The Board Members Of GPHC, Inc. 

Compiled by Cara DeGette

Editor, GPHN

Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood.

The board that oversees GPHC, Inc. is comprised of volunteer representatives from the 10 districts within the neighborhood and at-large representatives. They are elected during the October annual meeting of the GPHC. Officers were elected by the board of directors in November.

The board meets on the first Tuesday of each month, and everyone is welcome to attend these community meetings. During the pandemic, the community meeting are being held virtually, via Zoom. Check out greaterparkhill.org/join-us/community-meetings/ for how to join, how to get on the agenda, protocols for the meetings and other information.

This year, members elected three at-large members, and representatives for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.  The returning Board Chair is Tracey MacDermott. Unless otherwise indicated, the board members can be contacted via the Greater Park Hill Community office at 2823 Fairfax St. or at 303-388-0918. If you want to volunteer your time and expertise, contact Ms. MacDermott at the GPHC office.

Board Officers

Board Chair: Tracey MacDermott 

Occupation: Clinical Trials Manager for the department of surgery at the CU School of Medicine.

What inspired you to take the leadership position? Many years ago I was asked to serve as treasurer for the neighborhood association. [My wife] Heather and I had just gone through a re-zoning for our part of Park Hill and I wasn’t sure I had the capacity to do anymore for our neighborhood. Over the years I have seen great changes within the organization due to the hard work of previous chairs and so I owe it to them and our neighborhood to continue the work they have done.

Describe your style. To lead by example. We have many leaders within our organization and neighborhood. My hope is that we can continue to work together to continue to improve this wonderful neighborhood.

What is your favorite thing about Park Hill? The many individuals who are not afraid to speak up. Park Hill has been presented with many challenges and every time someone from this neighborhood has been a voice and a set of working hands to work through the issue. Another one of the reasons I love Park Hill is the ability that this neighborhood has stood the test of time. However, it is under threat of teardowns and planning changes, which potentially can change the character of this neighborhood.

What is your focus for the coming year? In this next year, we are working on teams who will be leading our neighborhood on the following issues:

· Diversity and Gentrification

· Transportation and Safety

· Historic Preservation

· Open Space and Parks

Leaders are currently pulling together teams to begin this vital work, which I hope will help lead our neighborhood to common-sense solutions to preserve our character, fight climate change and retain our diverse and beautiful human capital that has made Park Hill the best neighborhood in the city.

What help do you need to make the improvements you want to make? There is truly a way for everyone to be involved at Greater Park Hill. I would like every board member to find an area that speaks to them and help guide development in that area. Neighbors can keep helping to keep our food pantry stocked. Our neighborhood is also a city leader in the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program. Our planet is undergoing its 6th mass extinction, global temperature rise as well as water and food shortages. The best thing we can do to help solve the climate crisis is to act locally. Last but not least, attend our community meetings – which are the first Thursday of each month – and learn more about what we do and how you can be involved.

Treasurer and District 3 Representative: Heather Shockey

Occupation: Human Resources Professional

What do you love about Park Hill? The people, the architecture, the history, and the proximity to downtown and the mountains.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? Becoming more involved in being a neighborhood leader with the Sustainable Neighborhood Network.

Best contact: Through the GPHC office.

Board Secretary and Property Use  Chair: Bernadette Kelly

Occupation: Construction Project Manager for JeffCo Public Schools

What do you love about Park Hill? Big mature trees, our parkways, the sense of community living in a small town in a big city.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? More parks and open space; natural solutions to decreasing stormwater runoff quantity and increasing its quality, i.e. trees, plants, permeable surfaces, mulch, rain barrels.

Best contact: Via GPHC

Chair Elect: Shane Sutherland

(also At-Large and Chair of the Preservation Subcommittee)

Occupation: Retired

What do you love about Park Hill? The people, the houses, the trees, the sense of neighborhood — pretty much all of Park Hill.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? First, I would like to see the neighborhood do a better job at preserving its history and its small houses. Also, it would be great if the neighborhood could lead the city in finding ways of providing more affordable housing and more equity in housing. Finally, I would love to help GPHC in its efforts to become a more sustainable neighborhood.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? I believe currently the two most important issues in Park Hill will be the Park Hill Golf Course and the East Area Plan. I plan on focusing on these two issues.

