Rettie Duke Knowlton, Fellowship Class of 2016, grew up in Elizabeth, Colorado, a rural community where her love for the outdoors and ranching blossomed. Surrounded by cattle, horses, and farm life, she quickly developed a saturated appreciation for the Western lifestyle and conservation. Rettie studied at Washington College in Maryland, where she earned a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Chesapeake Bay Regional Studies. Her thesis focused on conservation and children’s education, underscoring her long-standing commitment to the environment and stewardship.
Rettie shared that one of the highlights of her Fellowship experience was working on the Fellowship Recruiting and New Fellowship Orientation programs. These experiences laid the groundwork and inspiration for her current role at A Bar A Ranch, a premier guest and cattle ranch in Wyoming.
“The Fellowship taught me invaluable skills in interviewing, recruiting, and connecting people with a place,” Rettie recalls.
These skills have been instrumental in her multiple roles at the Ranch, including overseeing the hiring of nearly one hundred seasonal staff members each summer.
Rettie’s role as assistant ranch manager, human resources, and logistics at A Bar A Ranch is as dynamic as it is fulfilling. From leading hikes, to overseeing staff, to being a first responder in emergencies, every day is unique.
“I might be leading a hike, answering guest questions, or managing staffing logistics. The variety keeps me engaged and passionate about my work.”
In the winter months, Rettie beelines back to Denver and shifts her focus to recruiting, traveling to schools, conducting interviews, and building a successful staff team for the next summer.
Balancing her professional responsibilities with personal life, especially with a newborn, is a challenge Rettie embraces graciously. Rettie and her husband, Burk Knowlton, whom she met and works with at the ranch, recently welcomed a baby girl, Banks, making her the fourth generation at A Bar A Ranch and adding another layer of joy and responsibility to their lives.
“Work-life balance is all about integration,” she says. “Living where I work allows me to seamlessly blend my professional and personal life, and I’m excited to introduce my daughter to this incredible environment.”
The most fulfilling aspect of Rettie’s job is the people she works with. She deeply feels that “seeing the staff grow and develop, knowing [she] played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding.” Her commitment to the ranch and its mission is unwavering, and she anticipates continuing to make a positive impact.
Rettie Duke Knowlton’s journey from growing up on a small farm, to anthropological studies, to El Pomar, and now ranch management is truly full circle. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of stewardship and the environment, and the passion for connecting people.
