Here are the nominees to fill the slate of board members for the Philharmonic Guild
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of nominees for the 2022-23 Colorado Springs Philharmonic Board of Directors. This slate will be voted on at the May General Membership Meeting, which will be held Wednesday, May 18 at the Cheyenne Mountain Country Club at 9 Lake Avenue. We will meet between 5 and 7 p.m.
Dawn Conley, President:
As the Marketing Director of the global Catalyst Campus enterprise, Dawn and her team work on the consistency of the brand, strategic guidance of the expansion marketing efforts and she is the program lead for grants and funding opportunities. Prior to working for CCTI, Dawn was the Special Assistant to Mayor John Suthers, City of Colorado Springs, and lead the following initiatives: Mayor’s Military Liaison, Olympic City USA, Mayor’s Civic Leaders Fellowship. Dawn is firmly entrenched in the community, and volunteers her time for several philanthropies, including the Philharmonic Guild and as a military spouse, works hard to help military spouses with unemployment and underemployment issues.
Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Ohio State University and has won several awards for her contributions to the community including a recognition from Fort Carson and the City of Colorado Springs. In addition to the economic development of the companies and communities that she has been a part of, Dawn also has a keen interest in public service and volunteerism.
Stephanie Edwards, Vice-President:
Stephanie Edwards is Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Gold Hill Mesa. She is well known in the Colorado Springs non-profit sector for her generous support of the arts and other community groups, especially during the recent pandemic. Stephanie is returning for her second year as Vice-President of the Guild.
Jessica Kyle, Secretary:
Jessica is a shareholder at Sparks Willson, P.C., the oldest private practice firm in Colorado Springs, a full-service business law firm. There, she practices commercial and employment litigation. Jessica moved to Colorado from New Jersey in 2001 and never looked back. She lives here with her teenage son and multiple fur babies, and they enjoy Colorado’s vast array of outdoor activities as often as possible. Jessica has previously served on a number of other non-profit boards including Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, Urban Peak Colorado Springs (now The Place), and Colorado Springs Teen Court, as well as serving on the boards of the El Paso County Bar Association, and its charitable arm, the El Paso County Bar Foundation. She also chaired the El Paso County Bar Foundation’s Gala from 2009-2012. From 2011-2012, Jessica was the President of the Women Lawyer’s Association. While not musically proficient herself, Jessica supports her son’s musical talents and interests as he plays various instruments in their home and writes songs including both the music and the lyrics, as well as singing, in his home studio. His music can be found on Spotify, SoundCloud, iTunes, etc. Jessica believes in supporting music and the arts for a varied education and to improve the culture of our city.
Leslie Castle, Member-at-Large:
Leslie has an absolute passion for the arts, community and connecting people with the perfect opportunity.
She says, “Having lived in Colorado Springs for 36 years, I know the places and I know the people.
With a background as an award-winning personal Stylist and a dedicated fitness enthusiast, I have connections with the movers and shakers who make a difference in our community.
Real Estate is my profession with sales exceeding $15 million in the past year.
I’m looking forward to returning for my 5th year on the Guild Board.”
Trudi Pruett, Member-at-Large:
Trudi is a former elementary school teacher and current treatment coordinator at Broadmoor Dental in Colorado Springs. Trudi and her husband, Dr, Nicolas Pruett, are generous supporters of the arts and other charitable organizations in the Springs area. Trudi is returning for her second year on the Board as chair of the Guild’s Nutcracker Suite annual fundraiser.
Rose Lyda, Member-at Large:
Rose joined the Guild Board in 2021. She also serves as Chair of the Colorado State University Extension Advisory Board and member of KRCC Advisory Board. Rose has been a musician since youth, and in her free time will be found playing piano or listening to live music,or watching independent films. Professionally, Rose works with Housing and Urban Development efforts in the community and has previously served as Director of Marketing and Product Development for an international nonprofit.
Lisa Czelatdko, Member-at-Large:
Philanthropist, businesswoman, former Legislator, and advocate for amplifying the voices of women.
