Heather Knox

2025 Town Council Candidate

Professional Background/Occupation:

For over 3 decades I have called the Telluride region my home. My professional experience provides me with local insight into our dynamic community. My knowledge and experience will serve me in making informed and thoughtful decisions to best represent our wonderful Mountain Village community.

Town of Mountain Village: 1998 - 2008 Telluride Conference Center, Director of Economic Development

In 1998, I was one of the first employees of the Telluride Conference Center. In 2002, I was named Director of the Telluride Conference Center, then in 2005, the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Mountain Village. This was a fabulous opportunity to develop relationships with key partners and build activity and business growth in the Mountain Village. I managed all financial aspects of the Economic Development department which focused on Mountain Village signature events (ex. Sunset Concert Series), event partnerships with festivals, marketing & communications, the Telluride Conference Center, and planning and developing a regional Recreation Center in Mountain Village. The 2008 financial crisis killed plans for the Recreation Center, and the Economic Development Department was pared down to the essential service of communications with residents. Leading Economic Development in Mountain Village was an amazing opportunity and learning experience.

Telluride School District, Executive Director of Michael D. Palm Theater 2008 – 2014

The performing arts and festivals play a critical role in the economic and cultural fabric of our region. As the Executive Director of the Palm Theatre, I managed all aspects of the theatre, booking, contracting and marketing Palm Presents performances, and working closely with numerous festivals, non-profits, and community partners. I founded the Palm Arts 501(c)3 for community dance education and non-profit donations. I developed the budgets and was responsible for all financial aspects of the Palm, and I am proud of the great talent that graced the stage during my tenure.

Director of EcoAction Partners 2014 – 2020

Our regional governments have climate action plans and waste reduction goals. As the Director of EcoAction Partners I coordinated sustainability efforts with San Miguel and Ouray Counties and the towns within these counties, as well as key partners such as SMPA and the festivals. These partnerships continue to be invaluable in achieving community goals.

From 2020 (Covid and beyond), I have a variety of jobs. I am currently working with:

• The Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP), the only non-profit based exclusively in Mountain Village, widely embraced by our community with many residents volunteering their time to provide outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. In addition to residents, friends and family members the program serves individuals from all over CO, the country and internationally. TASP serves as a small economic engine for Mountain Village.
• Telluride School District - substitute teaching. This allows me to maintain a connection with the School District, students and parents.
• Telluride Ski Resort, (winter) front line lift ticket sales, providing a pulse on our regional tourism.
• Contracted projects on waste reduction and composting.

Length of Time as Town Resident:

13 years in Mountain Village and 30+ years in the region

Previous Political Experience/Specific Qualifications:

I have a proven commitment to serving the Mountain Village government through my appointments and fulfillment on numerous committees which include:

• Mountain Village Ethics Commission
• Mountain Village Grants Committee
• Mountain Village Meadows Resident Advisory Board
• Mountain Village Green Team

State of Colorado government:

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (2017-2021): Appointed to represent the western slope as one of nine committee members tasked with reviewing and providing funding recommendations for the Recycling Resources and Economic Opportunity Grants and sharing information on waste reduction programs throughout the state to help other communities.
• Colorado Communities for Climate Action (2018-2020): Served as regional representative to share programs and information with San Miguel and Ouray Counties, and the towns within.

Reasons You Would Like to Serve:

I love our community. I am passionate about having a positive influence on Mountain Village, so future generations will continue to treasure this special place. My goals include:

• Preserving the high quality of life for all Mountain Village residents; maintaining a healthy, safe, beautiful place for us to live, and sharing this with our visitors.
• Working on important regional projects with our partners and utilizing my skills, knowledge and connections to accomplish our goals.
• Representing our residents by being accessible to all. Living here year-round for over 30 years, I know many people, and I am approachable. I will impart to our community that they can reach out to me with questions or concerns and that I will listen and represent them.

My ability to work with all partners and constituents, and my long history with Mountain Village, its businesses, events, and nonprofits, add to my skills, knowledge and passion to be an effective Town Council member.

Other Information You Want to Include:

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota but I knew that I wanted to live in the mountains. After graduating from Colorado College, I visited Telluride, and it hit me - this is the most beautiful place in Colorado and beyond! Shortly after I settled here.

I am a proud parent of two young women who went through the Telluride School District; they are now both successful college students.

Other points of interest include:

• In addition to working for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program I am also a volunteer.
• For over 10 years I have volunteered for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
• I coached skiing with the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club for 7 years.
• I served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Telluride Fire Protection for 6 years.
• On Wednesdays at the Mountain Village Farmers Market, you will regularly find me volunteering for the Mountain Village Farm to Community Program.
• I am the President of the Parker Ridge Homeowners Association.
• I am a Member of the Telluride Women's Network.