Kharis Eppstein Joins CSAR Board, Supporting Statewide SAR Efforts

In 2019, I started my volunteer career in search and rescue by applying with Alpine Rescue Team. After a grueling but educational prospective member course and probationary period, I was voted onto the team. 

I knew I was never going to be the “rock jock” or expert skier that some of my teammates were, so I quickly found a place to offer my expertise by joining the board. I served as Secretary for two years before being elected as President for the next three. To say I was humbled to be chosen for the position after such a short time on the team was an understatement. I was also only the second woman president in the team’s 60+ years. 

After three years of serving in this role, I knew it was time to hand the reins off to someone else. I wanted to have more time to be in the field and hone my rescue skills. But, I also knew I wanted to make a difference at a bigger level. I had taught a class on governance at the annual search and rescue conference that Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR) hosts, and I was floored at the differences in resources and structure between a large team like Alpine and some of the smaller ones. I wanted to also demonstrate to other women that we can and should step into leadership positions in a field dominated by men (no offense, fellas!). 

After some consideration, I put my name in the hat for an appointed position on the CSAR board. I am honored to have been chosen and greatly look forward to working with the organization, leaders, and teams around the state to continue raising awareness about backcountry search and rescue, to help level the resource playing field for smaller teams, and to increase the women in leadership positions in the field.