Lisa Czelatdko grew up in the Midwest. The oldest of three daughters, Lisa learned the core values of being authentic and hard working. She is always nurturing new and existing relationships, and finding ways to make a difference in people's lives within her community. Lisa has been a volunteer for many organizations. Just a few of the organizations she has been involved with are CASA/GALA, TESSA, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, COS Historic Preservation Board, Pikes Peak Opera League, The Woman's Club of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild.
Lisa is a commercial broker specializing in land acquisitions and disposition of sites sized from 0.5 to 200+ acres.
She brings her honest and creative approach, education, expansive networking and commitment to deliver valuable services to clients.
Lisa has had a diverse background in government relations and legislative policies. Lisa held positions in the Colorado Springs City Council, the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Utilities, Pikes Peak Area of Council Governments and Colorado State Transportation Advisory Committee. Her tenure with City Council garnered her specialized knowledge of the inner workings of the city as well as large number of associations through her many multiple board positions and community work.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL and a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. Other education and certificates include El Paso County Citizens College, Leadership Pikes Peak, the Center for Creative Leadership, the Air Force Space Command Community Relations program, Fort Carson Leadership for the Day, Colorado State Capitol Legislative Internship, and Colorado Candidate School. She has worked as a substitute School Counselor and Teacher in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 having created and partially funded, a bibliotherapy section for her children's elementary school library.
Lisa is a single mother to four daughters, Chase, Corinne, Evelyne, and Gretchen. She has two fur babies, Stanley and Persey.
She loves running, attending concerts, and traveling. Lisa has visited thirty-two countries and has a growing list to see more. Lisa strives to live her life filled with passion, faith and volunteerism.
Sean Lange, Member-at-Large:
Sean is a native to Colorado Springs, although he spent a few years in New Mexico and California as a child. He graduated from Rampart High School and UCCS. Currently, Sean works in cybersecurity in both his civilian and military careers, currently serving in the Air Force Reserve. Between the Navy and Air Force Reserves, he’s been in the military for 17 years. Sean loves Colorado and all it has to offer. Sean and his wife, Kristen Christy, have been season ticket holders to the Philharmonic for approximately 10 years. During that time, they have donated to the Philharmonic and the Guild. They have been members of the guild as well. Sean has also served as a board member for the CS Youth Symphony. Sean says “I love our Philharmonic and want to see it grow and continue to succeed.”
Natalie Gowen, Member-at-Large:
Natalie Gowen is the founder and Creative Director of Moxie Tonic Marketing. She is a certified StoryBrand guide and marketing expert.
She’s worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners to help them clarify their message and get their businesses growing. In addition to supporting marketing for businesses across the country, her list of clients includes business thought leaders like Tony Robbins, Donald Miller, and Dean Graziosi. In addition to 15 years in web design and development, Natalie has a background in print journalism, email marketing, event promotion, and fundraising development. She is published in the Colorado Springs Gazette and XYPN Planning Network and is a sought-after public speaker and podcast guest.
Natalie works hard to improve the community around her. She currently serves on the Public Policy Committee or the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and is the communications chair for the Southern Colorado Runners Club. Her past volunteer activities include the strategic planning committee of The McClelland School, the Women’s Resource Agency, and Everybody Counts.
A lifelong lover of the arts, Natalie studied classical piano for over 20 years and continues to support and appreciate live performance and classical music. Along with her husband, she's raising her four boys to love all things outdoors and Colorado–hiking, skiing, running, and wake surfing.
Terri Pederson, Member-at-Large:
Terri is a Colorado native with a music degree from the University of Northern Colorado and an MBA from Colorado Technical University. Terri has worked as a freelance musician and played trumpet with several Denver based community orchestras. Terri’s career in the tech sector most recently includes 12 years as a Vice President at dpiX, LLC, the global leader in digital flat panel design and manufacturing for medical imaging. Terri's retirement in 2019 is dedicated to music, the arts, and fishing with her husband Kevin. Terri is a member of the KCME and Jazz 93.5 sales team where she works part time with local businesses and organizations. She also leads and plays trumpet with Tidal Breeze Jazz Arts, performing and promoting Jazz in the community, as well as serving on two music related non-profit boards.
