The Yampa Valley Housing Authority has hired Laraine Martin, formerly the executive director of Routt County Riders, as its new communications and community engagement manager effective March 30, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

The role was previously held by John Fancher, who began at YVHA in May of last year but left in December after taking on a newly-created position as executive director of ministry operations at Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church. 

Robin Schepper, who worked in the role prior to Fancher, has been leading communications efforts in the interim. 

Martin joins YVHA with more than a decade of experience in community leadership and nonprofit work across Northwest Colorado. 

At the helm of Routt County Riders, she guided the organization through a period of significant expansion. Under her leadership, the organization secured nearly $3 million in project funding and advanced initiatives that improved access to public lands and recreation infrastructure through regional and federal partnerships.

She has also worked with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and the Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, focusing on outreach, education and large-scale event coordination.

In her new position at YVHA, Martin will oversee communications strategy, public involvement and community partnership efforts designed to keep residents informed and engaged with ongoing housing projects and policy initiatives.

“I’m thrilled to join YVHA at such an important time for our community,” said Martin in the statement. “Housing is foundational to a thriving community, and I look forward to helping tell the story of this work, engaging residents, and supporting solutions that ensure Routt County remains a place where people can live and work.”

Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies and French from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver. She also volunteers with Routt County Search and Rescue.

“We are excited to have Laraine join the YVHA team,” said YVHA Deputy Director Elliot Lawrence in the statement. “Her experience working in Steamboat Springs for more than a decade adds to the depth of expertise we have on our staff. Her knowledge of the community and our housing challenges is a real asset to our team.”