SALIDA, COLO – Kayla Malone, Chaffee County’s Noxious Weed Department Director, has been named the 2024 Colorado Weed Manager of the Year in recognition of her “excellence in education and management of noxious weed species.” Kayla joined the County as assistant weed program supervisor in spring 2016 and was soon promoted to the Weed Department manager in December 2016, where she has led treatment of invasive plant species across Chaffee and Lake Counties for the past 8 years.
Malone was recognized by her peers during a ceremony at the Colorado Weed Management Association (CWMA) 2024 annual conference in Loveland on December 11th. Her nomination submission highlighted several of Malone’s contributions and accomplishments in the world of invasive plants management, saying, “Kayla Malone is a powerhouse in Colorado Weed management and has been active in all levels since she began working at Chaffee County. She has served on the North American Invasive Species Management Association and CWMA boards as well as various committees, and is a past CWMA President. She has worked hard on behalf of CWMA to create the realtor and technician training. She has advocated for CWMA and noxious weed management at the legislative level. Kayla offers her expertise to new supervisors as a mentor and volunteers her time selflessly. She has an infectious energy that lends itself to the tireless work of invasive plant management. Her accomplishments are too many to list, but her leadership has beyond secured her recognition as Weed Manager of the Year.”
“We are so fortunate to have Kayla’s expertise and dedication here in Chaffee County and we add our celebration to her well-deserved recognition as Colorado Weed Manager of the Year,” added Chaffee County Commissioner Greg Felt.
Malone was previously recognized as CWMA’s Newcomer of the Year in 2016 and recipient of the “Pacesetter” award in 2017. She also served as CWMA President in 2021.
