DENVER — Ronda Lobato, a board member of the Costilla County Conservancy District, was named one of three winners of the Special District Association of Colorado’s 2018 Board Member of the Year Award.

The Special District Association of Colorado (SDA) presents this award annually to a special district board member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to their district. This year the remarkable contributions of the nominees resulted in a three-way tie for the Board Member of the Year Award.

The awards were presented at the SDA Annual Awards Luncheon as part of the SDA Annual Conference held September 12-14 in Keystone.

Lobato has served on the board since 2012 and is the first female board member since the creation of the district in 1976.

During her tenure, Lobato has had a tremendous impact on the district in a number of ways. She has reorganized and restructured the district’s monthly meetings and has promoted meeting participation from the public.

Lobato has also facilitated community outreach by creating a website for the district and hiring a public relations expert to write stories for the local newspaper on the district and the resources it can provide to the community.

Moreover, Lobato spearheaded the district’s work in establishing a new office space, which includes a learning center and a technologically advanced meeting space for community meetings.

Through her innovative investment ideas, the district has created a fund to provide for recreation projects in the community as well. Lobato is also leading a watershed planning initiative, working closely with a large group of local stakeholders on this long-term endeavor.

Lobato’s foresight into future projects and the collaborative approach with which she accomplishes those projects highlights her dedication to achieving positive changes not only for the district, but also for the future of the entire county.

SDA Executive Director Ann Terry was thrilled to recognize the exceptional work of Lobato.

“Ronda is a very deserving winner of this award, and we are pleased for the opportunity to honor her and the extraordinary contributions she has made to her district,” Terry said.

About the Special District Association of Colorado

The Special District Association of Colorado (SDA) is a statewide membership organization created in 1975 to serve the interests of the special district form of local government in Colorado.

Special districts fill a vital role in providing many of the basic services and public needs of the people of Colorado, including fire and rescue services; water and wastewater treatment and delivery; parks and recreation amenities; hospitals; libraries; and cemeteries. SDA has over 1,815 district members and 285 associate members.