CALP Board |
Jerry Sonnenberg
Sterling, CO
President
Jerry Sonnenberg currently serves as a ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee. He has served in the legislature since 2007 and currently represents over 21,000 square miles of some of the best agricultural production in the country. He attributes his leadership skills to the training he acquired while participating in Class 8 of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program. Jerry Sonnenberg continues to farm and ranch with his wife and two sons, spanning five generations, making their living in agriculture in northeast Colorado.
Tracee Bentley
Midland, TX
Vice President
Tracee Bentley is the President and CEO of Permian Strategic Partnership, a collaboration between local communities and oil and gas companies operating in the Permian Basin.
Tracee’s extensive experience and leadership within the energy industry well-qualify her to lead this first of its kind partnership.
Before joining PSP as its first CEO, Bentley was the Executive Director of the Colorado Petroleum Council, a division of the American Petroleum Institute, which focuses on state and local policy and supporting the development of Colorado’s energy resources, including hydraulic fracturing and energy infrastructure.
Prior to joining the Colorado Petroleum Council in March 2015, Bentley served in several key policy positions including Legislative Director & Senior Advisor on Energy and Agriculture and Deputy Director of the Colorado Energy Office for Governor John Hickenlooper. Before Bentley’s tenure with the Hickenlooper administration, she was a founding Principal of a bi-partisan lobbying firm that focused on energy, natural resource, and agriculture interests. Tracee also served as the Director of National Affairs for the Colorado Farm Bureau where her portfolio included energy, immigration, farm policy, and international trade.
She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and prior to receiving her bachelor’s, Bentley worked in Washington, DC for U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
Tracee and her husband Mike have three children, twin daughters and a son. All three are currently enrolled in college. She is a 5th generation Coloradan who was raised in rural CO and in a farm and ranch family. She is proud to serve on the CALP leadership team as Vice President and believes strongly in the values of her rural upbringing.
Tracee’s extensive experience and leadership within the energy industry well-qualify her to lead this first of its kind partnership.
Before joining PSP as its first CEO, Bentley was the Executive Director of the Colorado Petroleum Council, a division of the American Petroleum Institute, which focuses on state and local policy and supporting the development of Colorado’s energy resources, including hydraulic fracturing and energy infrastructure.
Prior to joining the Colorado Petroleum Council in March 2015, Bentley served in several key policy positions including Legislative Director & Senior Advisor on Energy and Agriculture and Deputy Director of the Colorado Energy Office for Governor John Hickenlooper. Before Bentley’s tenure with the Hickenlooper administration, she was a founding Principal of a bi-partisan lobbying firm that focused on energy, natural resource, and agriculture interests. Tracee also served as the Director of National Affairs for the Colorado Farm Bureau where her portfolio included energy, immigration, farm policy, and international trade.
She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and prior to receiving her bachelor’s, Bentley worked in Washington, DC for U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
Tracee and her husband Mike have three children, twin daughters and a son. All three are currently enrolled in college. She is a 5th generation Coloradan who was raised in rural CO and in a farm and ranch family. She is proud to serve on the CALP leadership team as Vice President and believes strongly in the values of her rural upbringing.
Landon Gates
Denver, CO
Secretary
Landon Gates is a partner in Capitol Focus LLC, a political consulting and lobbying firm. Before starting Capitol Focus, Landon worked for Colorado Farm Bureau, serving as the Director of Public Policy for Regulatory and National Affairs. A native from Yuma, Colorado, Landon graduated from Colorado State University in 2002 with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science. Landon, began his political career with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and has experience in local, state and national politics. Landon has worked several ballot initiative campaigns and worked as a legislative aide for Denver City Council before joining Farm Bureau. Landon has broad experience in lobbying on legislation at the national and state level as well as working on regulatory issues. Landon is currently living in Denver and in 2007 was selected to serve on the Governor’s Pollution Prevention Advisory Board, serving as Chair from 2011 to 2013. In 2011, Landon was appointed Co-Chair of Mayor Michael Hancock’s transition team for Denver’s Department of Environmental Health. Landon currently serves as a member of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program Board of Directors.
Michael (Mickey) Dubs
Sterling, CO
Treasurer
Mickey Dubs is a shareholder with Johnson and Associates, CPA’s in Sterling, Colorado. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1987 and is licensed in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The majority of his clients are directly or indirectly involved with agriculture. Mickey was raised on a small farm in Delta, Colorado and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He is a member of the Farm Financial Standards Council and is active in his community, currently serving on the local hospital’s Advisory Board and as a director with the Sterling Federal Credit Union.
