Letters from Heidi Sherratt and Lana Athey
To the Gunnison Valley Community,
After 11 wonderful years leading Gunnison Tough as its first executive director, I have made the decision to retire. This decision was not easy as this organization has been such a huge part of my life. It was a true honor when Dean Dillon, CJay Clark, and Craig Bryant entrusted me to build and lead this organization back in 2014. It has been a constant gift in my life, and it will always hold a significant place in my heart.
While I will miss this role dearly, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Lana Athey will be stepping in as the next Executive Director. Lana is an exceptional choice—she possesses a profound passion for our mission, a truly huge heart for the people we serve, and a brilliant, strategic mind. I have complete faith that she will not only maintain the high standards we’ve set but will also take Gunnison Tough to the next level. Her focus has always been, and will continue to be, caring deeply about the people we are serving.
I’m thrilled to be handing the reins over to Lana. She’s been an absolute superstar and an essential part of the team, working alongside me for the past eight years. With her deep knowledge of how we operate, her commitment to our values, and her strong leadership skills, she is the perfect choice to lead the organization forward. I know she will do an amazing job and take Gunnison Tough to the next level.
Gunnison Tough is magical in every way and it has grown into an integral part of our community. Looking back on the last decade, we’ve accomplished so much, and I leave with a ton of appreciation for our staff, volunteers, donors and the whole community. I truly believe Gunnison Tough is set up for even bigger things in the future.
I set big goals for myself along with the board and staff and I am proud that we have accomplished all that we did , even when no one thought we could! – now it is time for Lana to envision the future and set new goals for Gunnison Tough.
I have been privileged to witness firsthand the dedication and resilience of our team, volunteers, and the many individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by Gunnison Tough. The progress we’ve made together has been truly remarkable, and I will forever cherish the memories and lessons learned during my tenure.
I look forward to watching Gunnison Tough continue to thrive under Lana’s guidance. The future is bright, and I am excited for this new chapter—both for me and for the organization.
Thank you all for your support, commitment, and hard work over the years. I know everyone involved in Gunnison Tough will continue their commitment and support as Lana leads this organization into its next decade!.
I will cherish this organization & community always, thank you!
Heidi Sherratt
Letter from Lana Athey
I want to share my profound gratitude to the Gunnison Tough Board of Directors for putting their trust in me as the next Executive Director of Gunnison Tough. It is a tremendous privilege to lead an organization with such a vital mission and a history of impactful work in our community.
The journey through cancer is deeply personal, often complex, and no one should have to walk it alone. I have seen firsthand the power of our compassionate support systems, and I am humbled by the opportunity to further our mission. Over the last eight years that I have worked with Gunnison Tough I have learned so much working alongside Heidi, our board, and fellow staff members. I have also been fortunate to work closely with clients and their families in challenging times. I’m looking forward to continuing this critical work while looking at opportunities for growth and expansion of cancer screening and support services.
I have long admired the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and board members who provide a beacon of hope and practical help every single day. In the coming year, my priority will be to listen and learn. I look forward to meeting, talking with, and engaging more with our clients, survivors, caregivers, donors, and partners. Your stories are the heart of our work, and your continued support makes all we do possible.
I plan to lead with empathy, transparency, and a deep commitment to ensuring Gunnison Tough remains a strong, vibrant, and accessible resource for everyone affected by cancer in our community.
With gratitude and love,
Lana Athey