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We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with so many people from nonprofits, communities, government entities and other foundations to strengthen health and wellness in Colorado.
As I stepped into the role of President and CEO for The Colorado Trust at the start of 2007 – following the long-time, able leadership of John Moran – I knew that the foundation had a strong base. Beyond its significant and growing endowment, The Trust also has well-established community connections and partnerships; strong, multi-year grantmaking initiatives under way; and a long-held commitment to evaluate the effectiveness of its grantmaking.
Among these assets, I believe that perhaps the most important is that of partnerships. Our ability to make new connections and maintain established collaborations enables us to achieve long-lasting change and innovations that continue to grow over time. In addition to The Trust’s partnerships, we have also increased our focus on finding new ways to connect our many grantees with each other. When we bring together grantees who are working on different Trust grantmaking initiatives – such as bullying prevention, immigrant integration, mental health care and suicide prevention – the whole picture emerges, beyond isolated components of social problems, and we increase the likelihood of achieving meaningful improvements.
Collectively and individually, Trust grantees help to make life better for many individuals, families and communities. Not only do they offer improved services for people today, they also provide hope for many others well into the future through the strengthening of existing systems, the establishment of new programs and advocating policies to solve problems.
I am eager to build on the many achievements of current and past grantees of The Colorado Trust. It is truly a privilege to consider the potential of the foundation’s partnerships across the state to meet new and emerging health needs.
Irene M. Ibarra
President and CEO
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The Colorado Trust experienced a number of unique transitions from 2006 into 2007. Jean C. Jones and Sister Lillian Murphy concluded their respective 10-year terms as trustees for the foundation. A veteran nonprofit leader, Jean was particularly proud of The Trust’s commitment to partner with the groups it funds, as well as collaborating with other funders. Sister Lillian, head of Mercy Housing, was instrumental in helping to maintain The Trust’s broad view of health, with our focus going well beyond medical care to include family and community factors. We have tremendous gratitude and respect for their commitment and all they helped to accomplish over the past decade.
Stepping into these two positions, we are fortunate to welcome Gail S. Schoettler and the Reverend R. J. Ross. Gail has a keen understanding of needs statewide, having served Colorado as both Lieutenant Governor and State Treasurer. And R. J. brings an exceptional understanding of mental health needs as founder and leader of the Samaritan Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling and education with an emphasis on the interrelatedness of mind, body, spirit and community.
At the end of 2006, we also bid a fond farewell to long-time Trust President and CEO, John R. Moran, Jr. With The Trust from its inception, first as legal counsel and then as CEO, John provided steady guidance and, along the way, earned our utmost respect. In recognition of John’s exceptional leadership, The Trust made three grants in his honor. The grants, totaling $2 million, provide endowments in John’s name for two health professions scholarships – one at Regis University’s School for Health Professions and the other at the University of Colorado’s School of Public Health – as well as an annual award for nonprofit leadership to a current Trust grantee.
Although John’s departure was significant, we can’t imagine being more pleased with our new President and CEO. Following an extensive national search, we named Irene M. Ibarra to this role. Irene comes to The Trust from The California Endowment, where she served as Executive Vice President. She brings seemingly tailor-made experience from the foundation, nonprofit, government and health care arenas. She also has tremendous enthusiasm for returning to her Colorado “home” and the opportunity to affect health and well-being statewide.
While the full Board of Trustees was intimately involved in guiding these transitions, I would like to especially acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Jerome M. Buckley, M.D., who served as Chairman of the Board for the past two years. Jerry has the ability to see what’s most important, to ask the best questions and offer valuable insights.
These thoughtful transitions and the ongoing dedication of our board and staff bode well for The Colorado Trust continuing to serve as a strong asset for the people of Colorado.
William N. Maniatis, M.D.
2007 Chairman of the Board
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