Tell us about your background. What has inspired you to run for BOCC?

I’ve lived in La Plata County since 1997—first in Durango, and now out in Hesperus—where my husband and I raised two children, both now in their 30s. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: Wall Street trader, executive recruiter, horse breeder, community organizer, and nonprofit leader. I’ve always been deeply committed to this community and the people who call it home.

I started my career as a trailblazer in global finance—first on the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, then becoming the first female member of the London Commodity Exchange. From there, I went on to work at top financial firms in New York, including as a VP at Bear Stearns and a leader in the commodities division of Executive Services at Shearson American Express. Eventually, I launched and ran my own executive search firm, advising some of the world’s most competitive companies. Throughout that chapter, I gained deep experience in managing large, complex budgets, identifying high-performing talent, and navigating high-pressure environments.

After moving to La Plata County, I shifted focus to raising my family and spent 25 years in the agricultural sector breeding, training, and selling Danish Warmblood sport horses. During this time I developed a deep and abiding understanding of the unique land-use issues facing our rural communities.

Community work has always been central to my life here. In 2002, I served as treasurer for the $85 million bond referendum for Durango 9R, raising $50,000 in just four weeks and helping pass a major investment in our schools. I coordinated over 400 volunteers throughout the County for the 2008 Obama campaign and chaired the successful 2010 9R mill levy campaign—one of only five in the country to pass that year, during the height of the Tea Party movement. I have served as a Regional Challenge Master for Destination Imagination, judged the San Juan BOCES science fairs and National History Day, and sat on the board of the SW Rural Workforce Board.

In 2017, I joined the board of The Powerhouse Science Center after it had closed, and by 2019 I became Board President, helping guide the organization back to financial stability. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I served as general contractor for a full renovation of a downtown building and launched the “Shopping for Seniors” initiative—a partnership with the Senior Center and local grocery stores that paired younger community members with older residents to help with grocery shopping during lockdowns. That simple but powerful idea earned me a personal phone call from Joe Biden.

In 2024, I co-founded a workforce housing LLC with local architect Rick Feeney to help address the region’s housing affordability crisis—continuing my commitment to building sustainable, community-focused solutions.

I'm running to help ensure that La Plata County works for every resident. I’m deeply rooted here—first in town, now out in Hesperus—and I’ve had one foot in the barn and the other in the boardroom for most of my life. I’ve raised children here, built a community here, and I’m now looking ahead to the kind of county I want for my future grandchildren. I want them to have the same opportunity to thrive in a place as welcoming, vibrant, and grounded as it was for my own kids.

I believe I’m uniquely positioned to bridge the divide between town and country. My background spans ranching and agriculture, executive leadership, and decades of local volunteer work. I understand the challenges our rural families face, and I’ve spent years working alongside community members in Durango and beyond to improve education, access to housing, and public resources.

At a time when our region is growing and evolving, we need a commissioner who can bring people together across differences—someone who respects the legacy of those who’ve been here for generations and also welcomes those just putting down roots. Whether you moved here in 1925 or 2025, La Plata County should be a place where you feel heard, supported, and at home. That’s what I’ll work for, every day.

Please describe, in your own words, what a County Commissioner does? What will the job entail?

What local county experience do you have - have you sat on city or county boards, commissions, non profits? Please include years of engagement.

What has been your personal experience(s) with the BOCC?

What will be your focal points / objectives to pursue with the BOCC?

Would could LPC do to increase its revenue or funding sources? How could they improve public facing communications?

What particular qualities do you bring to the "additional seats" (outside commissions, regional organizations) held by members of the BOCC? Are there any you are particularly interested in?

Where can people learn more and stay up to date on your campaign?