement with the inclusion of innovative solutions to Lake Tahoe’s environmental issues. Beyond her inspiring work at the League, Collins commits herself even more to the community by being a board member for Tahoe Prosperity Center, and being a member of Tahoe’s Future Focused Leaders.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Darcie Goodman Collins!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
As the chief executive officer of the League to Save Lake Tahoe I am responsible for mobilizing the League to achieve the most effective protection of Lake Tahoe. I oversee all aspects of the organization’s management, leadership, and strategy. I serve as an ambassador to advocate for the Lake with state and federal leaders, and ensures the League’s advocacy is grounded in the best available science. In my 6 year tenure as CEP I have grown the organization from an $800,000 annual budget to $2.4 million through creating a citizen science program, and developing community engagement, natural resources and environmental education programs. My team has helped bring innovative solutions to Tahoe to help tackle environmental issues including launching a bikeshare program and testing new technologies to deal with aquatic invasive species in the Tahoe Keys.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Although the last year has been filled with successes for the organization and the Lake, a highlight was our 20th annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship day. The League organized the first Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day in 1998. These annual spring and fall events bring hundreds of volunteers together to foster better forest health and fire prevention. Previous events helped restore forests in the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe, Gondola Fire near Stateline, and at various state parks and public lands. Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days provide the Tahoe community with opportunities to participate in hands-on restoration efforts to protect Lake Tahoe’s watershed. Held each spring and fall, these events improve the health of Tahoe’s forests, meadows, marshes and streams, restoring their function as natural filters for pollution. Projects include planting trees, stabilizing stream banks, restoring multi-use trails, preventing invasive species from taking over our forests and more. We select restoration sites based on environmental need, with emphasis on ensuring that earlier restoration efforts are taking hold.
This year was especially significant because we had over 200 volunteers who came to celebrate 20 years of community based restoration and help us restore the Angora burn area. We work collaboratively with our partners such as the Forest Service and are building a community of stewards helping us protect Lake Tahoe.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
From a professional perspective, I strive to be solution oriented, transparent and reliable.
What was your first job?
My first job was actually with the League to Save Lake Tahoe as their summer intern/info center receptionist in 1996!
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I was lucky enough to have been born and raised in Tahoe. I left in 1996 for school and returned in 2012 to take my position with the League to Save Lake Tahoe. My goal was to give back to the community I love and to be close to my parents and best friends!
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I sit on the board of the Tahoe Prosperity Center, am a member of Tahoe’s Future Focused Leaders and try to support all of the organizations my friends are active in including Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Live Violence Free, and our fabulous Community College.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to travel with friends and try to listen to live music whenever possible. I also am an avid runner and skier.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
I love Fallen Leaf Lake and all trails leading to and from there. I also love all the new hot spots popping up like Verde, AleworX, the Hangar and out on a boat with friends.
Who would YOU nominate for 40 under 40?
Kim Caringer, Jesse Walker, Sara Pierce, Jamie Walker and Scott Souers
Get in touch with Darcie today:
Email Darcie