The new members will join the other Governor-appointed board members, including Robert E. Musgraves (chair), Tamra J. Ward (vice chair), Ann Alexander Pritzlaff (immediate past chair), Marco Antonio Abarca, Cathy Carpenter Dea, Cathey McClain Finlon, Rick Pederson, Alan Salazar, and Christopher W. Tetzeli.

“It’s with great enthusiasm we welcome these new board members,” said Robert E. Musgraves, chair of the History Colorado board of directors. “They will enable us to continue our path to transform all areas of this great institution, which has served Colorado for 139 years.”

“In 2016, History Colorado’s board of directors appointed Steve Turner as executive director after a nationwide search. Together we have attained a balanced budget, increased attendance at History Colorado’s museums statewide, received $2.2 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation to work collaboratively with the Ute tribes on STEM curriculum, instituted a community engagement program, awarded grants close to $8 million a year to preservation projects throughout the state, and significantly increased exhibition and program funding,” Musgraves added.

Under the new leadership, History Colorado has revamped its exhibition programs to focus on the history of the western United States and showcase its exemplary collections. History Colorado’s commitment to telling Colorado’s stories in authentic and engaging ways is represented through the opening of the Colorado Center for Women's History and Ute Indian Museum, and exhibits including Backstory, Borderlands, El Movimiento, Play Ball! and Zoom In. The organization’s contemporary collecting initiative, partnerships with advisory committees and educators, and the appointment of the new state historian and Historian’s Council demonstrate its dedication to Colorado’s diverse communities and audiences.

“With our new board expansion, we are ready for the next phase of growth and innovation to best serve Colorado. We are grateful to the legislature for approving the board expansion and to Governor Hickenlooper for the appointment of these outstanding members,” said Steve Turner, executive director of History Colorado.

New Board of Directors Members

Dr. Donna Lynne, DrPH, is lieutenant governor and chief operating officer of the State of Colorado. Prior to being sworn in at lieutenant governor, Dr. Lynne was a leader in the private sector, expert in the health field, and held various government positions in New York City. Dr. Lynne is passionate about education and Colorado’s youth through her former work with the Colorado Education Initiative, Denver Public Schools Foundation, and Teach for America-Colorado and is an avid outdoor enthusiast who has climbed all 53 of Colorado’s “Fourteeners.”

Ellen S. Roberts is an attorney in Durango, Colorado specializing in water law and an independent project consultant working on forest health and watershed protection issues in Southwest Colorado. Roberts is a former board member of History Colorado and served 10 years in the Colorado General Assembly, including two years as Senate President Pro Tempore. In addition to her strong interest in Colorado history, Roberts is passionate about Colorado’s forestry, land and water as past chairwoman of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee and Water Resources Review Committee and a former seasonal park ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Stephen F. Sturm is managing director of Sturm Group, Inc. and co-managing director of the Sturm Family Foundation. In addition to his work in real estate and investment management, Sturm has signification nonprofit, fundraising and grant management experience through his work with the Sturm Family Foundation and various board and committee positions at the University of Denver and other local nonprofits. A lifelong history lover, Sturm is also a founding member of the advisory committee for History Colorado’s upcoming podcast series.

Dr. Albert C. Yates is president emeritus of Colorado State University. After completing a 35-year career in higher education as a professor and administrator, Dr. Yates has consulted on public policy matters, leadership and management through many of his associations with public boards, commissions and community leaders. Dr. Yates is also currently an advisor to the Bohemian Companies in Fort Collins, Colorado, and board member of Catalist, LLC, Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, and the Colorado Forum, a statewide policy roundtable.