Best contact: tsutherland1962@gmail.com

Districts

1. Amy Harris

Occupation: Contracts & Procurement Manager for the State of Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

What do you love about Park Hill? The diversity and strength of the community!

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? Improved walkability, including better sidewalks.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? Open space and parks, walkability, historic preservation, food security, environmental justice, health equity, and lending a hand whenever possible.

Best contact: harrisamyc@gmail.com

2. Ryan T. Hunter

Occupation: Chief Operating Officer for Willie’s Reserve

What you love about Park Hill? I love the history, the diversity, the small-town in a big-city feel, and the trees!

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? Better-managed property development to ensure long-term socio-economic diversity of our residents.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead? I will focus on supporting GPHC’s efforts to feed Park Hill’s families that are challenged by hunger.

Best contact: Through the GPHC office.

3. Heather Shockey

(also Treasurer, see above)

4. Kevin Wiegand

Mr. Wiegand is an architect who co-owns the small architecture and planning firm Leasure Wiegand Design, LLC, in northeast Denver. He wants to help the residents of Park Hill determine how our neighborhood will grow and evolve in a way that benefits both the existing and incoming members of our community. Contact him at KevinParkHill@outlook.com.

5. Ken Burdette

Mr. Burdette has been a Park Hill resident since 2007. He currently works in education for Denver Public Schools. He’s excited to join the GPHC board, meet new community members, and be able to serve the neighborhood in a new manner. Contact him via the GPHC office.

6. Vacant

7. Jon Bowman

Occupation: Works with Five Points News and BrotherJeff.com to keep the free flow of information alive in Denver.

What you love about Park Hill? Good neighbors, location, alleys, pocket shopping areas, and closeness to downtown, Cherry Creek, and to parks and recreation areas.

Best contact: Phone: 720-448-5551; email Ibjb14@yahoo.com

8. Nam Henderson

Occupation: Healthcare IT Analyst

What do you love about Park Hill? The rich history of community activism and engagement. The diversity of architecture; bungalows, courtyard apartments, mansions, ranches, small commercial blocks and more.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? More equity and economic opportunity for all residents in both south, north and northeast Park Hill. Development and growth without displacement and gentrification.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? Building deeper relationships with the Northeast Park Hill Coalition and other community groups representing Northeast Park Hill, to better represent residents of my district. Particularly as the city’s Small Area Plan public process related to the Park Hill Golf Course gets going. Keeping an eye on the sale of Johnson & Wales campus and making the case for affordable/workforce housing as part of any potential redevelopment.

Best contact: namhenderson@hotmail.com

9. Stephanie Ceccato

Occupation: Attorney specializing in Real Estate Litigation

What do you love about Park Hill? Park Hill is a true “neighbor”hood filled with lots of diverse people. As I’m out walking, I always get a wave or a friendly hello from those sitting outside or working in their yard. On my block, we all check in on each other, share pet-sitting and goodies from the gardens.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? I would like to see traffic calming measures continue and our small businesses thrive. Shop and eat local!

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? Help the neighborhood stay a strong diverse community and hopefully one that is United, too. Also continue to assist with our wonderful food access programs and the sustainability efforts.

Best contact: Through the GPHC office

10. Colette Carey

Ms. Carey is Principal and Founder of EJ Reilly and Associates, an independent consulting firm specializing in media and public relations. She is also the Publicity Chair for Adaptive Spirit – the largest single funding source for the US Paralympic Alpine, Nordic, Snowboard and Biathlon teams. She is also a die-hard Avalanche fan and a devoted dog Mom. As the District 10 representative, her goal is to foster the Park Hill community spirit and to keep her neighbors informed and active. Contact Colette via the GPHC office.

At Large

Maria Flora

Occupation:  Retired attorney

Role/Position with GPHC: At-large board member, Chair of the new Parks and Open Space Committee

What do you love about Park Hill: I love my friendly neighbors and the pride we have in our neighborhood’s history, character and diversity.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill: I would like to see Park Hill residents – north, south, east and west – unite to address common concerns.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead: I plan to focus on parks and open space.  I would like to see GPHC involved in City Park, preservation of the Park Hill Golf Course conservation easement, and increasing parks and open space within the GPHC boundaries.

