community LEADERSHIP

Our Spacious Skies is a community-driven collaborative project to identify WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO OUR REGION AND THE WORK NECESSARY TO ENSURE A VIBRANT QUALITY OF LIFE.

The project is led by Pikes Peak Community Foundation and a 31-person steering committee comprised of business, government, nonprofit, and other community leaders in El Paso and Teller Counties.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP

  • MARGARET DOLAN, CPA

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    As CEO of Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Dolan provides strategic direction for Our Spacious Skies and its work on behalf of the community.

  • NICOLE RIVET, CFRE

    VP, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

    Leading the day-to-day operations for Our Spacious Skies, Rivet works closely with the Steering Committee and other project partners to ensure the community’s voices are heard.

STEERING COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRS

PRESIDENT & CEO, COLORADO SPRINGS HISPANIC BUSINESS COUNCIL - THE HISPANIC CHAMBER

JoE ALDAZ

Joe Aldaz is a seasoned and award-winning nonprofit executive with over two decades of leadership experience spanning nonprofit management, veteran support services, chamber of commerce operations, and educational leadership at both K-12 and post-secondary levels. As President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber and Education Foundation, he has transformed the organization into a nationally recognized and influential entity, driving membership growth, revenue expansion, and high-caliber programming.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Joe has spearheaded initiatives that foster intentional representation within Colorado Springs. He established The Adelante Leadership Institute, providing leadership development for marginalized communities, and has played a critical role in increasing BIPOC representation on influential boards. His collaborative efforts extend to local, regional, and national partnerships that maximize resources and strengthen the small business ecosystem.

Recognized for his impact, Joe has received multiple accolades, including Colorado Chamber Alliance CEO of the Year (2023) and the United States Hispanic Chamber’s Small Chamber of the Year (2022). He serves on several boards, including the Home Front Military Network and the Leadership Veteran Advisory Council, and is a sought-after speaker on nonprofit best practices, veteran services, and small business advocacy.

Joe holds an M.A. in Space Systems Management from Webster University and a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Additionally, as a solopreneur with Aldaz Family Trust, LLC, he offers consulting services and engages in philanthropic efforts to further community growth.

SENIOR PASTOR, SOLID ROCK CHRISTIAN CENTER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOLID ROCK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Pastor Ben Anderson

Pastor Benjamin Anderson is a visionary leader who has dedicated the past 15 years to transforming the Southeast Colorado Springs community. Through his collaborations with numerous nonprofits and faith-based organizations, Pastor Ben has made an indelible impact on the region. His career is marked by remarkable achievements, including his distinguished service in the U.S. Army, where he retired with honor, and a highly successful career in the business world.

A man of deep faith and compassion, Pastor Ben has served as a prison chaplain, founded the Colorado Springs Music and Arts Center, and established the Solid Rock Community Development Corporation. Today, he continues to guide and inspire as the Senior Pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center. His leadership and commitment have not only strengthened the community but have also left a lasting legacy of service, empowerment, and hope.

OWNER, MARTIN BUSINESS GROUP

Jan martin

Jan Martin is a native of Colorado Springs and has been involved in the community for many years.  She served on City Council for 8 years, has worked on multiple boards and commissions and currently serves as President of the Garden of Gods Foundation and Pikes Peak Waterways. 

FORMER MAYOR OF COLORADO SPRINGS

John Suthers

John Suthers intrinsically understands how Colorado politics and government works. He draws on his prior public service experience to help clients navigate state attorneys general, state government and litigation issues. His law enforcement experience makes him uniquely qualified to assist in internal organizational investigations.

During his time as mayor of Colorado Springs, John sparked historic infrastructure projects throughout the city including improvements to road construction and storm water systems, the City for Champions project and rejuvenating the Colorado Springs airport and downtown. John served as attorney general of Colorado from 2005 to 2015. Under his leadership, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office earned a national reputation for excellence. In 2001, President Bush appointed John to be United States attorney for Colorado and he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

John began his career as a prosecutor and was elected district attorney of the 4th Judicial District, which includes El Paso and Teller counties, in 1988. He also spent a decade in private practice with law firm Sparks, Dix and Enoch.

Steering Committee Members

JOE ALDAZ
CEO, Colorado Springs Hispanic Business Council - The Hispanic Chamber

RAMON ALVAREZ
President, Alvarez Enterprises

ROBERT ALEXANDER
Chairman & CEO, Stockmens Bank, Rancher

PASTOR BEN ANDERSON
Executive Director, Solid Rock Community Development Corporation

MARY BARBER
Fountain Resident and Advocate

DAVE BETZLER
Retired U.S. Air Force, USNORTHCOM

ANN CESARE
Senior Director, Community & Government Affairs, UCHealth

GAIL COLVIN
Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force Academy

STU DAVIS
Executive Director, COSILoveYou

ED DILLS
Chair, El Paso County Citizens Outreach Group, Rancher, Farmer

KENT FORTUNE
Retired Regional VP, COSCampus, USAA

MATT HANSON
President, Alpine Bank

SHELLEY JENSEN
Founder, We Fortify

CARLOS JIMENEZ
CEO, Peak Education

MEGAN LEATHAM
President & CEO, Colorado Springs SportsCorp

ROCKY SCOTT
Retired Head of Economic Development

ANGELA SEALS
Executive Director, COPPR

WILLIE SHELTON
Retired General and Commander,
AF Space Command

RICHARD SKORMAN
Former COS City Council Member, Owner of Poor Richard’s

JENNIFER SOBANET
Chancellor, UCCS

JOHN SUTHERS
Former Mayor of Colorado Springs

MARTIN WOOD
Senior Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Development, UCCS

RENEE ZENTZ
President, Careers in Construction Colorado

JAN MARTIN
Owner, Martin Business Group

SHIRLEY MARTINEZ
Community Leader

BOB MCLAUGHLIN
Executive Director, Mt. Carmel Veteran's Center

DEB MILLER
President, Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce

JACOB PRUITT
President, Fidelity Charitable

KAITLYN RAGSDALE
External Relations Supervisor, SSR Mining, Inc.

JOYCE SALAZAR
Executive Director, RISE/Southeast Colorado Springs

Our Spacious Skies extends our gratitude to the many community leaders and groups dedicated to a vibrant quality of life for the Pikes Peak Region.

The growing list of supporters, enthusiasts, and collaborators includes municipal and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, community groups, professional organizations, faith communities, professional organizations, businesses and more. Thank you. 

Click below if you want your organization to join in!

Our Spacious Skies is also eligible for Enterprise Zone Tax Credits through the State of Colorado. Contact us to learn more.