Unleashing potential through experience and vision.
Our executive leadership team is comprised of seasoned professionals with a shared vision: to empower our communities. We believe they’re the heart of our organization. Get to know them and you’ll see why.
Shelley Evans, M.A.
Executive Director
The visionary leader of CHI, Shelley guides the organization’s mission and strategy to make a meaningful impact in our communities. With decades of experience in nonprofits, she has a deep understanding of issues facing the community and a passion for creating sustainable solutions. Shelley holds her master’s degree from Wichita State University, is a Certified Addictions Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Specialist. A Colorado native, she’s skilled in strategic planning, fundraising, and public policy.
Gabe Matherly
Director of Operations
Degreed in Economics from the University of Hawaii, Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to CHI. He is responsible for managing resources and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, and is always looking for ways to improve CHI’s operations. A driving force behind the organization’s success and dedicated to achieving our mission and vision, Gabe has a strong track record in business and operations management, with over 25 years of experience in the field. Prior to joining CHI, Gabe oversaw operations for a national big-box retailer, and he’s also managed movie theaters all over the country.
Jerome Evans, Ph.D.
Director of Research & Evaluation
An experienced professional who leads the research, evaluation, and analysis efforts at CHI, Jerry has a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and program evaluation. In his role as Director of Research & Evaluation, Jerry is responsible for designing and implementing research studies, evaluating program effectiveness, and analyzing data to inform decision making. With his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Statistics from the University of Portland, Jerry’s committed to using data-driven insights to improve the impact of our programs and services.
Justin Windholz
President, Board of Directors
Justin is a Colorado native, having grown up in Denver and moving to Glenwood Springs in 2005. Justin and his wife Sarah own Crystal Property Management, a real estate / property management company in the Roaring Fork Valley. Justin obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Colorado. Justin and his wife Sarah enjoy outdoor activities with their daughter Kate as well as traveling. Justin is a Board member of the local chapter of the National Association of Property Managers, and volunteers with other local non-profit organizations including The River Center and Literacy Outreach.
Stacey Novak
Vice President, Board of Directors
A Senior Vice President at 1st Bank, Stacey manages the Allowance for Credit Losses, Risk Analysis, and leads a team of analysts. A trusted mentor, she guides her team through change and growth while ensuring service excellence. Stacey was raised in Glenwood Springs and graduated from Colorado Mountain College. She’s proud of her work in talent development, mentoring emerging leaders through their career journeys. She oversees projects that improve systems and processes, providing scalable solutions for the organization. She is able to handle both the human and task side of projects, and enjoys tackling the toughest challenges with her team to achieve outstanding results. Recently engaged, she loves to travel in her free time.
Anakaren Meraz, RN
Secretary, Board of Directors
Anakaren Meraz is committed to helping the underserved in communities across Western Colorado. A Valley native, she graduated from Basalt High School and then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Colorado Mesa University. She’s a qualified medical interpreter, passionate about using her medical expertise and language skills to bridge communication gaps and provide the best possible care to her patients. Anakaren is an avid traveler, always seeking out new experiences and learning opportunities. When she’s not on the road, Anakaren enjoys hiking, cooking, and gardening. She lives in Glenwood with her husband, and is the proud mother of two children and a puppy.
Gustavo Hurtado
Member, Board of Directors
With years of experience in banking, Mr. Hurtado brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He is skilled in analyzing complex financial data, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and making sound lending decisions that help his clients achieve their financial goals, making him a highly valued member of the Bank of Colorado team. In his free time, Gustavo enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, golfing, and paddle-boarding. He is also a travel enthusiast and has a goal to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the country. He enjoys exploring new cities and trying new cuisines, immersing himself in local cultures and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Married with two kids and a dog, he is a proud graduate of Basalt High School having been raised here in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Johnny Mendoza
Member, Board of Directors
Norma Cigarroa
Member, Board of Directors