Blue Deer Center Welcomes Our New Communications Director, Mace Fleeger

Indirectly my involvement with Blue Deer Center began several years ago at a large gathering when I bashfully introduced myself as a lowly magazine designer and within a matter of days, found myself up to my elbows in articles and layouts as I stepped into the role of art director for Sacred Fire Magazine. Blue Deer Center appeared regularly in the magazine and over the years I became familiar with it’s programs and always admired the accomplishments of everyone involved. Eventually, I visited Blue Deer Center as a participant in one of Eliot Cowan’s five-day Healing Camps and like so many others fell in love with the Center, it’s mission and surroundings. I returned, if not as often as I wished, certainly as often as I could. 

Last year I had the pleasure of organizing and supporting a couple events in Colorado with Eliot Cowan. When my work was done and I was saying my goodbyes, Eliot presented me with a gift and a gracious thank you note in which he wrote, “Please accept this gift from The Ancestors you’ve served so well.” With those words he had given me a gentle clue that has opened my eyes to the beauty and richness to be found in honoring and supporting this ancestral wisdom we love so much. Following this clue led me to join a small group organizing various celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the book Plant Spirit Medicine, which gave me an opportunity to collaborate with the folks at Blue Deer Center. 

One morning a couple months ago I found myself daydreaming about an ambitious project that might help the Blue Deer Center spread it’s message. As the scope of this imaginary (and frankly ludicrous) strategy ballooned in every direction, I raced back to reality wondering what had gotten into me—the last thing I was looking for on that particular morning was more work. Two hours later I got a call from Blue Deer Center Executive Director, Mark Gionfriddo asking me to consider taking the role of Communications Director. I was humbled by his offer and although I said I would like to think about it, I knew my answer would be yes. 

I feel very privileged to be entrusted with the important task of helping Blue Deer Center share it’s message, mission and gifts. Over the years my life has been enriched by the support, guidance, and friendship of many people associated with the center and I hope to honor their generosity with the work I do.

I will be visiting the Center to begin the process of orienting myself to this new role and I look forward to meeting team members and learning about all the great work everyone has been doing. 

Mace Fleeger
Communications Director
Blue Deer Center