Sandra Tiemens, Member-at-Large:
Sandra Tiemens has been the Piccoloist/3rd Flutist for the Fort Collins Symphony since 2005. She has performed for recent shows at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, including Sound of Music, Barnum, and Cinderella. Additionally, she has performed as a substitute or extra flutist/piccoloist with ensembles including the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, Colorado Chamber Orchestra, the Denver Municipal Band, and the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. She maintains an active private flute studio at Graner Music with students ranging in age from 10 to 75 years old! She is a member of the Advisory Board for the Colorado College Summer Music Festival and previously served on boards for the Texas Flute Society, Colorado Flute Association, and the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association. Sandy served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a professional flutist in the United States Air Force Band of Flight and the United States Air Force Academy Band, where she played many diverse musical and administrative roles. She furthered United States Air Force recruiting and community relations nationally and internationally. She has experience with human resources, managing finances, leading teams, advising leadership, event coordination, and project management. In addition to her career as a musician, Sandy is now a Financial Consultant and holds the CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) designation. Sandy holds a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of North Texas and holds both a Bachelor of Music in flute performance and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Lawrence University. She is married to Aaron Turner, a percussionist, and has a 14-year old daughter named Maya.
Our gratitude goes to outgoing board members: Joy Maples, Lisa Keenan, Deron Hickman, Mary Koepp, JJ Kaelin, Jessica Erling, Dee Shaver, Justin Burns, Andrew Will, and Robyn Hamilton. We appreciate your years of service to the Philharmonic Guild.
•••
Next order of business: An amendment to the bylaws of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild:
In Article V, Section 5.1. "Standing Committees" the board has approved the addition of a Governance Committee to the list of standing committees. The purpose of the Governance Committee being:
Purpose: The Governance Committee will assist Board of Directors adhere to Bylaws. The Governance Committee is charged by the Board of Directors with the tasks needed to recruit and develop an excellent, high performing Board in accordance with our mission and strategic objectives.
Scope: The Governance Committee monitors terms and board strength and weakness and makes recommendations to the Nominating Committee that is formed by the President of the Guild.
Dawn Conley, President:
As the Marketing Director of the global Catalyst Campus enterprise, Dawn and her team work on the consistency of the brand, strategic guidance of the expansion marketing efforts and she is the program lead for grants and funding opportunities. Prior to working for CCTI, Dawn was the Special Assistant to Mayor John Suthers, City of Colorado Springs, and lead the following initiatives: Mayor’s Military Liaison, Olympic City USA, Mayor’s Civic Leaders Fellowship. Dawn is firmly entrenched in the community, and volunteers her time for several philanthropies, including the Philharmonic Guild and as a military spouse, works hard to help military spouses with unemployment and underemployment issues.
Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Ohio State University and has won several awards for her contributions to the community including a recognition from Fort Carson and the City of Colorado Springs. In addition to the economic development of the companies and communities that she has been a part of, Dawn also has a keen interest in public service and volunteerism.
Stephanie Edwards, Vice-President:
Stephanie Edwards is Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Gold Hill Mesa. She is well known in the Colorado Springs non-profit sector for her generous support of the arts and other community groups, especially during the recent pandemic. Stephanie is returning for her second year as Vice-President of the Guild.
Jessica Kyle, Secretary:
Jessica is a shareholder at Sparks Willson, P.C., the oldest private practice firm in Colorado Springs, a full-service business law firm. There, she practices commercial and employment litigation. Jessica moved to Colorado from New Jersey in 2001 and never looked back. She lives here with her teenage son and multiple fur babies, and they enjoy Colorado’s vast array of outdoor activities as often as possible. Jessica has previously served on a number of other non-profit boards including Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, Urban Peak Colorado Springs (now The Place), and Colorado Springs Teen Court, as well as serving on the boards of the El Paso County Bar Association, and its charitable arm, the El Paso County Bar Foundation. She also chaired the El Paso County Bar Foundation’s Gala from 2009-2012. From 2011-2012, Jessica was the President of the Women Lawyer’s Association. While not musically proficient herself, Jessica supports her son’s musical talents and interests as he plays various instruments in their home and writes songs including both the music and the lyrics, as well as singing, in his home studio. His music can be found on Spotify, SoundCloud, iTunes, etc. Jessica believes in supporting music and the arts for a varied education and to improve the culture of our city.
