Our Wonderful Board of Directors

President

Debra Morrison

For the past 25 years, Deb Morrison has had both the blessing and the curse of knowing hundreds of midvalley children like they were her own family.

For the past 25 years, Deb Morrison has had both the blessing and the curse of knowing hundreds of midvalley children like they were her own family. Morrison is the owner and operator of Camp Chip-a-Tooth, an after-school facility during the school year and summer camp in Basalt for kids ages 5 to 12. She stays in touch with many of the children even after they reach their teens and move on. Countless “campers” over the years have returned during high school and college to work for her.
Secretary

Adele Melnick

I live in Basalt with my husband and two children ages 8 and 11 years old. I have been the Director for Growing Years School in Basalt for 13 years.

I live in Basalt with my husband and two children ages 8 and 11 years old. I have been the Director for Growing Years School in Basalt for 13 years. I have 20 years of experience working in Early Childcare and over 14 years’ experience in the non-profit word. I served on the board for the Roaring Fork Association for the Education of Young Children (RFAEYC) for 2 years as well as the Childcare Coalition for the last 13 years. I am currently involved with the Cradle to Career initiative through the Aspen Community Foundation. The best part about my career is working with children, families and seeing how children learn and grow. During my spare time I play tennis, enjoy camping, snowboarding, hiking and anything outdoors. I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies through the University of Colorado.
Treasurer

Martha O'Keefe

I was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and just lived there for 3 short years when my parents moved our family to South Pasadena, CA, and then up to Marin County for my High School years.

I was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and just lived there for 3 short years when my parents moved our family to South Pasadena, CA, and then up to Marin County for my High School years. I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1982 and I have worked in accounting for most of my career.Business Manager for Aspen Magazine for 15 years. Now have been in the Construction Industry for the past 16 year. I have worked for G.F. Woods Construction since 2010 as their Controller and Project Accountant. I am married to a wonderful husband and step father – Tom Okeefe. While raising my two daughters in Basalt, I was very involved in the Basalt Community and school, was on the River Days Committee and was one of the founding members of the Taste of Basalt Committee. I have been very involved in the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village since 2004 and have been a co-chair of their annual fundraiser the Snowmass Wine Festival, since the summer of 2005. I am a firm believer in serving our local community in what ever way I can.
Member & Chair, Program Committee

Dr. Jay Merriam

Dr. Jay Merriam has been working in Private Equine Sport Horse Practice since 1975.

Dr. Jay Merriam has been working in Private Equine Sport Horse Practice since 1975. He has a Masters in Equine Surgery from Auburn University and has been involved with Working Equids since beginning Project Samana in the Dominican Republic in 1992. His work there and in other countries has led to his involvement as Chair of the AAEPs Equine Welfare Committee since it’s formation. He is the co-founder of the Equitarian Initiative in the AAEP and is currently the President of the Board of Directors. With Dr. Julie Wilson and Dr. Mariano Hernandez-Gil he began the Equitarian Workshops in Mexico. He is a frequent speaker on Working Equid care and has taught in India, Morocco, Haiti and the Dominican Republic and Indian reservations in the US. His focus is the provision of direct veterinary care, training of veterinarians and caregivers and education on the need for a healthy working equid population worldwide.
Member

Ken Robinson

I am a forest manager by education, a mason by trade and owner operator of various liquor stores by choice.

I was born and raised in Glastonbury, CT. Left in 1968 to attend Colorado State University. Graduated in 1972 with a degree in Forest Management. Spent the summer as a forest technician engaged in timber inventory on the White River national forest. Spent the winter in Aspen as a ski bum. Worked many jobs, eventually became a journeyman mason. 1991 offered an opportunity to open and manage a new liquor store in Carbondale. Had a successful run, business was sold, and I went to work for the competition. A few years later, my wife and I, purchased Roaring Fork Liquors. Sold the business in 2017.

I am an Eagle scout, member of the Rotary club of Glenwood Springs (past president twice) and Aspen Elks lodge #224. I am involved with many non-profit groups in the valley. I offered to muck stalls many years ago, and I continue to muck and make minor repairs on the property. I was aware and supported the need to purchase the property. As a board member, I intend to support Gabrielle and the staff to make this a first class facility.

Member Nominating Committee

Anne Merz

Born and raised in Southern Minnesota.

We lived in New York City for 10 years before moving to Greenwich, Connecticut to raise our family. Daughter, and two sons. Once they all moved out to start their own lives we retired and moved to Colorado, our happy place. We are now enjoying our lives here in Carbondale. Two grandchildren are the only reasons we might have for traveling. Since my diagnosis with MS in 1975, I find great benefit and comfort riding at WindWalkers. It is truly my Happy Place!
Member & Finance Committee

Debbi Witlock

Debbi brings more than 25 years of experience to Reese Henry & Company, she has her certification in QuickBooks as a Pro-Advisor.

Debbi brings more than 25 years of experience to Reese Henry & Company, she has her certification in QuickBooks as a Pro-Advisor. Prior to joining Reese Henry & Company, Debbi worked for a number of clients assisting them with their day to day accounting functions. Her areas of expertise include Construction, Project Management, Real Estate (including HOAs) and Retail industries.
Having grown up in Aspen, Debbi enjoys a number of outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, hiking, yoga and camping. Debbi is an accomplished equestrian having competed in many horse shows around the country. She also enjoys playing guitar and traveling to new places.
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