Earlier this month, Anne Wenzel shared with donors, partners, and community members her plans to step down as President and CEO of the Western Colorado Community Foundation at the end of 2026, following 25 years of leadership with the organization. | | |
During her tenure, WCCF has grown from a small, emerging community foundation into a regional organization stewarding more than $210 million in total assets and distributing nearly $9.5 million annually in grants and scholarships across western Colorado.
As WCCF looks ahead to its next chapter and prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, this season also marks several important transitions across the organization. In this edition, we are pleased to introduce new members of the Board of Directors, recognize Terri Benson’s retirement after four years with WCCF, and welcome Kyra Seppie to the team.
| | New Leadership on the WCCF Board | | |
Welcoming Incoming
Board Members
| | We are pleased to welcome three new members to the Western Colorado Community Foundation Board of Directors. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to their contributions in the years ahead. | | |
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Lorni brings a strong background in fiduciary services, estate and trust planning, and philanthropic advising to the WCCF Board of Directors. She currently serves as Vice President and Senior Fiduciary Officer at Alpine Bank Wealth Management and previously practiced as an attorney and mediator with Sharrow Law & Mediation, PLLC and as partner at Moye White LLP.
Lorni recently relocated from Denver back to Glenwood Springs where she has lived before. Recent community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Community Resource Center, as well as the Alliance Foundation, and serving on the Rose Community Foundation Professional Advisor Council.
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For more than 30 years, Ken has advised businesses, investors, and organizations on tax strategy, financial consulting, business valuation, and long-term planning. Through his work with PBG Advisors, and as a Certified Public Accountant with advanced credentials in business valuation and a Master of Science in Taxation, he has guided clients through complex decisions involving growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and succession planning.
Ken has also contributed to professional and community organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Family Health West.
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Johanna brings a great deal of nonprofit leadership and management experience, and a longstanding commitment to strengthening western Colorado communities.
Her experience with EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum and the Colorado National Monument Association has helped her build strong relationships across the region and develop a thoughtful understanding of the nonprofit landscape.
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Celebrating Terri Benson and Introducing Kyra Seppie
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After four years with the Western Colorado Community Foundation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Terri Benson as she begins her retirement. As Operations Manager, Terri played an essential role in the day-to-day care and business operations of WCCF and was instrumental in helping guide the organization through the move into its new building in 2023. Her attention to detail and willingness to tackle countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities helped ensure a smooth move and created a welcoming, functional space for staff, partners, and the community. We are grateful for Terri’s hard work, dedication, and the many ways she supported WCCF over the years. We wish her all the best in retirement.
As we celebrate Terri’s contributions, we are also pleased to introduce Kyra Seppie as WCCF’s new Operations Manager. Kyra grew up in Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming, where she studied communication and sustainability. Since moving to Grand Junction in 2022, she has become actively involved in the community through her work with Downtown Grand Junction and United Way of Mesa County. Kyra brings experience in event coordination, nonprofit marketing, and program management, along with a passion for building strong community connections and supporting organizations that create lasting local impact.
Outside of work, Kyra enjoys hiking and paddleboarding on the Grand Mesa, playing trumpet in a local community band, and enjoying live music downtown.
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Investing in Creative Spaces | |
Arts and culture help shape vibrant, connected communities across western Colorado. Since 2005, WCCF has awarded approximately $2.6 million in arts and culture funding across its seven-county region. These investments support creative projects that promote the arts, strengthen community identity and economic vitality.
Recent grants have supported TANK Center for Sonic Arts in Rangely, the Delta Egyptian Theater, and Colorado West Ballet. Additionally, WCCF donors have supported collaborative spaces like The ARTery in Grand Junction, which will open later this summer. Last month, WCCF board and staff members joined Downtown Grand Junction's Community Engagement Manager, Dave Goe, for a tour of downtown public art installations and creative spaces, gaining a deeper understanding of the role arts and culture play in shaping communities.
To celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood this year, WCCF is commissioning artists from across its seven county region. The collection will portray the landscapes, people, and generosity that define western Colorado and will be displayed at the Center for Philanthropy and WCCF events later this year.
Whether funding arts organizations, public art, or new creative opportunities, WCCF understands the importance of investing in arts and culture to support thriving western Colorado communities.
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The Run Like Aly Fund
Honors A Lasting Impact
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This spring, family and friends came together for Miles for Aly, a fundraiser celebrating the life and legacy of Alyson (Aly) Johnson on what would have been her 50th birthday.
To honor her memory, Aly's husband, Chad, and son, Kellen, established the Run Like Aly Designated Fund at WCCF to benefit Rifle High School. Born and raised in Rangely and later a longtime member of the Rifle community, Aly was passionate about supporting local youth and helping others. She served as president of the Bears Booster Club, coached middle school track, volunteered with New Creation Church, and coached CrossFit, always encouraging others to reach their potential. Through the fund and the community's continued support, Aly's tireless volunteer spirit and commitment to the Rifle community continue to inspire and create lasting impact.
We are grateful to the Johnson family and everyone who participated in Miles for Aly for helping carry Aly's legacy forward.
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This spring, WCCF committed $823,000 in scholarships to 110 students pursuing higher education and career training opportunities. These awards reflect the generosity of donors who have established scholarship funds to help students achieve their educational goals and invest in their futures. The photo below features the Cedaredge High School scholarship recipients, recognized as part of this year’s award cohort.
Through a single online application, students can access a variety of scholarship opportunities supporting diverse academic interests, career paths, and communities throughout western Colorado. In addition to traditional college scholarships, WCCF administers awards for vocational training, adult learners, and students pursuing specialized fields of study.
Scholarships are one of the many ways WCCF connects charitable giving with opportunities that strengthen western Colorado communities for generations to come.
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When generosity is shared, it grows. As we look ahead, we invite you to stay engaged whether by starting a fund, contributing to an existing one, or continuing the conversations that move our region forward. Your partnership makes this work possible.
Together, we are building lasting resources for western Colorado today and for generations to come.
| | If you’re exploring the idea of creating your own charitable fund, please contact Kristin Lynch at 970-243-3767, or email klynch@wc-cf.org. | | | | |
