Friends of Youth and Nature Appoints Abram Herman as First Executive Director
Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), a Western Colorado nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth with outdoor experiences, announced today the appointment of Abram Herman as its first Executive Director. Herman, who has served as Vice Chair of FOYAN's board since 2021 and as a board member since 2019, will transition into the part-time leadership role effective Monday, November 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the organization evolves from an all-volunteer structure to include paid leadership.
Since its founding in 2018, FOYAN has experienced remarkable growth under volunteer leadership, expanding from serving approximately 800 youth in its inaugural year to providing nearly 9,000 outdoor experiences for Western Slope youth in 2024—a more than tenfold increase in just seven years. The organization is on track to maintain or exceed this impact in 2025.
"After six years of contributing as a volunteer board member, I'm honored to step into this role and help guide FOYAN's next chapter," said Herman. "Western Colorado faces significant youth mental health challenges, including one of the state's highest youth suicide rates. Our work connecting young people with nature-based experiences has proven to build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. My priorities are clear: maintain the quality outdoor experiences for young people that define our work, strengthen partnerships across Delta, Mesa, Montrose, and Ouray counties, and expand our impact through programs like the new Generation Wild Uncompahgre initiative. Every child in Western Colorado deserves access to the transformative power of the outdoors."
Herman brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having previously served as Mayor of Grand Junction. He also owns and operates The Sukkah Project®, a seasonal e-commerce business, and leads the Grand Valley Adaptive Climbing Community, which facilitates climbing programs for kids, adults and veterans with disabilities, as well as serving on various nonprofit boards throughout the community.
"Abram's deep commitment to youth, proven leadership skills, and intimate knowledge of FOYAN's mission make him the ideal person to lead us forward," said Anita Evans, FOYAN Board Chair and organization co-founder. "He has been instrumental in shaping our growth and impact over the past six years. As we formalize our organizational structure with our first paid position, we couldn't ask for a better leader to ensure we continue delivering life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of Western Slope children while expanding our reach and deepening our community partnerships."
Under Herman's leadership, FOYAN will focus on several key priorities: implementing the newly funded Generation Wild Uncompahgre program through Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) in cooperation with Montrose Recreation District and several area non-profits—this partnership will provide accessible, culturally relevant outdoor programs including hiking, camping, rafting, and youth leadership development; addressing youth mental health and building resilience through nature-based experiences; and strengthening collaborative relationships with partner organizations across the region.
FOYAN works with schools, youth organizations, and families across Western Colorado to eliminate barriers to outdoor participation. The organization provides transportation scholarships, program funding, and connects youth with experienced outdoor education providers. Recent funding includes support from GOCO's Generation Wild initiative, El Pomar Foundation, The Mighty Arrow Foundation, Colorado Circle of Dreams, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Partners in the Outdoors, the Colorado Health Foundation, Western Colorado Community Foundation, Montrose Community Foundation, and many local service organizations.
