Huascar E. Gomez (Rick)
2025 Town Council Candidate
Professional Background/Occupation:
With over 27 years of leadership in the hospitality and travel sector across the U.S. and the Caribbean, I currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Mountain Lodge at Telluride in Mountain Village. Since joining the Mountain Village Town Council in 2023, I have worked collaboratively on a range of key issues including housing, infrastructure, mental health advocacy, technology upgrades, and fire mitigation efforts. My background combines deep operational and financial expertise with a strong commitment to public service and community development.
Length of Time as Town Resident:
15 years
Previous Political Experience/Specific Qualifications:
When I first ran for Town Council, I had no prior political experience. What I brought was a 27-year career in hospitality and a deep understanding of hard work. Having worked my way up from frontline roles like Bellman and Valet to becoming a CFO, I’ve learned the value of listening, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that translate directly into public service. Since being appointed to the Mountain Village Town Council in 2023, serving has opened my eyes to the powerful role local government plays in shaping our community. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to meaningful efforts around housing, mental health, technology infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. The experience has both humbled and inspired me, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue this work through re-election.
Reasons You Would Like to Serve:
Serving on Town Council has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Council members, staff, and community partners on key issues like housing, mental health, infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. I want to continue contributing my operational and financial expertise to support Mountain Village’s long-term vision and ensure our town remains a thriving, welcoming destination for both residents and visitors. Equally important to me is representing the voices that are sometimes underrepresented. As a Latino resident, I take pride in serving as a bridge for our diverse community, ensuring that all perspectives are heard at the table. I even learned how to—and successfully—ran voter registration drives to help register folks to vote so that their voices could be heard. I’ve built a career balancing the needs of homeowners, developers, and rental management companies—and I believe that balanced perspective is critical as our town continues to grow. I’m excited to continue this work and respectfully ask for your support in my re-election.
Other Information You Want to Include:
My wife Madeline and I relocated to the Western Slope from Boston, MA and now proudly call Mountain Village home. In addition to serving on Town Council, I continue to serve as Board President of our Homeowners Association, Tramontana, Inc., and I represent Mountain Village on several regional boards including SMART, the Telluride Tourism Board, Colorado Flights Alliance, and Collaborative Action for Immigrants (CAFI). One of the unexpected highlights of my Council service has been working with the smart, professional, and capable staff at the Town of Mountain Village. I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with them and would be honored to continue working together to serve our constituents and support the community’s long-term success. When not working, you might find Madeline and me walking our 9-pound shorkie, T-Rex, riding my Harley Davidson, tending to our yard together, or golfing at Telluride, Divide Ranch, or Cobble Creek. Staying active in the community—both professionally and personally—is something I truly enjoy and value.