Planned giving is a powerful way you can create a thriving future for the West, through a trusted organization committed to results.
Planning your legacy doesn’t have to be complicated. In this free webinar, we’ll show you how simple, flexible tools – like wills, beneficiary designations, and gifts of appreciated assets – can create a lasting impact in the fight against climate change. You’ll hear directly from estate planning experts who will share practical tips, bust common myths, and answer your questions.
This session is part of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a time to reflect on how thoughtful planning today can help protect the West for generations.
Why tune in?
- See the future you can shape – Explore WRA’s vision for the West and discover how legacy gifts make bold climate solutions possible.
- Estate Planning made simple – Two experts will share practical tips, bust common myths, and explain your options, including wills, beneficiary designations, and gifts of appreciated assets.
- Take your first step – Learn how to get started with resources like WRA’s Legacy Planning Guide and find out what it means to join the 1989 Legacy Society.
Please bring any questions you may have about planned giving – we will save time for Q&A.
Panelists
- Brian Litchenheld | Certified Financial Planner, BSW
- Heidi Gassman | Estate Planning Attorney, RWO
- Elizabeth O’Connell | Development Director, WRA (Moderator)
You can learn more about our panelists below.
Meet the Panelists
Panelist
Heidi Gassman
Estate Planning Attorney, RWO
Heidi Gassman, Esq. is an equity shareholder with Robinson Waters O’Dorisio, P.C. (RWO) in Denver, Colorado. She focuses her practice on estate planning, real property, estate and trust administration, marital agreements, business formation and advising, and commercial contracts. She teaches continuing education courses for businesses and professionals on trusts and estates, tax, and real property law. Heidi is an active member of the Title Standards Committee of the Real Estate Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association and the Orange Book Forms Committee of the Trust and Estate Section of the Colorado Bar Association, as well as a member of the Denver Bar Association, the Denver Estate Planning Council, the Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council, and the Washington State Bar Association. She has been recognized as a People’s Choice “Barrister’s Best” lawyer by Law Week Colorado, as a Best Lawyer for Trusts and Estates Law and Real Estate Law for 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, and as a Super Lawyer for Estate Planning and Probate and Real Estate for 2024, 2025, and 2026. Heidi is admitted to practice in Colorado, Washington, and multiple federal jurisdictions.
Panelist
Brian Litchenheld
Certified Financial Planner, BSW
Brian Lichtenheld, CFP is an Advisor and the Director of Values-Alignment at BSW Wealth Partners, a Certified B Corp wealth management and investment advisory firm in Boulder, CO. Driven to lead a life of cheerful service, professionally, he works primarily with intergenerational families, impact-oriented non-profits and mission-driven company 401k’s. Brian also seeks to commit 100 hours a year (1% of his time) to pro bono commitments, and is currently a SVP Boulder County Partner, while serving on the Audit & Finance Committees of Roundup River Ranch and EFAA.
Moderator
Elizabeth O’Connell
Development Director, WRA
Elizabeth O’Connell is the Development Director at Western Resource Advocates (WRA), where she leads the organization’s efforts to expand philanthropic giving, ensuring diverse and sustainable revenue streams support WRA’s mission to fight climate change. In this role she develops strategies to enhance donor prospecting, engagement, retention, and growth. O’Connell works closely with senior leadership to align fundraising strategies with WRA’s organizational goals, contributing to the development of key messaging and donor communications that help drive action and support for climate solutions.
