Meet Our Board Members
Jose Chaves
Community Organizer
Jose Luis Chavez was born and was raised in Mesa County, he received his B.A. from Mesa State College, which is now named Colorado Mesa University. Jose Luis has been married for 45 years, he has 2 daughters, three grandchildren and he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. As a resident of Mesa County Jose Luis has had the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse population of the community from community leaders to law enforcement to school district employees and individuals reentering the community. Through his work he has strived towards finding and building solutions with individuals who have diverse points of view. As a community advocate and leader, Jose Luis sits on a variety of boards, which have taken him across the western slope and provides him with an insight into what his community needs unlike anyone else. Jose Luis knows the stories of his community’s past and work towards building the stories of his community’s future.
Shawn Davis M.G.S., M.P.A., C.F.M
PDF Consulting, Chief & Executive Officer
Shawn is a coach/consultant with over 24 years of experience in addressing health equity and non-profit management. An expert in health equity, Shawn has worked with the following populations on health equity projects: African-American, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking Latino, LGBTQ+, Native American, people with disabilities, and rural populations. Shawn also has experience in various aspects of nonprofit management, including Board training and development, fundraising, executive coaching, strategic planning, capacity building, providing technical assistance, and major gifts. He has worked with governmental entities, universities, hospitals, foundations, and corporations.
Drew Kraniak
Attorney at Hoskin Farina & Kampf, P.C.
Drew Kraniak is an attorney focusing on civil litigation, employment and education issues at Hoskin Farina & Kampf, P.C. in Grand Junction Colorado. Before attending law school, he lived and taught English, Spanish, and Geography on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. He is thankful for the opportunity to serve the vibrant Native American community on the Western Slope.
Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk
Cross-Cultural Program Director for Montezuma Land Conservancy
Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, was born and raised in southwestern Colorado, resides in the community of Towaoc, Colorado on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. Spent 10 years in the information technology field. In October of 2013, was elected to serve as a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal council. At an early age, Lopez-Whiteskunk began to advocate for land, air, water, and animals, and strongly believes that the inner core of healing comes from the knowledge of our land and elders. Served as one of the former co-chair for the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition. Serves on the Telluride Institute Board, Torrey House Press Board, and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Great Old Broads’ Council of Advisors, Telluride Institute and Telluride Foundation, and advisor to the Women of Bears Ears. Currently is the Cross-Cultural Program Director for Montezuma Land Conservancy. Lopez-Whiteskunk has traveled extensively throughout the country sharing the Ute culture through song, dance, presentations, and is honored to continue to protect, preserve and serve through education, to create a better understanding of resources, culture, and beliefs.
Alicia Michelsen
Director of The Learning Council
Alicia Michelsen is the Director of The Learning Council (thelearningcouncil.org) an educational
non-government organization, utilizing the Gift Model for community-supported education. She is on the board of Viva la Vida, Western Colorado Migrant and Rural Coalition and Western Slope Native American Resource Center. Alicia is a Sexual Health Educator and advocate in Delta County, runs the TLC Kitchen, Arbol Farmers Market, and curates community events and educational opportunities with a focus on Social Justice and Equity.