Board of Trustees
Trustee commitment is the key component in DEF's success.
Trustees believe in education's power to transform the world. They are committed to supporting public education. Trustees believe in DEF's ability to make a difference in our classrooms. They commit time, energy, and resources to implement DEF's mission.
Trustees find ample opportunities to fulfill our mission in the 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and other academic programs within Durango School District 9-R. DEF also collaborates with community organizations offering programs for 9-R students.
For more information regarding the commitments of our trustees, please click here.
Officers are elected annually.
OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (JUNE 2022)
Tom Geyer, President
Attorney-at-Law, Newbold Chapman & Geyer PC
Blair Matlock, Secretary
DHS alumna
John Feistner, Member-at-Large
Business Owner, Tegre Corporation
Robert Logan, Vice President
DHS alumnus; DHS Educator
Jason Portz, Treasurer
Bank of Colorado, Market President
Jean Thweatt, Past President
Retired principal, Durango School District 9-R
TRUSTEES
Barbara McLachlan, CO General Assembly Representative, District 59
Zane Wells, DHS Alumnus, Broker Associate, The Wells Group
Micki Hassemer, Business Owner, Sticks & Stones Handmade
Jessica Obleton, DHS Alumna
Kevin Culhane, Business Owner, Honeyville
Cherie Naffziger, Registered Nurse, Small Business Owner
EMERITI
Pat Murphy, DHS Alumnus; Owner, Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center
Bob Griffith, Griffith Properties
Joann Hards, Philips & Hards, P.C.
Anne Putnam, D.E.F. Founder; Retired Educator
Mary Stengel, Retired Physician
Rob Dawes Retired Attorney-at-Law
Holly Zink, DHS Alumna; Business Owner, Sunnyside Farms
Gretchen Wilson, Retired Educator
STAFF
Diana Cruz, Executive Director
Shirley Crom, Contracted Bookkeeper
9-R BOARD LIAISONS
Erika Brown, Board Member, 9R School District
Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent, 9R School District