Don Brown
Sterling, CO
Don Brown, former Commissioner of Colorado Department of Agriculture, is a third-generation farmer in Yuma County, has run several successful businesses while spending most of his career managing and growing his family’s extensive farm operations. He has also been active in water conservation, energy development and technology innovation issues within the industry.
Don and his wife, Peggy, have three children who continue to call Colorado home. The Brown family farm was homesteaded in 1911 and has been designated as a Centennial Farm. Don’s parents were pioneers in pivot irrigation in Yuma County. Don continues that pioneering spirit today through his study of the Ogallala Aquifer and holds two U.S. patents for his fence post systems.
Brown is a recipient of the Bill Seward Memorial Award - Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Cattle Producer and the Yuma Soil Conservation District Outstanding Conservationist. Brown is a former Colorado State President of the Future Farmers of America and participates in various community and industry organizations.
Brown graduated with a degree in agriculture from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, and received a vocational agriculture education degree with honors from Colorado State University.
Don and his wife, Peggy, have three children who continue to call Colorado home. The Brown family farm was homesteaded in 1911 and has been designated as a Centennial Farm. Don’s parents were pioneers in pivot irrigation in Yuma County. Don continues that pioneering spirit today through his study of the Ogallala Aquifer and holds two U.S. patents for his fence post systems.
Brown is a recipient of the Bill Seward Memorial Award - Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Cattle Producer and the Yuma Soil Conservation District Outstanding Conservationist. Brown is a former Colorado State President of the Future Farmers of America and participates in various community and industry organizations.
Brown graduated with a degree in agriculture from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, and received a vocational agriculture education degree with honors from Colorado State University.
Matthew C. (Quint) Redmond
Golden, CO
Mr. Redmond is co-owner of Agriburbia LLC. and has more than 25 years of professional experience in design, planning, natural resources, agriculture and spacial technologies. His combined knowledge in each of these disciplines allows him to effectively manage projects that result in innovative designs, technologically advanced data management, and new approaches to sustainable development. He has a strong multi-faceted agricultural background which plays heavily in his innovative ideas for incorporating agriculture back into our modern communities. Mr. Redmond has a Bachelors Degree in Geology from Tulane University, New Orleans LA. He has also earned Master’s Degrees in both Urban and Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado. He and his wife are the Co-Creators of Agriburbia®.
Adrian Card
longmont, CO
Adrian Card has served as the CSU Extension Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources in Boulder County since 2004. He has worked in local foods in Colorado for the past 20 years as a vegetable farmer in Larimer County and as a student, instructor and researcher at CSU, and continues that work in his current position working directly with farmers, NGOs, and the public sector. Adrian’s Extension work focuses on cropping systems, food systems, specialty crop production and marketing, public agriculture education, beginning farmer development, agriculture community development, economic development, and organizational development support for the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
John Knapp
Rocky Ford, CO
John Knapp is part of a 4th generation family farm in the Rocky Ford Co area. He completed college degrees from Colorado State University in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics. During his career, John worked for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as Agronomist, Water Management Specialist and Area Conservationist in several locations in Colorado. Upon retirement he continues his association with Knapp farms. He currently serves on board of directors of the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum, Palmer Land Trust and Otero Junior College Foundation.
Chip Marks
Thornton, CO
Chip Marks has served on the CALP executive board since June, 2014. He is a graduate of CALP Class 11 and has spent more than 20 years working in the agriculture and rural infrastructure sectors.
He is currently a Regional Vice President with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation based in Dulles, Virginia, where he works with rural electric cooperatives nationwide.
Prior to his current role, Marks served as Vice President of Agribusiness with a regional bank in Fort Collins, CO, and where he oversaw the profitability and credit quality of an ag loan portfolio spanning Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming. Prior to that he held the post of Executive Vice President with a regional farm supply and grain cooperative headquartered in Northern Colorado. There he led the business development efforts of a $270 million enterprise specializing in crop production, refined fuels and livestock feed products.
From 2002 to 2011 he served as Vice Chairman of American Pride Cooperative, a regional energy and agricultural supply distributor headquartered in Colorado.
Marks operates a small family farming business in Weld County and serves as an advisory board member to the largest private family farming operation in Colorado. He served as President of the Weld County Council from 2003 to 2006.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he served on active duty for seven years as an Air Force officer.
