Our Dedicated Board of Directors

Our board members have diverse skills and strong ties to the community. Their commitment to the DAEC lends itself to the quality of our programs. We are a financially secure and reputable adult education center in part due to the support and knowledge of our board of directors. Our students’ learning experience is enriched by their dedication.

Some Facts About Our Board of Directors

Our diverse and well-established board members are passionate about education and equity. Each is a financial contributor to the DAEC. We meet monthly with the exception of November. We also hold a yearly retreat to set goals and evaluate the effectiveness of previous objectives. In the spirit of working hard while having fun, every year the board generously hosts a holiday party for the staff to celebrate educational accomplishments.

Matthew Gomez, President
Matthew is the Director of Information Technology for The Payroll Department, Inc. His first interaction with the center was by providing IT services, and quickly got more involved by tutoring math for GED students, which he still does to this day. Further, Matthew is active with the Durango Chamber of Commerce where he serves as the President of the Diplomats.

Natambu Obleton, Vice President
Natambu is the Director of Network Engineering and Operations for FastTrack Communications. He was the past president and now current board member and Assistant District Governor for the Rotary Club of Durango.

Bruce LeClaire, Secretary
Bruce is the Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. He has a background in minority student achievement and Title VII (Indian Education) programs. He has a passion for mentoring Native American youth.

Kathleen Pierson, Treasurer
Kathy began her career in Denver as a Special Education teacher before moving to Durango in 1988. Since retirement, Kathy has been taking advantage of some of her favorite volunteering opportunities here in Durango. She loves being active out on the trails and also enjoys reading, sketching and traveling. Kathy is married and has two children.

Allison Aichele
Allison is La Plata County’s Treasurer and Public Trustee. Her business experience includes work in Human Resources, Executive Coaching, Sales, and Audit/Accounting.

Dean Brookie, AIA
Dean is an architect with experience in residential and commercial architecture, landscape architecture and civic planning. He is a member of the El Pomar Foundation Southwest Regional Council and Mayor for the City of Durango, CO.

Virginia Miller-Cavanagh, CPA, MBA
Virginia is a retired CPA in Durango. She served for 12 years on the LPEA board and now sits on the board of several non-profits.

Alison Williams
Alison is a talent acquisition consultant from Mercy Regional Medical Center. She specializes in nurse recruiting and other healthcare professions.

Patrick Coleman
Patrick is the City Attorney for the City of Cortez and has represented several local governments on the West Slope. He has served on several boards including the United Way, Mesa County Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado County Attorney’s Association, and Four Corners Bar Association.