Tara Stitzlein is the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE), where she has held various leadership roles since 2022. Growing up on a Midwestern farm, Tara discovered her passion for environmentalism early on, which set her on a path to impactful work in sustainability. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University, followed by a Master of Science in Molecular Environmental Biology from the University of Tromsø in Norway, where she focused on studying marine plastic debris. Tara’s diverse experiences living and working in mountain communities, from Teton Valley, ID, to Seward, AK, have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of environmental challenges and community dynamics.

In her role at CORE, Tara combines her scientific expertise and problem-solving skills to lead initiatives that address climate change and enhance community resilience. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions that create a sustainable future for all residents. Tara resides in Missouri Heights with her husband, Cole Green-Smith, a hydrologist for the United States Forest Service, and their 16-month-old daughter, June. Outside of work, Tara enjoys climbing sandstone, skiing powder, and immersing herself in her passions for books, biking, and bluegrass music