Colorado’s 150th anniversary

250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Commissioners

Event image

Christian Anschutz

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.

Danielle Oliveto

Danielle Oliveto has worked with Governor Jared Polis in various capacities since, off and on, since 2008. Danielle began as a field organizer Polis' first campaign for US Congress, and later worked as Staff Assistant, Scheduler, Deputy Communications Director, and Campaign Manager. In 2015 she relocated to San Francisco where she worked in local politics, focusing on housing and transportation issues in the Bay Area. In 2019, she moved back to Colorado to accept the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Community Engagement. Danielle is from Arvada Colorado and is a CU Boulder alum. In addition to the 150/250 Commission, Danielle serves on the Capitol Building Advisory Committee and the boards of the Biennial of the Americas and Civic Center Conservancy.

Danielle Oliveto
Event image

Dick Monfort

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.

Hon. Gary M. Jackson

Hon. Gary M. Jackson is a Denver native having lived in the north Cherry Creek area for 77 years. Gary spent 37 as a partner in the law firms of DiManna Eklund Ciancio & Jackson and DiManna & Jackson. His legal accomplishments included co-founding the Sam Cary Bar Association, the Sam Cary Scholarship Endowment Fund, and Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. On July 23, 2021 the National Bar Association selected Gary to its Fred Gray Hall of Fame, and he was also inducted into the Denver Public Library's Black Hall of Fame. Recently, Gary was selected by the Metropolitan State College, Rachel B. Noel's Distinguished Visiting Professorship for its Future of Hope Award. He also presided in the Criminal and General Session Divisions of the Denver County Court before retiring in 2020.

In his retirement years he is actively involved in historical presentations surrounding the 100 year anniversary of Lincoln Hills and pursuing opportunities as the Vice President of Marketing for Action Jackson Realty at Compass. Gary is married to Regina Jackson, a New York Times best selling author, documentary movie maker, and real estate owner. Together they have two children and four grandchildren.

Hon. Gary M. Jackson
Event image

Jason L. Hanson

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.

Jay Seaton

Jay Seaton is the owner/publisher of The Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction, Colorado. Jay also manages four radio stations serving the Grand Valley that the Sentinel acquired in 2018. Prior to his arrival at the Sentinel in 2009, Jay was a corporate and commercial litigation partner at the law firm of Lewis Rice in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to his position at Lewis Rice, Jay worked in toxic tort litigation at the law firm of Shook Hardy & Bacon. Jay serves on the Colorado Economic Development Commission and the CareerWise Colorado Board of Directors.

He is a past chair of Rocky Mountain Health Plans and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. Jay also chairs the Grand Junction Air Service Alliance and noses into other efforts to improve life in western Colorado. Jay holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and received his juris doctorate from Kansas University in 1996. Jay has two children: Katherine, who is a sophomore at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and Beck, who is a sophomore at Fruita Monument High School.

Jay Seaton
Event image

Linda Yip

Originally from Taiwan, Linda Yip moved to the US in the mid-70s. Here, she met Jimmy Yip, and they ventured into business with three successful restaurants. They later shifted to real estate, partnering with Fred Miale and Al Alba to found the first Keller Williams franchise in Denver. As their businesses grew, the group combined several service companies to form a new company called Peliton. The couple's son Nathan's tragic passing in 2001 led them to establish the Nathan Yip Foundation, aimed at empowering underserved youth worldwide through education resources and support. 

From humble beginnings, the foundation has evolved into a global force, raising millions for youth worldwide. Today, the foundation has refocused its efforts to partner with rural communities in Colorado, bringing much needed educational resources and funding. Linda Yip stands as the heart and driving force of the Nathan Yip Foundation, a compassionate matriarch uniting a global family dedicated to positive change.

Milo Marquez

Milo Marquez, a proud 5th generation Denverite, brings a wealth of experience as a former corporate director and educator. His commitment to community shines through his role as the former Director of the Latino Action Council, where he passionately advocated for Latinos statewide in Colorado. Milo currently holds significant positions, serving as the Director of the Latino Research & Policy Center at the University of Colorado Denver and Chair of the Latino Education Coalition. Actively engaged in community service, Milo sits on various organization boards, contributing his expertise. Furthermore, he serves as a commissioner on the United States 250 Colorado 150 commission, showcasing his dedication to shaping the future and fostering positive change in his community.

Milo Marquez
Event image

Nathan Richie

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).

Ramona Martinez

Ramona Martinez, is a steward of her family's legacy in Colorado.  She has a diverse heritage, entwining both indigenous and Spanish roots that echo across generations. Originating from land grants in the 1800s, her story unfolds in the scenic San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Martinez was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2010. Active in politics since the 1970s, Martinez was elected to Denver City Council In 1987 and served for a total of 16 years.

She was elected the first Hispanic female city council president. Appointed as an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee, Martinez served as Vice Chair of the Hispanic Caucus. In 2006 she was elected President of the caucus. In addition, she was appointed by President Clinton to the National Environmental Protection Advisory Board, serving as a representative for local elected officials. A successful businesswoman, she along with her sister, saw their company listed as one of the top 500 Hispanic Companies in the United States.

Ramona Martinez
Event image

Stephanie Hartman

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.

Timothy Wolfe

Timothy Wolfe serves as Director of the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) working to advance the strength and resilience of the Colorado tourism industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation & leadership while protecting what makes Colorado special. He currently serves on the board of directors for the US Travel Association, National Council of State Tourism Directors, Western States Tourism Policy Council, Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board, Visit Denver Board and is a Commissioner for Colorado’s 250/150 for 2026. Tim’s background includes managing 4-diamond hotels & resorts throughout Colorado, including the iconic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa.

Timothy Wolfe

Jennifer Gilbert-Kaufmann

Jennifer Gilbert-Kaufmann