LOCALLY SOURCED COMMON SENSE

A broad community background

About Me

I grew up in Durango, one of two sons to a single mother. I was a Riverview Eagle, a Smiley Saint, and a Durango Demon. As a kid, I skied, camped, and jumped off a few cliffs at Navajo and Bakers Bridge. After high school, I left to go to college at Humboldt State University (the mighty Lumberjacks!) and then graduate school at Penn State University. After seeing many parts of the country, I eventually made my way back – with a small family in tow – to the hometown I truly love.

My youth in Durango was idyllic and contains some of my favorite memories. Much about Durango has changed over the years, and I try to embrace the best of the new ideas while maintaining links to the past that I remember so fondly.

There have been changes to our town that have made resident life better. And, yes, some that have made it worse. Having the ability to keep the best of the past and embrace the best of the future is what I hope to do as a city council member.

Roles & Responsibilities

WORK EXPERIENCE

Southern Ute Indian Tribe
• Nine years as a Director in the Permanent Fund
• Oversaw community and recreational programming including recreation center construction and operation, trails development, recreational leagues, and community programs

Devon Energy, Oklahoma City
• Six years as the Director of Corporate Health and Wellness
• Oversaw health and wellness facilities and programming for employee populations in Houston, Oklahoma City, as well as Calgary, Alberta

LOCAL NONPROFIT & ORGANIZATION ENGAGEMENT:

Local First (2024/2025 Board Chair) and longtime member

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado (2025 Board Chair)

Volunteer Director for the Horseback Social & Cowboy Parade (2024)

Leadership La Plata (class of 2002-2003) and committees including recruitment, steering, and retreat

LEAD - predecessor to the La Plata Economic Alliance (2008-2010 member, 2010 Board Chair)

Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of La Plata County (2005-2010) and BGC of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (2016-2021) Co-Founder and Board Member

Awards & Recognition

OTHER VOLUNTEER WORK:

Taste of Durango, Immunization Clinics, Veteran’s Day Parade, Iron Horse, and other races

Super-Volunteer Designation by the City of Durango 2025

Durango Chamber of Commerce/Leadership La Plata Barbara Conrad Award Winner 2008