Commissioners

Christian Anschutz, a third generation Colorado native, is the Managing Director of Western Development Group (WDG). WDG is a privately held real estate development company specializing in mixed-use projects in Denver. He is co-owner and vice chairman of the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Denver Gazette, serving on the editorial board for both newspapers. Christian also devotes significant time to his role as president of The Anschutz Foundation, which he has served as a board member since 1998.

Christian’s civic and community roles include founding and chairing the Denver Police Foundation, serving as a board member for the Colorado Thirty Group (vice chairman), the National Cybersecurity Center, the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation Board, the FBI Denver Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s Presidents Council, and sitting on the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business Advisory Board. He also serves on the board of The Broadmoor-Sea Island Company, Colorado Outreach Exchange (co-founder), Colorado Emergency Preparedness Partnership (CEPP-founder), and Colorado Wants You (co-founder). Additional commitments include supporting all of Colorado’s military installations in various civic leader capacities.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Anschutz’ hobbies include hockey, golf, fishing, and hunting.

In 2023 Dick Monfort celebrated his 26th season with the Rockies franchise, and continues in his role as owner/chairman and chief executive officer for the club. Monfort, a Colorado native, and the Colorado Rockies Ownership Group have established the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club as a leading enterprise in the Rocky Mountain Region in both sports and business. Brothers Dick and Charlie Monfort have also done extensive community outreach through their family-directed Monfort Family Foundation.

Monfort is currently the Chairman of the University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of University of Colorado Health. Monfort spent 25 years in the cattle business, primarily with his family’s company. After retiring from ConAgra in 1995, he helped launch the Montera Cattle Company in 1996.  Monfort has three children: daughter Dr. Lyndsey Grae M.D., eldest son Walker (wife Lauren) works in Rockies corporate partnerships, and son Sterling in Rockies scouting operations. Dick currently resides in Denver with his wife Karen.

Jason Hanson is the Chief Creative Officer and Director of Interpretation and Research at History Colorado. He has led the development of numerous exhibitions around the state written widely about Colorado history on topics such as water use, the origins of the American workplace, gender roles in Utopian communities, and beer. He is also a commissioner on the state’s America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission and works closely with Colorado’s State Historian's Council as the Deputy State Historian. Prior to joining the state historical organization in 2016, he was a member of the research faculty at the Center of the American West at CU Boulder.

Nathan Richie is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado and is director at the Golden History Museum & Park in Golden, Colorado. He holds an MA in Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California and a BA in American History from Colorado State University.  Previously, Nathan served as Director of Exhibits and Programs at the McCormick Freedom Museum in Chicago and as Curator of Collections and Programs at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.  

Nathan is a passionate advocate for museum education and small museums. He presently serves as Vice Chair and Secretary of the Board of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)—the world’s largest association of museum professionals. Prior, he served as chair of the Alliance’s Museum Education Professional Network (EdCom).

Stephanie has been the Social Studies Content Specialist at the Colorado Department of Education for the past 11 years. She is a member of the Standards and Instructional Support (SIS) Team whose duties include, among other things, providing support for the implementation of the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS). Stephanie has worked at the state level as a social studies content specialist for over 15 years. Her first state job was with the Nevada Department of Education. 

Prior to that, Stephanie taught high school social studies for 13 years in both Everett, WA and Reno, NV. She has also taught courses in elementary and secondary education at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Nevada Reno. Stephanie holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada Reno, as well as a master’s degree in Integrated Curriculum from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.

Council Member Linda K. Baker was elected to serve a second term on the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council in 2024. She attended Durango High School and graduated from Ignacio High School. In pursuit of higher education, Baker received a BA in History with a Secondary Teaching Certificate from Fort Lewis College. With a commitment to preserving and sharing history, Baker has attended the following competitive and selective programs: University of Colorado Denver MPA Program with an emphasis in Non-Profits, San Diego State University Western Archives Institute certificate program, and the University of California Berkeley Native American Museum Studies Institute. Prior to joining Tribal leadership, Baker worked for Fort Lewis College and the Southern Ute Department of Education as an Academic Advisor for various degree levels from Associates to Ph.D's. She also worked as the Animas Museum Collections Move Manager, Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies Assistant Curator, and the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum Director. Notably, she served as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Liaison for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Baker serves on the Building Security Team, Southern Ute Shared Services Committee, and the America 250-CO 150 Commission. She is an alternate representative to the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board and the Southern Ute Indian Housing Authority. She is the proud mother of two sons and one daughter, and grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren. She enjoys beadwork, participating in juried art shows, creating Ute regalia, competing in obstacle course races, as well as attending Bear Dances, hiking, camping, and traveling to cultural events with her family. Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley

Nick Lopez is a Colorado native, born and raised in Pueblo. He is the President & CEO of the Latin American Educational Foundation and has over 20 years of national experience in philanthropy and non-profit leadership. He also has a background in higher education, having worked in various leadership roles at the University of Chicago, DePaul University, and the University of Denver.  Nick serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Nonprofit Association and the Community Advisory Board of PBS12 in Denver. He earned his BA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University. He is also a proud and active alumnus of the National Hispanic Institute, a nationally recognized non-profit organization focused on engaging Latino high school youth in community leadership opportunities that advance our quality of life. In 2022, he was honored as the NHI Person of the Year.

Chris Hinds is Denver City Council’s first elected official who uses a wheelchair and identifies as a member of the disability community. Raised in rural Texas by a single mother, he earned a computer science degree and an MBA from SMU. Paralyzed in 2008, he became a leading advocate for accessibility, influencing policy at local, state, and national levels. His work led to the 2018 Chris Hinds Act, strengthening disability parking protections. Re-elected to Denver City Council, he champions housing, transportation, and representation, using his lived experience and expertise to advance access for all.