For anyone who’s stepped through the doors of Penrose House, they know it doesn’t take long to encounter the warm, welcoming presence of Meg Shaver. As Conference Manager, Meg is often the first face guests see, unlocking the foyer each morning and greeting visitors with a hug, a smile, and a sense of belonging. That’s the Meg effect.
Meg’s connection to El Pomar Foundation spans most of her life. Her late father, Robert Hilbert, served as Chief Financial Officer and a Trustee at the Foundation, a role that brought their family to Colorado Springs during Meg’s middle school years. In many ways, Meg grew up surrounded by the legacy of the Penroses and the spirit of the Foundation.
However, her path to Penrose House wasn’t linear. Before taking on her current role at the Foundation, she managed a kids’ event center, pursued out-of-state career opportunities, and eventually found herself back in Colorado, applying for what was initially a part-time role at Penrose House. She started at the front desk, running mail and helping with events, but most importantly, she got to work alongside her dad. Their time together at El Pomar remains one of the most cherished chapters of her life.
“If I die a fraction as good of a person as Dad, then I will have had a successful life.”
Meg’s relationship with her father continues to shape her work and her heart. She’s known for making people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: every visitor is an honored guest.
“Everyone who walks in is a guest of honor… I want them to walk away not just feeling welcome but also feeling spoiled for a little bit.”
That intentionality is felt in every corner of Penrose House. Meg’s passion for storytelling and historical preservation brings the house to life. Whether she’s sharing tales of the organ pipes in the ceiling, Spencer Penrose’s glass eye, the Russian opera singer portrait, or the nuns who roller skated in the basement, Meg makes the history feel both personal and alive.
Meg sees her role not just as a steward of the Penrose legacy, but also as a keeper of her father’s. Through her warmth, hospitality, and deep care for the house and its guests, she continues both legacies, inviting others to feel at home and inspired.
Meg’s presence at Penrose House is more than a job, it’s a living tribute to the values she holds dear. Through her care, storytelling, and hospitality, she bridges past and present, inviting every visitor to feel a part of something meaningful. The legacy she now carries is woven into every smile, every tour, and every moment of welcome. In Meg’s hands, Penrose House isn’t just a historic estate—it’s a home, and to many she is its heart.
