In the new year, Ellen Stein will assume the full-time responsibilities of Opinion Editor for The Durango Herald and The Journal in Cortez after significantly contributing to the varied content of the opinion pages since September.

She is returning to the position after editing the pages between 2016 and 2018. Stein has lived in Durango since 2005. From 2002 to 2006, she led the Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton, serving as its first and founding executive director, worked as Development Director at KDUR Community Radio, and since has held varied mission-oriented nonprofit and for-profit marketing, communications and development positions in the region.

Stein shared her enthusiasm for serving the community again, through opinion journalism, building on her varied background, relationships and knowledge of our Southwest Colorado community and state.

She looks forward to continuing to solicit and select thoughtful content, community contributions, curate letters and, with the Chair of the opinion page, Richard G. Ballantine, opine about issues of importance to our community on occasion, we hope, with some humor.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Colorado College and a master’s degree in public policy and planning from Tufts University.

Have an idea? Something on your mind? Email letters@durangoherald.com or Ellen at estein@durangoherald.com.