Christopher Aaby is passionate about people and the environment, believing that access to the outdoors and its benefits is a fundamental human right. Born in Norway but raised in Colorado Springs, Chris often says he’s a native Coloradan with a Norwegian passport.

 

As the Program Manager for Generation Wild at Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Chris is excited to help communities across the state connect kids and families to the outdoors. He is dedicated to ensuring that all children and families have the opportunity to explore Colorado’s many natural wonders and spend meaningful time in nature, no matter where they live or their background.

 

Before joining GOCO, Chris spent ten years connecting kids to the outdoors at the Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs. He started at the Institute as the Communications Manager in 2011 and became Executive Director in 2015. During his tenure, he expanded the organization’s reach and impact, and played a key role in building a local Generation Wild coalition for the Pikes Peak Region, increasing access to outdoor opportunities for youth in Southeast Colorado Springs.

 

Chris served for six years on the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education Board of Directors and currently serves on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs School of Public Affairs Advisory Board. His leadership and community impact have been recognized through several statewide and regional awards, including honors from the Colorado Nonprofit Association, Leadership Pikes Peak, the Colorado Springs Business Journal, and the Colorado Association of Science Teachers.

 

When he’s not working, you can find Chris at an early-morning fitness class, out exploring Colorado’s outdoors, petting cats, scrolling through Instagram, or hanging out with his best friend, Wilder.