Susan Crown
A great believer in the value of America’s independent sector, which seeks to address issues that business and government do not and cannot respond to, Susan dedicates a considerable amount of time to non-governmental organizations. “Aspen Community Foundation is in a perfect position to bring a larger issue to public consciousness, and it can assemble and mobilize people who are able to act constructively.” According to Susan, her grandfather Henry Crown ardently believed that,"Philanthropy is never an act of goodwill or altruism. People need to commit to the responsible protection of one another. It's often a matter of luck whether an individual is in need of help or able to help." Susan is an officer of the Chicago investment firm Henry Crown and Company, which owns the Aspen Skiing Company in its diversified portfolio.

RJ Gallagher, Jr.
Owner and Managing Partner of Gallagher Sharp West, a marketing, sales and creative services firm, RJ believes that, "Philanthropy is not about a handout, it's about a helping hand. It's about offering hope when there is none and opportunities where they might not exist." Throughout RJ’s 30 years in Aspen he has always had the desire to make a difference in his community. He also believes that it's "cool to make a difference." RJ and his wife Nancy are proud parents to Reilly, a junior at Notre Dame and Bo, a freshman at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Michael Kaplan
With four young children and CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, Mike has his hands full balacing work, family, and community life. He believes that, “the Foundation staff is extremely knowledgeable about the issues facing the Valley and all the organizations that are working to serve the community. They make it fun and rewarding to be associated with the Foundation and their passion for this place and grantmaking that makes a true difference, is infectious.”

Karen Lord
Karen's extensive volunteer work with "The Washington Project for the Arts" and a senior center in DC, and later tutoring inner-city first graders while living in Detroit, reinforced her philosophy that, "DOING is the most critical form of giving back to the community." A former retail marketing director and avid art collector, Karen is a dedicated member of Aspen Youth Experience, and has consequently inspired her husband Courtney and their children Rachel and Max to be involved with the organization as well.

Laurie Michaels
A practicing psychologist and mother of three, Laurie is deeply committed to the health of the local community. “Philanthropy is as basic to the human spirit as destructiveness seems to be. We at Aspen Community Foundation endeavor to tip the balance in favor of the good guys.”

Jay Sandrich
Part-time Aspenites, Jay and his wife Linda are strong supporters of youth education and health and human service organizations, with a special focus on the children of a booming immigrant population. "In this country we grew up believing everybody deserves a fair chance, and the odds are really against a child who doesn't have a quality education." Jay's noted career as a leading director of film and television has awarded him four Emmys.

George Stranahan
Although his professional career began in physics, George most strongly idenitifies with his role as photographer. In between physics and photography, however, George has been: a professor, a soldier, an education reformer, a rancher, an institute founder, a brewery and tavern owner, an art gallery owner, a nonprofit executive director, a social venture entrepreneur, an editor, a whiskey maker and, not to mention, the father of six. Eugene Debbs best articulated George's guiding principle when he wrote, "As long as there is a lower class, I'm in it. As long as there is a criminal element, I'm of it. As long as there is a soul in prison, I am not free."

Carrie Wells
A local resident since 1998, Carrie says, “You always feel better when you give than when you receive.” She has found that the Donor Advised Fund she and her husband established has helped “to simplify the entire giving process in our busy lives. The Community Foundation takes care of the entire administrative process and, as there are so many local nonprofits, the Foundation helps us focus in on the areas we are most passionate about.”

Tamara Tormohlen
With a professional history in the theatre arts and a life in nonprofits, Tamara perceives philanthropy as its definition: a love of humankind. "Philanthropy is the most powerful tool we have because it encompasses every aspect of humanity, from our basic needs to the enhancement of the spirit."

Ruth Owens
A resident of Aspen for 39 years where she raised two daughters, Ruth says, “the ‘pushke’ (or charity box) was always in sight when I was growing up. As a parent my children had it in their sight, and I am sure their children will also have the same ‘vision.’”