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Jennifer Atler
Jennifer Atler is the Executive Director of Invest in Kids. This organization partners with communities throughout Colorado to improve the health and well-being of young children through research-based programs. She left her law practice in 1999 to join Invest in Kids where she could “marry her passion of working on behalf of women and children with her job.” She has a B.A. in Economics from Duke University and a J.D. from Georgetown University, and has completed internships in a congressional office, with a federal district court judge, and with the American Coalition of Abuse Awareness. Jennifer’s goal through the Fellowship is to learn from national experts how to replicate Invest in Kids in another state, while assuring that the Colorado organization has the necessary infrastructure to support such growth. Jennifer V. Atler, J.D. |
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Valin Brown
Valin Brown has been the Executive Director of Colorado Bright Beginnings since 2001. Focusing on the critical first three years of life, this organization provides home visits to families across the state at no cost. These visits offer information, community resources and tools to help families support their children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development. He earned baccalaureate degrees in Philosophy and Cultural Anthropology and an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Northwestern University. He began his career with the United Way of Knoxville, Tennessee and moved to Mile High United Way in 2000. Valin plans to use his Fellowship to participate in formal leadership development programs, make connections with leaders outside the early care and education field, and participate in forums to explore issues including policy development and nonprofit sustainability. M. Valin Brown |
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Melinda Higgs
Melinda Higgs has been the President of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center since 1999. CNDC’s mission is to enhance the effective and efficient use of community resources through nonprofit incubation, innovation, and accountability. They currently manage operations that serve 58 nonprofit “projects” and provide accounting services to 11 nonprofit clients. She has a B.A. in Communications from Regis University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Prior to her current position, she was the executive director of Partners, Inc./Partners Association of Colorado. With the Fellowship, Melinda will enhance her understanding of leadership in the nonprofit sector by attending conferences, visiting leading national organizations, interviewing experts on the topic, and writing a report on her findings. Melinda Higgs |
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Marguerite Salazar
Marguerite has served as the President and CEO of Valley Wide Health Systems, Inc., since 1989. Based in Alamosa, it is the largest rural Community Health Center in the country serving 56,000 clients and 20 rural counties each year. Her career has centered on providing primary health care to indigent and underserved populations. She has a B.A. in Psychology/Sociology/Gerontology and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Adams State College. As a Livingston Fellow, Marguerite intends to explore how organizations around the world have been successful in providing quality indigent health care. She plans to visit programs in impoverished countries and access the resources of the World Health Organization to gain knowledge that will help her influence practice and policy at the local, state and national levels. Marguerite Salazar |
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Brian Wagner Brian Wagner has been the Executive Director of the Durango Arts Center since 1996. The Center is the focal point for the arts in southwest Colorado and provides an array of exhibits, performances, and educational programs. He earned a Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance from the University of Arizona and a Master of Music from Lewis and Clark College. Prior to moving to Durango, he was a faculty member at Reed College and Marylhurst University. With the Fellowship, Brian plans to explore how arts and culture can shape the identity and economic opportunities of his community and the region. He hopes to participate in the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders in the Arts at Stanford and to visit leading arts organizations to examine best practices. Brian Wagner |
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Johnston R. Livingston with 2006 Fellows