Judith Wagner and Dr. Jerome Buckley served as Trustees of The Colorado Trust from 1998 through 2008. As they approach the conclusion of their tenures as board members, they share their thoughts on Trust grantmaking efforts over the past decade, as well as opportunities for the future.
Judith B. Wagner, Founder, President and CEO
Wagner Investment Management, Inc.
CommunityConnection: From your perspective, what are some of the most important issues The Trust has addressed over the last decade?
Judith Wagner: I took a particular interest in The Trust's commitment to the Qualistar Early Learning initiative. Early childhood education is the most important thing we can provide our children because it lays the foundation for a strong future. This program has the capacity to impact thousands of children and their families - not only in Colorado, but nationally.
CommunityConnection: Given your contribution to shape The Trust's new vision of achieving access to health for all Coloradans by 2018, what do you see in the future for The Trust?
Judith Wagner: By leveraging The Trust's established initiatives to achieve our new vision of access to health, I see the foundation's future as hugely exciting and dynamic. Over 23 years, we've learned what communities need to maximize health outcomes. This enormous inventory of knowledge and strong relationships will help us to ensure access to health - first for Colorado's children, and then for all Coloradans.
CommunityConnection: What have you most enjoyed about your role as a Trustee?
Judith Wagner: I feel honored to have participated on the board of this important Colorado foundation. The scope of the job was both wide and deep. As a result, I learned more than I had ever imagined about health in its broadest sense. The people I met and worked with are dedicated, knowledgeable, sincere and committed to serving their communities. Trustees, too, brought many different perspectives to the work of the organization, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and insights to promote health and well-being, and the staff's commitment to service and caring was always exemplary.
The Trust's statewide fiscal contributions have been significant and have served Coloradans well. I am thrilled that we are stepping into a new decade with an explicit, measurable mission. I know that staff, trustees and our many partners will succeed in achieving access to health for all Coloradans because of the kind of people you are.
Jerome M. Buckley, MD, former chairman and CEO
COPIC Insurance Company
CommunityConnection: From your perspective, what are some of the most important issues The Trust has addressed over the last decade?
Jerome Buckley: There are many important issues that The Trust has addressed during the past 10 years - among them, four are most meaningful to me: the efforts of our statewide grantees to improve patient safety, improve immunization rates, address inequalities in health care, and integrate immigrants and refugees into Colorado communities.
CommunityConnection: Given your contribution to shape The Trust's new vision of achieving access to health for all Coloradans by 2018, what do you see in the future for The Trust?
Jerome Buckley: The Colorado Trust made a commitment to a new vision and a finite date to achieve that vision. Like navigating a ship through seas of change, the foundation will need to make regular adjustments to its work to ensure that it keeps moving in the right direction. To be successful in a climate that's constantly changing on both macro and micro levels, The Trust needs to be vigilant in its commitment to stay the course by constantly trimming its sails.
CommunityConnection: What have you most enjoyed about your role as a Trustee?
Jerome Buckley: First and foremost, I have enjoyed the work itself - our many initiatives to improve the health and well-being of people around the state. I also greatly enjoyed working with the dedicated staff, and the incredibly bright and loyal trustees.