Leslie Castle, Member-at-Large:
Leslie has an absolute passion for the arts, community and connecting people with the perfect opportunity.
She says, “Having lived in Colorado Springs for 36 years, I know the places and I know the people.
With a background as an award-winning personal Stylist and a dedicated fitness enthusiast, I have connections with the movers and shakers who make a difference in our community.
Real Estate is my profession with sales exceeding $15 million in the past year.
I’m looking forward to returning for my 5th year on the Guild Board.”
Trudi Pruett, Member-at-Large:
Trudi is a former elementary school teacher and current treatment coordinator at Broadmoor Dental in Colorado Springs. Trudi and her husband, Dr, Nicolas Pruett, are generous supporters of the arts and other charitable organizations in the Springs area. Trudi is returning for her second year on the Board as chair of the Guild’s Nutcracker Suite annual fundraiser.
Rose Lyda, Member-at Large:
Rose joined the Guild Board in 2021. She also serves as Chair of the Colorado State University Extension Advisory Board and member of KRCC Advisory Board. Rose has been a musician since youth, and in her free time will be found playing piano or listening to live music,or watching independent films. Professionally, Rose works with Housing and Urban Development efforts in the community and has previously served as Director of Marketing and Product Development for an international nonprofit.
Lisa Czelatdko, Member-at-Large:
Philanthropist, businesswoman, former Legislator, and advocate for amplifying the voices of women.
Lisa Czelatdko grew up in the Midwest. The oldest of three daughters, Lisa learned the core values of being authentic and hard working. She is always nurturing new and existing relationships, and finding ways to make a difference in people's lives within her community. Lisa has been a volunteer for many organizations. Just a few of the organizations she has been involved with are CASA/GALA, TESSA, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, COS Historic Preservation Board, Pikes Peak Opera League, The Woman's Club of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild.
Lisa is a commercial broker specializing in land acquisitions and disposition of sites sized from 0.5 to 200+ acres.
She brings her honest and creative approach, education, expansive networking and commitment to deliver valuable services to clients.
Lisa has had a diverse background in government relations and legislative policies. Lisa held positions in the Colorado Springs City Council, the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Utilities, Pikes Peak Area of Council Governments and Colorado State Transportation Advisory Committee. Her tenure with City Council garnered her specialized knowledge of the inner workings of the city as well as large number of associations through her many multiple board positions and community work.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL and a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. Other education and certificates include El Paso County Citizens College, Leadership Pikes Peak, the Center for Creative Leadership, the Air Force Space Command Community Relations program, Fort Carson Leadership for the Day, Colorado State Capitol Legislative Internship, and Colorado Candidate School. She has worked as a substitute School Counselor and Teacher in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 having created and partially funded, a bibliotherapy section for her children's elementary school library.
Lisa is a single mother to four daughters, Chase, Corinne, Evelyne, and Gretchen. She has two fur babies, Stanley and Persey.
She loves running, attending concerts, and traveling. Lisa has visited thirty-two countries and has a growing list to see more. Lisa strives to live her life filled with passion, faith and volunteerism.
Sean Lange, Member-at-Large:
Sean is a native to Colorado Springs, although he spent a few years in New Mexico and California as a child. He graduated from Rampart High School and UCCS. Currently, Sean works in cybersecurity in both his civilian and military careers, currently serving in the Air Force Reserve. Between the Navy and Air Force Reserves, he’s been in the military for 17 years. Sean loves Colorado and all it has to offer. Sean and his wife, Kristen Christy, have been season ticket holders to the Philharmonic for approximately 10 years. During that time, they have donated to the Philharmonic and the Guild. They have been members of the guild as well. Sean has also served as a board member for the CS Youth Symphony. Sean says “I love our Philharmonic and want to see it grow and continue to succeed.”
