CMC announces passing of Pitkin County Trustee Markey Butler
“Markey was deeply committed to our students, our communities and our mission,” said CMC Board of Trustees Chair Kerry Buhler. “Her vision and passion helped guide CMC during times of significant advancement, including the expansion of student apartment housing, growth in nursing and allied health programs and, most recently, the recent passing of ballot measure 7C. We will deeply miss her voice, friendship and tireless dedication to CMC and its mountain communities.”
Butler devoted her life to public service and community wellbeing. Before joining the CMC Board of Trustees, she served with distinction as the first female mayor of Snowmass Village. Her leadership also included years on the Snowmass Village Planning Commission and Snowmass Village Town Council. She also played an instrumental role in the region’s COVID-19 response as chair of the Pitkin County Board of Health.
Butler’s service extended well beyond civic office. A registered nurse and health care executive, she founded HomeCare & Hospice of the Valley, a nonprofit providing essential in-home and palliative care across Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties. Her decades of experience in health services administration and nonprofit governance informed her thoughtful contributions as a trustee.
“As a trustee, Markey was a dedicated advocate for our students — especially those pursuing careers in nursing and allied health,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. “She embodied the very best qualities of an exemplary trustee: principled, thoughtful and unwavering in her commitments to the college’s integrity and community’s wellbeing. Markey asked hard questions, led with compassion, and acted with courageous, principled leadership. Her service leaves a lasting imprint on Colorado Mountain College.”
Butler gave not only her time and talent to Colorado Mountain College, but also her philanthropic support as a generous donor to the CMC Foundation—reflecting her deep belief in the college’s mission and in the power of generosity to expand opportunity for students.
In addition to her professional and elected service, Butler was deeply committed to volunteerism and community care. Throughout her life, she generously gave her time and expertise to numerous local and regional organizations including the Aspen Music Festival, the Forest Conservancy and the Snowmass Western Heritage Association.
Butler is remembered by colleagues and friends as a thoughtful listener, a collaborative leader, and a tireless champion for accessible education and health care. Her legacy will continue through the many students, patients and community members whose lives were strengthened by her service.
CMC Trustees will announce the process for filling Butler’s vacancy on the CMC Board of Trustees within the next 30 days, pursuant to CMC Board policy. Proposed next steps will be on the Board’s agenda at its next meeting on March 4 in Rifle, Colorado.
The Butler family is planning to host a memorial service for Markey on June 13, 2026, at the Snowmass Chapel in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Details to follow.
Colorado Mountain College extends its deepest condolences to Trustee Butler’s family, friends and the many communities she served.