Southeast Region
Counties: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo
Cities: La Junta, Lamar, Pueblo, Trinidad, Walsenburg
The Southeast Council remains flexible with its funding to meet the needs of the population. In the past year, the Council has focused on supporting youth development through multi-year commitments to the Colorado State Patrol’s “Alive at 25” safe driving program, the 16th Judicial District’s truancy program, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County’s workforce development program. The Council also continued its commitment to the youth of Prowers County by funding the use of a consultant to develop capacity for afterschool programming through Project HOPE in Lamar.
Meet Our Regional Council Members
William J. Hybl is Executive Chairman of El Pomar Foundation. Hybl has also been engaged in a variety of public service activities. He is a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (Senior). In 2008, Hybl was confirmed by the United States Senate as Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Public Diplomacy, a position he was appointed to by President George W. Bush. He was reappointed by President Barack Obama June 1, 2011, and currently serves as Vice Chairman. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Hybl as U.S. Representative to the 56th General Assembly of the United Nations.
In addition, Hybl was Chairman of the Board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) from 2003-2009 and currently serves as Chairman Emeritus. He is Chairman of the United States Olympic Endowment having served as President during four Olympic Games. He was named Citizen of the West by the National Western Stock Show of Denver in 2003.
Hybl is a graduate of Colorado College and earned his juris doctor at the University of Colorado School of Law. He was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1972 and was Special Counsel to President Ronald Reagan in 1981. He is married to Kathleen Horrigan and they have two sons, B.J and Kyle, and six grandchildren.
William J. Hybl
Executive Chairman, El Pomar Foundation
Dennis Maes sits on the District 60 Board of Education and is the former Chief Judge of the 10th Judicial District. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he was Director of the Pueblo County Legal Services and a Deputy State Public Defender. He was a past member of the Pueblo Regional Planning Commission and the Board of Directors for Eastside Child Care Center.
Dennis received his undergraduate degree from Southern Colorado State College and his law degree from the University of Colorado.
The Honorable Dennis Maes
Trustee Emeritus, El Pomar Foundation
Melanie Bravo joined Caring for Colorado Foundation as Senior Program Officer in September 2018. Before joining the Foundation, Melanie worked as Director of Organizational Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America where she provided consultative services and partnered with member organizations to build their organizational capacity and sustainability. She was President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County prior to working for the national organization. Previously, Melanie served as Director of Programs at El Pomar Foundation. In this role, she worked on the Foundation’s regional grant making and leadership development programs.
Melanie was born and raised in Pueblo, Colo., and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico
Melanie Bravo
Program Director, Caring for Colorado Foundation
Gina M. Cimino serves as President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Mt. Carmel of Colorado, a 501(c)(3) non-profit which operates two campuses – Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center in Trinidad and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs. She also serves as President and Broker for Kip Hampden, LLLP and as Vice Chair of the Phil Long Dealerships Board. Gina spent 18 years in the advertising industry starting as an administrative assistant while still in college and advancing through media buyer to account executive to Vice President with Graham Advertising, a Colorado based company. In 2009, Gina obtained her real estate license, where she specialized in business properties by joining Kip Hampden as a property manager and broker. Her responsibilities in this capacity include real estate owned by the Phil Long Dealership Group.
Being part of a philanthropic family has always inspired Gina to give back to her community. She has participated and volunteered in varied activities including those by The National Charity League, Newborn Hope, Boys and Girls Club, Care and Share, National Cancer Society, and a multitude of fundraising and support activities for St. Paul Catholic Church, Pauline Memorial Catholic School and St. Mary’s High School. Gina, a Colorado native, graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She has three daughters and loves outdoor activities.
Gina Cimino
President, Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness and Community Center
Leroy Garcia was elected in 2014 to represent Senate District 3, which covers the Cities of Pueblo, Pueblo West, and part of the community in Salt Creek. In 2018, Senator Garcia was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as President of the Senate, previously serving as Assistant Minority Leader and Senate Minority Leader. Prior to being elected as President of the Senate, Senator Garcia served on the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. From 2001 to 2007, Senator Garcia served in the Marine Corps. Deployed to Iraq as a mortuary affairs specialist, he personally understands the risks faced by the members of our armed forces and is committed to providing for our veterans. He is a member of the Pueblo Veterans Council, VFW Post 15006, American Legion Post, 2 and the League of Marines Home of Heroes Detachment. Senator Garcia also teaches emergency medical services at Pueblo Community College and is a paramedic with American Medical Response in Pueblo. Senator Garcia grew up around the Pueblo beauty salon his parents have owned and operated for more than three decades, giving him an appreciation for the power of small business in securing the American Dream. He is a first-generation college graduate, with a master’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa; a bachelor’s in management from the University of Phoenix and an associate’s degree in emergency medical services from Pueblo Community College. He lives on Pueblo’s south side with his wife, Michelle Randall Garcia, and their two children, Jeremiah and Xan.
Leroy Garcia
President, Colorado State Senate, District 3
Kim MacDonnell is serving her first term as a Bent County Commissioner. She has a background in economic development and office management. Kim seeks ways to bring together individuals, non-profits, governmental entities and civic organizations to address the challenges faced by rural Colorado. She serves on a number of boards and is committed to promoting programs and initiatives that strengthen both the local and the greater community.
Kim MacDonnell
County Commissioner, Bent County
Rod Slyhoff is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and currently resides in Pueblo. Prior to becoming president and chief executive officer in 1994, he held the positions of vice president of membership, small business development membership director, and account representative. Rod has also served as President of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Rod Slyhoff
President and CEO, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
Senior Staff, Southeast Region
Contact Chris:
719-577-5763
csohn@elpomar.org
Chris Sohn
Chief of Staff to the Chairman, El Pomar Foundation
Contact Shelby:
719-577-7090
smorgan@elpomar.org
Shelby Pauka
Program Associate, El Pomar Foundation
Contact Mercedes:
719-577-7057
mmccue@elpomar.org
Mercedes McCue
Program Associate, El Pomar Foundation