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By Meghan E. Murphy |
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By Meghan E. Murphy |
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GEORGETOWN Dana Abrahamson will no longer just represent a small group of concerned preservationists, she will speak for cultural organizations across the state. The executive director of Historic Georgetown, Inc., Abrahamson was selected as one of Gov. Bill Owens' four new appointees to the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors to help promote the state¹s cultural resources. "I'm really proud that Historic Georgetown was selected to be a voice at the state level," Abrahamson said, noting that the group is considered a model for historic preservation because of its ability to form creative partnerships and find funding. With more than $166 million in gaming taxes going into the State Historical Fund since 1991, Colorado sets aside more money for historic preservation than any other state, according to State Treasurer Mike Coffman. State tourism and preservation agencies formed a coalition in May, when the fund awarded the tourism office a $550,000 grant for heritage tourism. The office will use the grant to research and implement a statewide plan to promote cultural destinations, according to the historical society newsletter. "So the state sought a representative on the tourism office board with a background and presence in historic preservation," Abrahamson said. She was asked to apply and was appointed June 10. Abrahamson was hired as executive director of the Georgetown organization in January of 2002. She volunteered on the board for four years before her appointment and has a background in nonprofit management. Abrahamson graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1991 with an economics degree. Before working for Historic Georgetown, she was director of operations at the Children¹s Museum of Denver. She also worked in marketing for Loveland Ski Area. |
Abrahamson came to Georgetown after college to enjoy Colorado's recreation opportunities. She met and married her husband, Craig, and has two daughters, Rebecca, 6, and Lillie, 4. The girls are fifth- generation Georgetown residents. As an outdoors enthusiast, Abrahamson recognizes the need to promote recreation but said the state tourism office also needs to market to the more sedate visitor. "One visitor might find rafting exciting, other people enjoy strolling along with ice cream in hand," Abrahamson said. Her goal on the tourism board is to find out who those visitors are and what they¹re looking for, and attract them to Colorado¹s historic and cultural resources. As the county's first representative at the state tourism level, Abrahamson sees her appointment as a great opportunity for Clear Creek. "Giving Clear Creek County a voice at the state level allows us to emphasize the importance of cultural tourism as we decide how best to use our limited tourism budget in appealing to visitors outside Colorado," Abrahamson said. She also plans to represent groups statewide, and in the first few weeks of her appointment has already met with several organizations to assess their needs.
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