He is currently a Regional Vice President with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation based in Dulles, Virginia, where he works with rural electric cooperatives nationwide.
Prior to his current role, Marks served as Vice President of Agribusiness with a regional bank in Fort Collins, CO, and where he oversaw the profitability and credit quality of an ag loan portfolio spanning Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming. Prior to that he held the post of Executive Vice President with a regional farm supply and grain cooperative headquartered in Northern Colorado. There he led the business development efforts of a $270 million enterprise specializing in crop production, refined fuels and livestock feed products.
From 2002 to 2011 he served as Vice Chairman of American Pride Cooperative, a regional energy and agricultural supply distributor headquartered in Colorado.
Marks operates a small family farming business in Weld County and serves as an advisory board member to the largest private family farming operation in Colorado. He served as President of the Weld County Council from 2003 to 2006.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he served on active duty for seven years as an Air Force officer.
Bob Mattive
Monte Vista, CO
Bob Mattive was raised on a small farm in Brighton, Colorado. He attended Colorado State University and graduated with a BS in Business Administration. Mattive moved to Monte Vista, Colorado in the San Luis Valley where he has farmed with his wife, Gail and father in-law, Carl Worley, since 1982. They have three children. The family farming operation (Worley Family Farms, LLLP) includes Gail’s parents (Carl & Audrey Worley), sister (Carla Worley), a nephew (Matt Smartt) and two sons (Grant and Reid). Worley Family Farms LLLP primarily raises about 2000 acres of potatoes and 2000 acres of malt and seed barley but other crops have included canola, lettuce, quinoa and green manure cover crops. Produce also includes Colorado Certified seed of both Potatoes and Barley. Additionally, Worley Family Farms, LLLP operates their own on-farm Tissue Culture Lab and Greenhouse for production of disease-free seed potatoes as well as a Packing Shed (Hi-Land Potato Co.) where fresh table stock potatoes are packed and shipped. Between 15-20 different varieties of their potatoes are shipped around the country and into Mexico.
Mattive currently serves on the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) Board, Rio Grande Drainage District Board, Colorado Seed Growers Association (CSGA) Board, The Colorado Ag Leadership Program(CALP) Board, The National Potato Council (NPC) Board, The San Luis Valley Extension Advisory Board, and The Council for Ag Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET). Past service includes 4-H Leader, Sargent School Board, Sargent Church Board and the Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association (CCPGA) Board. He is a graduate of The Colorado Ag Leadership Program (Class 11).
Mattive currently serves on the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) Board, Rio Grande Drainage District Board, Colorado Seed Growers Association (CSGA) Board, The Colorado Ag Leadership Program(CALP) Board, The National Potato Council (NPC) Board, The San Luis Valley Extension Advisory Board, and The Council for Ag Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET). Past service includes 4-H Leader, Sargent School Board, Sargent Church Board and the Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association (CCPGA) Board. He is a graduate of The Colorado Ag Leadership Program (Class 11).
Wes POllart
Sterling, CO
Wes Pollart was in the Colorado Ag Leadership Program Class 11. Wes began his love for agriculture at a young age, helping his dad in the feedlots and area farmers growing up. He attended Northeastern Junior College, and then transferred to Colorado State University, where he obtained a Soil and Crop Science degree in 1999. Wes started working at Aero Applicators, Inc. in 2004 and is currently the Agronomy Manager. He currently serves on the CSU FarmHouse Association Board, Colorado Certified Crop Advisory Board and Sterling Rural Fire Protection Board. Wes and his wife Nicole live in Sterling and enjoy gardening and traveling together.
Angie Cue
Lamar, CO
Angie is the Energy Impact and Gaming Program Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Prior to working for DOLA, she was the Community Development Manager for the City of Lamar and the Executive Director of the Main Street program, Lamar Partnership Inc. Angie has over 10 years of experience in leadership development in rural, agricultural communities. Community development comes in many forms for her to include retail recruitment, downtown revitalization and business retention.
Born, raised and rooted in Lamar, Angie received her Bachelors of Science from Colorado State University and holds an MBA from Regis University. Prior to her work in community development, Angie worked as the Executive Director of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program.
Born, raised and rooted in Lamar, Angie received her Bachelors of Science from Colorado State University and holds an MBA from Regis University. Prior to her work in community development, Angie worked as the Executive Director of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program.
John Salazar
Manassa, CO
John Salazar was appointed Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor John Hickenlooper in 2011 and served as Commissioner until 2014 during which time he focused on a number of issues including exports, restoring consumer confidence and developing an aggressive communications and promotion effort for Rocky Ford Cantaloupe and revitalizing the Colorado Ag Leadership Program.