Best contact: Via the GPHC office

Shanta Harrison

Ms. Harrison is a lifelong resident of Park Hill. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from MSUD, and has worked as a Contracting Officer for the US Department of the Interior for the last 22 years. She is passionate about Park Hill’s past, present, and future, and hopes to be an effective representative for those wishing to foster and maintain the sprit of diversity and inclusion, as well as for those who are passionate about maintaining the integrity of the Park Hill neighborhood, while advocating for responsible growth and change. Contact Shanta via the GPHC office.

Louis Plachowski

Occupation: Owner/Managing Broker of the real estate company, DenverWelcomeHome.com LLC.

What do you love about Park Hill? I love Park Hill’s beautiful streets and charming homes. I enjoy my friendly neighbors who are from all different backgrounds and I like to shop at the lovely, quaint shops that are not part of corporate chains. I especially enjoy the close proximity to City Park.

Best contact: 720-425-3768 or louis@denverwelcomehome.com

Sandy Robnett

Ms. Robnett was born and raised in Park Hill. The only time she has not lived in 80207 was when she was away for university and law school. Professionally, she conducts compliance investigations for financial institutions and credit rating agencies. Ms. Robnett is tri-lingual and an avid world traveler. Contact her through the GPHC office.

Lisa Zoeller

(Also Community Planning Development Chair)

Occupation: Former At-large Council Aide, currently a Public Outreach Consultant

What do you love about Park Hill? Park Hill is a great place to raise a family and is full of active, interesting people.

What addition or change would you like to see? More constructive conversations about affordability, walkability, and environmental sustainability. People seem to support these values, but change can be scary and difficult. I would like our community to have reasoned, fact-based conversations about how to support measured change in Park Hill.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? COVID has pressed us all to address issues that have become even more urgent than before: housing that is affordable to a full range of income levels, and services and recreational activities within walking distance. I would like to help us all become more factually educated about how zoning, land use and public infrastructure impact our housing, environment and quality of life. We may have differing opinions but if we can operate out a foundation of facts and remain respectful, we can make reasoned decisions. And despite COVID challenges, I would like to increase community participation in our board decisions.

Board Committee Chairs

Public Information Chair: Melissa Davis

Occupation: Newspaper manager, Greater Park Hill News

What you love about Park Hill? I love the mature trees, the diversity of people and homes, the proximity to City Park and the sense of community.

Best contact: newspaper@greaterparkhill.org

Safety Chair: Geneva Goldsby

Occupation: Retired from the University of Colorado

What you love about Park Hill?

Diversity

Best contact: Through the GPHC office.

Youth Services Chair: Rick Medrick

Mr. Medrick is the founder and director of Colorado-based Outdoor Leadership Training Seminars (OLTS) and former owner of Arkansas River Tours. He’s been graduate faculty in adventure education and sustainability education at Prescott College (AZ) for 20-plus years. His primary commitment is to connect humans, young and old, with nature for physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. He’s lived in Park Hill for 50-plus years. He can be reached at rmedrick@olts-bt.com or 303 320-0372.

Church Delegate

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church: James Groves

Occupation: Retired, former Registered Nurse

Role/position with GPHC: I have been appointed by the pastor from Blessed Sacrament Church to represent the parish in connection with GPHC activities. Blessed Sacrament was one of the founding churches for GPHC many years ago. I also facilitate the parish’s participation in the GPHC food bank.

What do you love about Park Hill? I have lived here with my family since 1991. I love the people and the natural environment of our neighborhood.

What addition or change would you like to see in Park Hill? I would like to see Park Hill remain a family neighborhood. We moved here in part because we are a mixed-race family and keeping our diversity is also very important to me.

What do you plan to focus on in the year ahead with GPHC? I want to support GPHC’s sustainability efforts.

Best contact: mgroves769@comcast.net

Blockworkers Chair: Vacant

Education Chair: Vacant 

Fundraising Chair: Vacant

Health and Human Services Chair: Vacant

Human Resources Chair: Vacant

 

Executive Director – Lana Cordes

Lana Cordes was hired as executive director of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. in 2019. She oversees the day-to-day operations and engages in the long-term vision for the organization. Prior to becoming executive director, Cordes was a board member of GPHC, Inc., and served as fundraising chair and chair of the Home Tour & Street Fair. Her professional background is in event and operations management, as well as residential real estate. Contact Cordes at director@greaterparkhill.org or 303-388-0918.