About Us

 

Board of Directors

KIT FLORES-MADISON

President
Kit Flores-Madison has lived in Gunnison for the past 25 years, and has been with the Observatory since 2010. Captivated by astronomy at a young age, he has maintained a deep fascination with the night sky. One of Kit's favorite quotes is that of the late Jack Horkheimer "Keep looking up!".

SUZANNE TAYLOR

Vice President
Suzanne is a professor of physics and astronomy at Western Colorado University. At GVO, Suzanne is often referred to as “the real astronomer”. When she’s not helping out with public nights and other GVO events, Suzanne is frequently doing research with the telescope in the Ted Violett Memorial Observatory.

MIKE BROOKS

Treasurer
Mike Brooks has been involved with GVO since its inception. He is an emeritus Western Colorado University Professor of Communication, and has been an avid amateur astronomy for many years. He owes his lifelong interest in space to his uncle Jim, an Apollo 11 project manager.

ROB BROWN

Secretary
Rob is an avid amateur astronomer and the Observatory’s chief dome telescope operator. Rob is currently leading the charge to install a radio telescope at GVO!

 

Richard Stonecypher

Dave Clayton

Zeth Plamer

Derek Brooks

Jeff Lazo

Mallory Logan

Drew Brookhart

John Czernicki

Committees

Observatory Engineering Committee
Chairperson: Kit Flores-Madison

  • Development of a yearly equipment update and maintenance schedule

  • The installation and maintenance of all telescopes and related equipment

  • The maintenance of the Ash dome

  • The maintenance and routine care of all building and grounds areas

  • Technical training of observatory staff

  • Supervision of telescope operations

  • Evaluate and recommend new equipment purchases

  • Development of technical training and maintenance documents

Planning and Volunteer Coordination Committee
Chairperson: Jeff Lazo

  • Develop the observatory's yearly Friday night programs, including coordinating lectures, basic dome presentations and amateur scope viewing

  • Volunteer coordination and training

  • Oversee facility scheduling

  • Development of a yearly schedule of new and ongoing research projects and their resource needs

  • Screening and evaluation of research project proposals

  • Training and oversight of research assistants

  • Development of collaborative projects between GVO and the professional astronomical community

  • To stimulate interest in amateur astronomy within the towns of Gunnison, Lake City and Crested Butte by providing for astronomy events beyond the GVO's observatory facility

  • To mentor those who are newly interested in amateur astronomy

  • To interface with NPS events at locations such as Elk Creek

  • To work within the schools on K-12 educational programs

 

Public Relations Committee
Chairperson: Mallory Logan

  • Development of a yearly public relation/information campaign
    Website management

  • Creation of ongoing press releases, informational observatory updates, newsletters

  • Development of local and regional advertising for TV, radio and print

  • Management of the observatory's historical archives

Finance Committee
Chairperson: Mike Brooks

  • Development of yearly income and expense projections

  • Development of a yearly operations budget

  • Grant writing

  • Fundraising