Kristen Bennett: A Journey of Passion, Dedication, and Giving Back

For Kristen Bennett, being part of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center is more than just board service—it’s a lifelong commitment to giving back, fueled by her love for the outdoors and a deep passion for helping others. From her early days in Rochester, NY, to finding her true home in the mountains of Colorado, Kristen’s journey to BOEC has been one of adventure, self-discovery, and meaningful impact.

Kristen was born and raised in Rochester, NY, but her life took a transformative turn in 1996 when she moved to Denver for a job transfer. Faced with the choice between relocating to Denver or New York City, she visited Colorado on a winter day when the temperatures were 60 degrees and sunny. That was all it took—Kristen never looked back. She quickly fell in love with the mountains, especially Breckenridge, where she purchased a condo in 2004, making it her home away from home.

Her professional path began unexpectedly at age 16 when she took a job at Wegman’s, an East Coast grocery store, with the goal of earning a college scholarship. What started as a cashier position soon led to a discovery—her natural talent for numbers and finance. This realization set her on a career path in accounting and finance, leading to roles that would eventually shape her professional expertise.

An adventurer at heart, Kristen has always sought challenges, from ice climbing in Alaska to navigating the complexities of balancing work and family life. However, one of her greatest personal challenges was watching her father battle Alzheimer’s. His diagnosis led her to immerse herself in learning about the disease, ensuring she could make the best decisions for him until his passing in 2022. That experience deepened her appreciation for the importance of being present in the moment—something she now actively works on as she prioritizes time with her husband, JP, and their two young boys, Joey and Charlie.

Kristen’s journey with BOEC began nearly 20 years ago when a friend introduced her to the organization. Considering a career shift from the oil and gas industry, she was given simple but powerful advice: “Immerse yourself in something you love, and the rest will work itself out.” That advice led her to BOEC, where she has served in multiple roles, including volunteer, Finance Director, and now Board Member.

Kristen believes that passion for the mission is the most essential quality of a board member, and she embodies this wholeheartedly. Over the years, she has seen firsthand how dedicated everyone at BOEC is to making outdoor recreation accessible to all.

Among her many memorable experiences with BOEC, two stand out. As Finance Director, Kristen volunteered on the slopes whenever possible. One day, she was paired with Becky, an enthusiastic skier with Down Syndrome. During a chairlift ride, Becky noticed a mono-skier speeding down the mountain and curiously asked why they were sitting down to ski. Kristen explained, and Becky, after a moment of reflection, turned to her and said, “You know, I am really lucky!” Kristen smiled and responded, “We’re both really lucky, Becky.” That exchange encapsulated the profound impact of BOEC—not just for participants but for those who serve.

Another defining moment came in 2019 when her father, already experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, expressed a desire to ski again. Unsure if it was possible, Kristen reached out to the BOEC Adaptive Ski Program, where an instructor named Malissa made it happen. Her father skied the entire day, later telling Kristen it was “one of the best days of his life.” He passed away three years later, but that memory remains one of Kristen’s most cherished gifts from BOEC.

Kristen recognizes that as BOEC continues to grow, challenges lie ahead. The need to expand outreach, build infrastructure, and serve more participants without sacrificing program quality is at the forefront of board discussions. She believes that diversifying funding sources and broadening BOEC’s reach will be key to long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

For those considering board-level volunteer work, Kristen offers simple advice: “Find something you are passionate about, and don’t underestimate how much of an impact your skills and resources can have on an organization.”

As she continues her journey with BOEC, Kristen remains committed to its mission, knowing that each participant, volunteer, and supporter plays a vital role in making outdoor adventure accessible for all. With passion, dedication, and a love for the mountains, she looks forward to shaping the future of BOEC and the lives it touches.