TJ

TJ Ellerbeck came to the Rural Utah Project after working in political campaigns over the last decade, including serving as Political Director for the Utah Democratic Party 2015-2017. TJ got his start organizing in rural Utah through the election of Representative Brad King in Carbon County, and has made lifting up the voices of rural voters a priority in his work ever since.

Tara

With a long history of advocacy on the Navajo Nation, Tara is committed to issues of health care, education, and economic development. With a background in construction and community resilience, Tara brought her enthusiasm and talents to the Utah Navajo Trust Fund before joining the Rural Utah Project.

My background in Urban Ecology fueled my passion for the balance of social, economic, and environmental systems and how we can merge the three most sustainably and equitably—leaving no one behind

Nicole

Nicole has spent her career working in agricultural communities across the country and is passionate about the intersection of farming, climate, and culture. After following RUP’s work for a while and wanting to move her skillsets into the non-profit world, when RUP was looking for an Operations Manager it was the perfect fit! When she’s not wrangling RUP's daily operations, you can find Nicole on her mountain bike or exploring Utah’s never-ending scenery.

Dalene

Dalene’s job description includes keeping RUP’s staff in check. Prior to joining RUP, Dalene was a substitute and after school teacher in Bluff, and is passionate about the intersection of Navajo Culture and education. When not finding new ways to identify voters, you can find Dalene enjoying sunshine and family.

Marcy

Marcy found RUP in 2019 while working with the Navajo Nation Addressing Authority, where she was assigning addresses in the Mexican Water community. She is now full-time on RUP's addressing team! Marcy loves being with her kids and being outdoors.

Sam

Sam found Rural Utah Project through ad on Boulder town's odds-and-ends listserv, Pegboard. His work as an organizer unites his love for the wild landscapes of Southern Utah and his belief in rural autonomy, food sovereignty, and community resilience. Sam is also a farmer, fiber artist, and outdoorsmyn.