Nolbert Chavez ('16), CU Regent
Nolbert D. Chavez is Chief of External Initiatives, HSI Engagement and Executive Director of CU Denver CityCenter. He works closely with the executive leadership, faculty and staff to assure that external engagement efforts across campus are effective, value added and strategic. He works with cities throughout the region, business and community organizations to create meaningful partnerships and help solve tough urban/suburban issues.
Mr. Chavez was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1994 and served eight years representing HD-5, followed by thirteen years as a partner in Capitol Success Group, a strategic planning, public affairs and lobbying firm based in Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Chavez earned a Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing and in 2016 he earned a Master’s degree in political science with an emphasis in policy and politics from the University of Colorado Denver. In addition, he is working towards a master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning.
Nolbert currently serves on the Board of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Foundation, Denver’s Judicial Discipline Commission and was elected to represent CD7 on the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 2020.
In his spare time, Nolbert can be found riding his 1977 Harley Davidson motorcycle that belonged to his father-in-law since 1982.
Zach Trainor ('21), Marketing Operations and Project Manager
Zachary is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in History. After serving as a secondary social studies teacher, he joined the New Directions Political Science MA program in 2019 and graduated in 2021. He is grateful to have learned from instructors and mentors such as Nina Williams, Minsun Ji, and Steve DelCastillo. During his studies, he had the opportunity to explore such diverse topics such as the legislative process at the local level, post-Soviet Russia, and public education reform.
After graduating from UC Denver, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest and served as a COVID Coordinator for Western Washington University (WWU). He currently works in the Office of Admissions at WWU and is pursuing teaching at the college level.
Christy Doon ('06), Assistant City Administrator, City of Salida
Christy currently serves as the Assistant City Administrator for the City of Salida. She began this job in September 2022, after 16 years with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Her work with the City of Salida includes forwarding sustainability and housing initiatives, project development and human resources. Christy sits on the board of the Chaffee County Community Foundation and chairs the Non-Profit Capacity Building Committee.
In her capacity with DOLA, Christy worked hand in hand with local communities, providing resources, technical assistance and guidance. She served as a liaison between local governments, the state and federal resources. Christy also served as the program manager for the Cathy Shipley Best and Brightest Fellowship Program.
Christy earned her Masters’ Degree from the University of Colorado Denver Center for New Directions in 2006. She teaches Human Resource Management and Leadership Development at Adams State University in their MPA program and Local Government Administration at the University of Colorado Denver Center for New Directions Political Science MPA Program.
Courtney Popp ('22), Education Program Manager, iMasons
Courtney Popp gets to be the Education Program Manager for iMasons, a global member association for the Digital Infrastructure industry. In this role, she works to expand awareness and interest in Digital Infrastructure via education and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining iMasons, she spent seven years with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, focusing on Dislocated Worker Programs and Sector Partnership Development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Lynchburg College, and a Master of Arts in Political Science and Labor Union Leadership from the University of Colorado, as well as a Project Management Professional certification.
Courtney is passionate about expanding opportunities for underrepresented populations, community and economic development, and embracing servant leadership in every project she tackles. When she's not working, you will not find her, because she is probably backwoods camping with her dog. The dog would rather be home on the couch.
Brittany Morris Saunders, President & CEO, Colorado Technology Association
For over 20 years, Brittany Morris Saunders has worked in Colorado politics shaping economic development efforts and policies across the state. In her current role as President and CEO of the Colorado Technology Association, Brittany leads the state's premier nonprofit tech organization, creating meaningful connections throughout the tech community and advancing Colorado's technology ecosystem.
Brittany joined CTA directly from Amazon, where she served as Head of Community Affairs and drove engagement with local stakeholders, business organizations and community leaders in support of Amazon being the most trusted business and community partner in Colorado.
Prior to Amazon, Brittany was the President of Local Affairs at the Denver area consulting firm Sewald Hanfling where she led several high profile public affairs projects including the redevelopment of the 16th Street Mall, Colorado’s pursuit of a Winter Olympic Games, and COVID-19 response and recovery efforts for Adams County.
Earlier in her career, Brittany was appointed as the Economic Development Director for Commerce City where she created the first economic development strategic plan in the city’s history. She then joined the Downtown Denver Partnership as its Senior Vice President leading economic development, marketing & communications and public policy efforts for the center city.
Brittany is a Colorado Community College System Foundation Board Member and serves on the Downtown Denver Partnership and Metro Denver EDC boards of governors. Brittany also served under two Denver Mayors as a Denver Women’s Commissioner and Denver Planning Board Member. Brittany is a proud graduate of the New Direction's Master's degree program at CU Denver. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from CU Boulder.