After ten years of steady leadership, One Chance to Grow Up’s Co-founder and Executive Director Henny Lasley recently announced she is transitioning from day-to-day responsibilities to a strategic governance role.
We are grateful for Henny’s leadership that was laser-focused on protecting kids while building our national reputation as a reliable, data-driven resource for parents and trusted adults, policymakers, media and most of all, you. Her dedication, wisdom, and passion strengthened and defined our culture, expanded our capacity and established the strong organizational foundation that positions us for this exciting next phase of growth.
As we enter this new chapter, we do so from a position of organizational and financial strength, building momentum, and an experienced leadership team that has been actively involved since our inception in 2013. Our mission is steadfast, our outcomes continue to grow, and we remain on the front line for kids.
As we begin our search for a new Executive Director, the organization is fortunate to have a deep bench of dedicated leadership and staff that will oversee this leadership transition.
One of our highest priorities has and will continue to be advancing and investing in our people. We are committed to elevating our exceptional, seasoned talent which includes:
- Jennifer Yates—Finance & Operations
- Julie Dreifaldt—Community Engagement
- Caroline Jordan—Communications
- Allison Dodge—Strategic Partnerships
- Whitney Yeager—Community Education
- Ella Breed—Outreach & Education Coordinator and newest team member!
Together with our longstanding consulting teams around policy, communications, and medical and health experts, and our advisory council and coalition partners, this leadership team positions One Chance to Grow Up for its strongest chapter yet.
During this transition, Co-Founder Diane Carlson will serve as President, leading the organization and working closely with the leadership team and staff to ensure continuity, advance strategic priorities, and continue delivering high-impact results.
Since its founding, Diane has played a central role in virtually every major accomplishment of the organization, including leading legislative victories, building broad coalitions, expanding education initiatives, strengthening communications, and growing One Chance’s influence and impact at both the state and national levels.
Co-Founder Rachel O’Bryan, whose vision, legal expertise, and commitment have been foundational to One Chance’s success, will continue to provide strategic leadership and trusted counsel as the organization builds on its strong foundation for the future.
Moving forward, the original co-founders, Diane, Rachel, Henny, Advisory Council Chair Doug Robinson, and other key leaders will continue serving together on the Executive Board, providing strategic guidance, organizational continuity, and long-term stewardship as One Chance to Grow Up continues to expand its impact and national voice.
Our priorities remain clear:
Protect and strengthen Colorado’s youth safeguards on today’s high-THC products. We will continue advancing evidence-based policies that help reduce youth use while increasing understanding among parents, educators, healthcare providers, and other trusted adults about the impact of THC on the developing brain.
Stop deceptive intoxicating hemp products and other “gas station drugs.” We will continue leading efforts to remove these dangerous and child-friendly products from store shelves while educating and empowering parents, communities, retailers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to protect young people.
Advance upstream prevention through research-based education. We will continue expanding awareness of the growing body of evidence linking early THC use with increased risk for later opioid misuse and substance use disorders—and demonstrate how upstream education, prevention, and healthier community norms can change these trajectories before they begin.
Today, the policies and public understanding that will shape the health and well-being of future generations are being determined. Our work has never been more important. Through innovative education, broad community engagement, and groundbreaking public policy, we have an extraordinary opportunity to continue to create lasting change and public health solutions that protect children, strengthen families, and build healthier communities.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for making this work possible. Your partnership has fueled every milestone we’ve achieved, and together we are positioned to accomplish even more in the years ahead.
We will keep you informed as we continue expanding our impact across Colorado and throughout the nation.