Salazar participated in the NASDA Immigration Task Force in 2012, served as the WUSATA President and the WASDA President in 2011. John served three terms representing Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and was a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Veteran’s Affairs Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Salazar’s advocacy in congress earned him recognition for outstanding service by the American Farm Bureau and the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmer’s Union. He played a key role in passing the historic Farm Bill of 2008 and authored the rural broadband and specialty crop provisions. With a seat on the powerful house Appropriations Committee in his third term, Salazar worked on national energy issues, jobs creation and the economy.
Before his time in Congress, Salazar served in the Colorado General Assembly for two years. Salazar served on the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program Board and the Colorado Agricultural Commission before being elected as a state Representative in 2002. He has also been a member of the Farm Credit Services Board of Directors, the Seed Export Committee with the Colorado Certified Seed Growers and was the founder of the St. Joseph Youth Athletic Program.
The Salazar family celebrates 14 generations of farming; John Salazar was raised on a San Luis Valley farm, where he and his five siblings shared a bedroom and had no electricity or running water. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Adams State College after servine three years in the U.S. Army. Salazar continues to call the San Luis Valley home. He works on the family farm where they have farmed and ranched the same for seven generations.
Salazar participated in the NASDA Immigration Task Force in 2012, served as the WUSATA President and the WASDA President in 2011. John served three terms representing Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and was a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Veteran’s Affairs Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Salazar’s advocacy in congress earned him recognition for outstanding service by the American Farm Bureau and the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmer’s Union. He played a key role in passing the historic Farm Bill of 2008 and authored the rural broadband and specialty crop provisions. With a seat on the powerful house Appropriations Committee in his third term, Salazar worked on national energy issues, jobs creation and the economy.
Before his time in Congress, Salazar served in the Colorado General Assembly for two years. Salazar served on the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program Board and the Colorado Agricultural Commission before being elected as a state Representative in 2002. He has also been a member of the Farm Credit Services Board of Directors, the Seed Export Committee with the Colorado Certified Seed Growers and was the founder of the St. Joseph Youth Athletic Program.
The Salazar family celebrates 14 generations of farming; John Salazar was raised on a San Luis Valley farm, where he and his five siblings shared a bedroom and had no electricity or running water. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Adams State College after servine three years in the U.S. Army. Salazar continues to call the San Luis Valley home. He works on the family farm where they have farmed and ranched the same for seven generations.
Dr. James G. Pritchett
Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Pritchett serves as the Executive Associate Dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. His passion is serving Colorado agriculture and implementing the shared strategic vision of CAS. On a day-to-day basis, Pritchett directs operations and administration for the College’s activities. He is a land grant economist who enjoys working in a wide range of teaching, research and engagement activities including agribusiness management, water resource economics, community development and interdisciplinary land management strategies. Originally from southeastern Colorado, Pritchett is a two-time alumnus of CSU, and he received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in Agriculture and Applied Economics.
Lisa Cooksey
strasburg, CO
Lisa Cooksey got her professional start at Colorado State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. During her tenure at CSU, Lisa developed a passion for leadership working on many teams at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. When she joined the Equine Sports Medicine Team, as a rehab and MRI technician, Lisa learned to appreciate the incredible value in quality veterinary diagnostics for equine patients and their veterinarians. After earning her bachelors degree, Lisa began her career with Sound Technologies in digital radiography as an Installation and Application Specialist. Currently, she enjoys the new clients, as well as, strengthening relationships with existing clients as the Rocky Mountain Region Equipment Specialist for Sound Technologies. While in CALP class 14 Lisa was inspired to further her involvement in her rural community. She completed an EMT program at Morgan Community College and began serving as a Volunteer EMT at Southeast Weld Fire Protection District. Outside of her career in Veterinary Diagnostics, Lisa also lives and works on a diversified 5th generation family farm in Strasburg, CO.
Katharine Lotspiech
Kersey, CO
Jon Becker |
Fort MOrgan, CO
Jon is a native of Morgan County where he still lives with his wife of 20 years, Christal, and their two boys Grant and JT.
Jon earned his A.S. degree from Morgan Community College and went on to receive a B.S. in Business Administration and Organizational Management from Colorado State University. Jon has also received his MBA from Colorado Christian University.
