Meet Your Executive Board

Chair

Ashley Hanel

Since September of 2021, Ashley has been an Environmental Specialist for the Industrial Pretreatment Program at Colorado Springs Utilities. In addition, Ashley has nearly 14 years in environmental and chemistry experience working as a Power Plant Analyst and Chemist in the Energy and Power Industry Sectors.

She holds a master’s degree in Conservation Biology from University of New South Wales, Australia. Outside of the realm of Industrial Pretreatment, Ashley enjoys spending time backpacking or biking the mountains of Colorado.

Co-Chair

Natalie Acosta

Natalie Acosta is an Environmental Regulatory Specialist at RESPEC, contributing to pretreatment programs for various water authorities since April 2022 and taking a lead role in 2023. She previously managed air compliance programs in Texas and holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from Texas A&M University in Kingsville.

As Education Chair for the Colorado Industrial Pretreatment Coordinators Association, she aims to deliver educational initiatives that meet members' needs. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys family time, supporting the family business, and cooking and baking.

Technology and Communications Chair

Sophie Dawrant

Sophie Dawrant is a Senior Environmental Technician based in Colorado Springs who brings a practical, hands-on approach to environmental and dental compliance work. She supports safe, sanitary clinical environments by monitoring procedures, collecting and reviewing data, and helping ensure day-to-day practices meet regulatory standards.

Sophie is known for being detail-oriented, dependable, and easy to work with, collaborating closely with teams to solve issues as they come up. Her focus on safety, consistency, and real-world solutions makes her a trusted part of maintaining high-quality, compliant operations.

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Newsletter Editor

Vacant

The Newsletter Editor shall solicit newsletter articles, establish deadlines for quarterly newsletters, prepare and edit the newsletter on a regular basis, provide updates to the Technology and Communications Officer to ensure the website is up-to-date, and attend and photograph tours and training opportunities.

This position shall hold a 2-year term.

Treasurer

Heather Hurtado

Heather Hurtado earned a B.S. in Geologic Sciences from San Diego State University and an M.S. from Portland State University. She joined South Platte Renew in 2018, spending six years as a Wastewater Operator before moving into Industrial Pretreatment in 2024.

Outside of her mission to protect public health and the environment, she works on raising a good human, reads a lot, and dreams of the next camping opportunity.

Education Chair

Nico Flesche

Nico Flesche received his degree in environmental engineering from MSU Denver in 2023. Shortly after graduating, Nico joined the RESPEC consulting team and started contributing to pretreatment programs for various water authorities since he first began. While relatively new to the industry, Nico is eager to learn and deliver targeted educational initiatives that support and address member’s needs.

Outside of work, Nico enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel, snowboarding, soccer, volleyball, and competing in Catan tournaments.

Secretary

Dominic Rodarte

Dominic Rodarte has been with Broomfield Water Recovery since 2023, serving as an Industrial Pretreatment Technician within the City and County’s Industrial Pretreatment Program. Broomfield’s program is relatively small but spans multiple regulatory areas, and as one of two technicians, Dominic plays a key role in maintaining and implementing each program.

Approaching 10 years as a Certified Water Professional (CWP), Dominic brings nearly a decade of collections and distribution experience to his role. In 2025, he became a new dad to his son, Joseph, who is now 9 months old. Outside of work, Dominic enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and fishing in Colorado’s backcountry.

Honorary Mention

Kirsten Alires: Web Designer

Kirsten Alires is an Instructional Designer at Colorado Spring Utilities, with a passion for creating visually stunning digital experiences. With a background in media relations and a keen eye for detail, Kirsten has helped elevate CIPCA's online presence through innovative and user-friendly designs.

Her creative approach combines functionality with aesthetics, ensuring ease of use for all users of the CIPCA website.

When she’s not designing, Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the theatre, and traveling.

Executive Board Meetings

The annual meeting schedule and minutes for Executive Board Meetings are provided below for your review and reference.

2026 Meeting Schedule

Meet Your Executive Board

Honorary Mention

Executive Board Meetings

2026 Meeting Schedule

2026 Meeting Minutes