Happy New (Chapter) Year to my fellow Mile-High Denver Chapter members.  

My name is Roxanne Ward, and I am thrilled to start the 2026-2027 chapter year as President.  For nearly three years, I have been the Records and Information Specialist at South Platte Renew, the third-largest wastewater facility in Colorado. Before moving to Colorado from Texas, I played the role of Records Analyst in Harris County.  When I am not working to grow South Platte Renew’s Records and Information Program, I am hiking, spending time with my partner, and working on our every-growing list of home improvement projects (seriously, it never ends).  

We are excited to welcome a couple of new faces on the leadership team this year. Shelby Triplett has assumed the role of Secretary on our Board of Directors and Tyler Selle is now our Chapter Advisor.  

In addition to myself, Shelby, and Tyler, we also have Elisa Gleason on entering the role of President-Elect, Carol-Ann Hartnagle continuing as Treasurer, and Angela Andress has stepped into the role of Past-President / Chair. Thank you all for continuing to support the chapter through your leadership.  

I also wanted to thank Ed Sturgeon and Jesse Wilkins, who have cycled off our leadership team, but who have certainly helped set the chapter up for a successful year.   

Joining the Mile-High Denver Chapter has been one of-if not-the best decision of my career so far. Being new to the state and to the wastewater industry, building the connections with fellow board and chapter members has allowed me to grow exponentially. Having a network of RIM professionals who understand the challenges of building a RIM program has been invaluable. They are often my sounding board, professional development counselors, and resource for advice and encouragement. I will be presenting at the 2026 NAGARA conference later this month, and I never would have had the confidence to do so without the chapter’s support.  

In 2020, our chapter membership began to drop slightly year over year.  This is not surprising nor a problem unique to the chapter or ARMA International. Many professional organizations are facing the same challenge.   

That is why during this chapter year, the board hopes to focus on recruitment and membership growth. We are working on developing an exciting and relevant theme, which will be announced in August. We are also planning to work with universities and colleges in hopes of connecting with young professionals who will be entering the workforce. The chapter is looking forward to having a variety of topics at our monthly education meetings, as well as increase in networking events and tours.  

You can help improve our programming! The Board of Directors is always searching for new ideas. If you are ready to practice public speaking, consider presenting a meeting. Have a fun idea for a networking event? Let’s hear it! 

One specific opportunity for those with a penchant for event planning is joining our 2027 Spring Seminar Committee. Planning will start in early fall of 2026. Reach out to myself or anyone else on the board to join the Spring Seminar. 

As President of the chapter, I get the honor of selecting this year’s Chapter Charity. I am still working on this and will announce it once details are solidified.  

Until then, we hope that you will be able to join us in September for our first education meeting, and throughout the chapter year.  

Warm regards,  

Roxanne Ward, MLIS, CRA 

President 

Mile High Denver Chapter of ARMA.