Upon graduation from CSU, Jon started his career as an insurance adjuster for Farmers Insurance Group. He went on to be the Executive Director of Morgan County Economic Development Corporation where he successfully recruited several businesses to the area.
In 2008 Jon was elected County Commissioner for Morgan County overseeing a $30 million budget, 300 employees, two enterprise funds, and managing many day to day operations with his fellow commissioners. Jon was named Chair of the Morgan County Commissioners in 2010.
In November of 2010 Jon was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives HD 63. As a freshman legislator he was appointed to the powerful Joint Budget Committee, responsible for putting together the state's annual budget. He also served as the Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
In 2014 Jon was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives HD 65. He now serves on the Capital Development, Transportation, and Agriculture Committees at the state legislature.
Currently Jon works as the Vice President of Business and Government for Viaero Wireless. In this capacity he heads Site Acquisition Team, concentrating on locating, developing, and permitting new tower and retail locations. His team also takes care of all leases and easements for the company.
Jon earned his A.S. degree from Morgan Community College and went on to receive a B.S. in Business Administration and Organizational Management from Colorado State University. Jon has also received his MBA from Colorado Christian University.
Upon graduation from CSU, Jon started his career as an insurance adjuster for Farmers Insurance Group. He went on to be the Executive Director of Morgan County Economic Development Corporation where he successfully recruited several businesses to the area.
In 2008 Jon was elected County Commissioner for Morgan County overseeing a $30 million budget, 300 employees, two enterprise funds, and managing many day to day operations with his fellow commissioners. Jon was named Chair of the Morgan County Commissioners in 2010.
In November of 2010 Jon was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives HD 63. As a freshman legislator he was appointed to the powerful Joint Budget Committee, responsible for putting together the state's annual budget. He also served as the Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
In 2014 Jon was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives HD 65. He now serves on the Capital Development, Transportation, and Agriculture Committees at the state legislature.
Currently Jon works as the Vice President of Business and Government for Viaero Wireless. In this capacity he heads Site Acquisition Team, concentrating on locating, developing, and permitting new tower and retail locations. His team also takes care of all leases and easements for the company.
corey pelton
brighton, co
Corey Pelton is a District Director with Farm Service Agency who works with Colorado’s farmers and ranchers to help support their efforts in maintaining a strong Ag economy through various programs and services.
Corey believes that a strong and diverse agricultural sector plays a vital role, not only for rural Colorado, but Colorado as a whole.
Corey is a class 13 graduate of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program and holds degrees in Horticulture Business Management and Landscape Horticulture from Colorado State University.
Corey believes that a strong and diverse agricultural sector plays a vital role, not only for rural Colorado, but Colorado as a whole.
Corey is a class 13 graduate of the Colorado Ag Leadership Program and holds degrees in Horticulture Business Management and Landscape Horticulture from Colorado State University.
Jenifer gurr
broomfield, co
Jenifer Gurr is the Chief Administrative Officer and Human Resources Director at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. She oversees the administration and day-to-day operations of the Department including Facilities Management. Her position provides her the opportunity to work closely with Colorado’s agricultural industry while playing a vital role in the daily functions and operations of the Department. During her tenure, Jenifer has developed into an instrumental member of the agency by working closely with the Colorado Agricultural Commission, industry and the public, and serves as the rules administrator for all rules adopted by the Department. Jenifer is the institutional knowledge of the Department with a broad-based knowledge of the Department and its functions, and the Colorado budget and legislative processes. Jenifer was instrumental in the consolidation of six different metro area locations into one Department of Agriculture campus in Broomfield. Jenifer is a 2019 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Honor Award recipient of the Douglas-Irwin Administration Award, recognizing an individual for outstanding contributions within a state agency resulting in improved efficiency and impact.
Raised in a ranching community in northwest Colorado, Jenifer has dedicated her professional career to the advancement of Colorado agriculture and is a 2017 graduate of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program.
Raised in a ranching community in northwest Colorado, Jenifer has dedicated her professional career to the advancement of Colorado agriculture and is a 2017 graduate of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program.
kate greenberg
broomfield, co
Kate Greenberg was appointed the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor Jared Polis in December 2018. Greenberg was the Western Program Director for National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) where she was involved in water issues. This included working closely with Colorado's Basin Round tables and being involved with the state's Water Plan and Colorado River Basin water policy. Over the last six years, she has worked with producers across Colorado to reshape policies and programs at the state and federal level including working on issues of farmland affordability, agriculture education, access to capital and credit, and Food Safety Modernization Act Compliance.