Born and raised in Pueblo, Verna met her husband Dave during college and moved to Colorado Springs after graduation. Together, they have raised three children, Jake, Jimmy, and Jordan. Throughout the children’s schooling, Verna has volunteered for a variety of events including the PTA, volleyball coach, CTE committee and organize banquets for the kids’ athletic teams. She loves everything about Colorado -the adventures, the wildlife, the history and the community. Verna has held a membership at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for over 15 years.
What do you do for a living? What brought you down that path?
Currently, the business operations manager for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. My passion for the sport of ice hockey and wanting to be involved in collegiate athletics brought me down this path. The one goal I wanted to accomplish with the NCHC is to create a sense of family with our staff, membership, student-athletes and fans so everyone I came in contact with through the NCHC felt part of the organization.
Tell us something that makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
I am always willing to help those around me and make others know that they are appreciated and loved. During COVID, I organized a Driveway Dinner for our street, made sure our older neighbors had a cake for their birthday and got flowers for all the mom’s on our street.
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today?
The struggle to have children. It taught me compassion for others and patience. I also learned that every day is a true gift so make the most of it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be so serious and be more adventurous.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why? (personal or professional)
Taking my 93-year old Mother-In-Law and daughter to Spring Tea at Glen Eyrie – just because.
What is the one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
Common Sense by Thomas Paine – because we need to be reminded why America pursued independence from Britain.
What is your favorite quote?
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their service,” – President Harry S. Truman
What local businesses would you recommend our readers support?
Bon Tons, Jax Brewery, Amanda’s Fonda, Paravicini’s, Roman Villa, Panino’s, Rhodesco Printing, A Total New You Salon & Day Spa
What local nonprofit would you recommend our readers support?
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – so we can keep the wild in Colorado.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Trying to please everyone – I still struggle with this but feel I am making progress.
What is your most memorable childhood experience? This can be good or bad.
My most memorable childhood experience was our road trip to Canada. We drove through Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, took the ferry to Victoria Island from Vancouver, had dinner in the Space Needle, visited my Dad’s best friend in Oregon, walked in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, visited the Redwood forest – a great adventure with my parents and brother.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mother – She has had to overcome so many things in her life but she continues to find joy and happiness in all she does.
If you had a superpower what would it be and why?
I would like people to see others with the character of their hearts and no outside influences.
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
If they aren’t with me, a photo of my family, a picture of Pikes Peak and waterproof matches
Which are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado?
The top of Pikes Peak, Keystone, the Brown Palace, Grand County, Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Needles Creek Reservoir.
Which is the next destination on your wish list?
Alaska or the Carolinas.