LtoR: Dave Donaldson, Mark Burgeson, Gurney and Doug Beal enjoying BOEC’s Tee It Up Golf Scramble in 2023!
We like to say that it is the people who make BOEC special due largely to one similarity, an indelible passion for what we do. This passion for making a difference permeates the culture from program instructors and volunteers to the administration teams and to the board of directors. Board member Gurney Sloan describes this sentiment from his position on the board.
“During my career, I’ve seen nonprofits succeed and fail. Assuming a board candidate has the credentials, such as a background in fundraising, governance, law, or whatever, the most important quality after that is passion for the cause. If joining a board is a “hell yes” and nothing less than that, the rest will take care of itself.”
Gurney and his wife, Lisa, moved to Colorado 28 years ago from Washington, D.C., and have enjoyed skiing in Breckenridge ever since then. Their daughters were enthusiastic members of the Bombers program, a Breckenridge-based progressive children’s skiing and snowboard program. He recalled moments from skiing in Breckenridge back then this way, “Every time I rode the lift and saw the BOEC hard at work I kept thinking, “What a great way to give back.” Give someone the joy of a day on the mountains. So, in 2015, I finally took the training and started volunteering.”
Gurney and wife Lisa with daughters Samantha and Greta.
His most memorable experience with BOEC stems from his initial day volunteering. He shares,
“My first day volunteering on the mountain and the happiness and gratitude I felt from our clients. Many of us, myself included, take for granted the ability to pop on a pair of skis and go enjoy a day on the slopes. You quickly learn that helping our clients have a day of adventure is an extraordinary gift. So little effort on a volunteer’s part means so much to those we serve.”
After Gurney began volunteering, Bruce Fitch, BOEC executive director at the time, found out what Gurney did for a living – CEO of a direct marketing agency that focused on non-profit fundraising and marketing. Bruce didn’t miss the chance to recruit Gurney to the board which turned out to be the beginning of Gurney’s tenure on the BOEC board.
Gurney (far left back row) joins fellow board members and BOEC staff for some fun and team building during the 2023 Annual Meeting.
Gurney has been a key part of the BOEC board since 2017. He has shared his vision, passion, and expertise in non-profit governance and building effective fundraising operations, holding the positions of Chair of the Development Committee, serving on the Executive Committee, and leading the BOEC strategic planning effort in 2021-2022.
He is a great fit for the board both professionally, with his successful career in nonprofit marketing, and culturally considering his love for outdoor adventure and the pride he feels in serving BOEC participants. “It’s not really a duty if you love it,” he remarks. His zeal is apparent as he discusses the organization he has been a significant part of for the past nine years.
“The BOEC board and staff are extraordinary in the commitment they make to our clients. Everybody has each other’s backs. Everybody is willing to step up and own ANY responsibility. In my wide-ranging experience with non-profits, this is one of the best I’ve seen, in so many ways.”
It is no coincidence that during Gurney’s tenure on the board, as leader of the Development Committee, the fundraising revenue at BOEC has doubled from just under $1M to now over $2M. Gurney has played a key role in improving marketing and fundraising strategies at BOEC. He has provided countless hours of expertise, especially around the Holiday Giving Campaign, and strategic restructuring and investment in the development and marketing staff.
Gurney and Lisa are avid outdoor enthusiasts.
When BOEC’s Development Director, Hallie Jaeger, was hired into a manager role five years ago, she notes that Gurney was an immediate source of generosity, expertise, and passion that inspired her to work efficiently and effectively towards elevated fundraising goals. “Gurney is a brilliant and kind mentor who keeps things simple even when sharing knowledge on complicated subjects. This is one of the many qualities I appreciate about him and why I look up to him so much. Much of the success of BOEC’s expanded development and marketing team is owed to his vision. He continues to give me the confidence and encouragement to lead our organization to even higher fundraising heights and exceed expectations. Besides his expertise, I also greatly enjoy working with him as he is an all-around wonderful human who I respect tremendously.” says Hallie.
As adaptive sports grow in popularity, the demand for the services that BOEC offers is increasing. Gurney recognizes the challenge BOEC faces growing capabilities while keeping fees low to ensure accessibility and affordability for people of all means and backgrounds. He sees the board’s involvement this way, “That’s a big strategic goal with many different touchpoints, the biggest example being how we attract and retain the best staff in the business. The board needs to keep this challenge front and center in all discussions and decision-making. So far, we’re doing great!”
As BOEC’s 50th anniversary approaches, in 2026, we reflect on the incredible organization we have helped build. BOEC is widely recognized as a leader in the adaptive sports world. Gurney recognizes some of those involved in the evolution, “Our staff is incredible for a lot of reasons, but their depth of experience with a wide range of clients with an even wider range of challenges is unmatched. Our partners – Vail Resorts EpicPromise, Copper Mountain Resort, Town of Breckenridge, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Blue River Sports/Mountain Wave etc. – are amazing and rock solid in their commitment to us and those we serve. BOEC’s business practices are savvy, our finances are stable, and we’re making all the right decisions for the long-term health of the organization. My hope for our 50th is that we celebrate continued growth and success and keep working towards the day when we can serve everybody who knocks on our door.”
On a recent cycling trip traveling 540 miles with 64,000 feet of climbing from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across the Pyrenees!
As an avid outdoorsman, Gurney describes his outdoor passions as AT skiing and cycling. Amongst his life of adventures was a bike trip last year from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, through the Pyrenees. Alongside his outdoor pursuits, he cherishes spending time with his wife Lisa, their daughters Samantha and Greta and enjoys playing blues guitar, and reading great books.
Gurney defines success as ‘living life with grace and patience and helping others achieve their goals,’ a philosophy that perfectly aligns with his role at BOEC. We are incredibly grateful for the considerable time and resources he has generously contributed over the years.