Natalie Gowen, Member-at-Large:
Natalie Gowen is the founder and Creative Director of Moxie Tonic Marketing. She is a certified StoryBrand guide and marketing expert.
She’s worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners to help them clarify their message and get their businesses growing. In addition to supporting marketing for businesses across the country, her list of clients includes business thought leaders like Tony Robbins, Donald Miller, and Dean Graziosi. In addition to 15 years in web design and development, Natalie has a background in print journalism, email marketing, event promotion, and fundraising development. She is published in the Colorado Springs Gazette and XYPN Planning Network and is a sought-after public speaker and podcast guest.
Natalie works hard to improve the community around her. She currently serves on the Public Policy Committee or the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and is the communications chair for the Southern Colorado Runners Club. Her past volunteer activities include the strategic planning committee of The McClelland School, the Women’s Resource Agency, and Everybody Counts.
A lifelong lover of the arts, Natalie studied classical piano for over 20 years and continues to support and appreciate live performance and classical music. Along with her husband, she's raising her four boys to love all things outdoors and Colorado–hiking, skiing, running, and wake surfing.
Terri Pederson, Member-at-Large:
Terri is a Colorado native with a music degree from the University of Northern Colorado and an MBA from Colorado Technical University. Terri has worked as a freelance musician and played trumpet with several Denver based community orchestras. Terri’s career in the tech sector most recently includes 12 years as a Vice President at dpiX, LLC, the global leader in digital flat panel design and manufacturing for medical imaging. Terri's retirement in 2019 is dedicated to music, the arts, and fishing with her husband Kevin. Terri is a member of the KCME and Jazz 93.5 sales team where she works part time with local businesses and organizations. She also leads and plays trumpet with Tidal Breeze Jazz Arts, performing and promoting Jazz in the community, as well as serving on two music related non-profit boards.
Sandra Tiemens, Member-at-Large:
Sandra Tiemens has been the Piccoloist/3rd Flutist for the Fort Collins Symphony since 2005. She has performed for recent shows at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, including Sound of Music, Barnum, and Cinderella. Additionally, she has performed as a substitute or extra flutist/piccoloist with ensembles including the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, Colorado Chamber Orchestra, the Denver Municipal Band, and the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. She maintains an active private flute studio at Graner Music with students ranging in age from 10 to 75 years old! She is a member of the Advisory Board for the Colorado College Summer Music Festival and previously served on boards for the Texas Flute Society, Colorado Flute Association, and the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association. Sandy served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a professional flutist in the United States Air Force Band of Flight and the United States Air Force Academy Band, where she played many diverse musical and administrative roles. She furthered United States Air Force recruiting and community relations nationally and internationally. She has experience with human resources, managing finances, leading teams, advising leadership, event coordination, and project management. In addition to her career as a musician, Sandy is now a Financial Consultant and holds the CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) designation. Sandy holds a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of North Texas and holds both a Bachelor of Music in flute performance and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Lawrence University. She is married to Aaron Turner, a percussionist, and has a 14-year old daughter named Maya.
Our gratitude goes to outgoing board members: Joy Maples, Lisa Keenan, Deron Hickman, Mary Koepp, JJ Kaelin, Jessica Erling, Dee Shaver, Justin Burns, Andrew Will, and Robyn Hamilton. We appreciate your years of service to the Philharmonic Guild.
•••
Next order of business: An amendment to the bylaws of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild:
In Article V, Section 5.1. "Standing Committees" the board has approved the addition of a Governance Committee to the list of standing committees. The purpose of the Governance Committee being:
Purpose: The Governance Committee will assist Board of Directors adhere to Bylaws. The Governance Committee is charged by the Board of Directors with the tasks needed to recruit and develop an excellent, high performing Board in accordance with our mission and strategic objectives.
Scope: The Governance Committee monitors terms and board strength and weakness and makes recommendations to the Nominating Committee that is formed by the President of the Guild.