CMC board announces process and timeline to fill Pitkin County seat
The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees has announced a process for filling its Pitkin County District 1 board seat that was held by the late trustee Markey Butler, who passed away on Feb. 4.
Under state law, immediately following the occurrence of a vacancy on the CMC Board of Trustees, the board must adopt a resolution acknowledging the vacancy and appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy within 60 days after the vacancy occurred, which is April 5, 2026. Since the vacancy occurred more than 90 days prior to the board’s next regular biennial school election (November 2027) and Trustee Butler’s unexpired term was for more than 2 years (she was reelected November 2025 for her second four-year term), the appointee will serve until the next regular election.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Trustee Butler and still processing the huge contributions she made to her community and to Colorado Mountain College,” said CMC Board of Trustees Chair Kerry Buhler. “We know that Markey would encourage the board to maintain the college’s momentum and begin the process of filling this very important position. We look forward to reviewing applications from candidates living in the Aspen School District who are interested in serving as a trustee for the college.”
Applicants for the open seat must reside in the boundaries of the Aspen School District (“District 1” according to CMC policies). An individual appointed to the open trustee seat will need to run and be elected in the college’s next regular biennial school election in Nov. 2027.
The following is the anticipated timeline to appoint the new trustee:
- Feb. 16 – March 16 — Interested individuals may submit an application letter (details below) for consideration by the board.
- March 16, 2026 — Board reviews applications
- March 23, 2026 — Board interviews final candidates and selects candidate for appointment to vacant seat
- May 19, 2026 — Installation of new trustee
To be considered for CMC’s District 1 trustee seat, please submit a letter of interest to Board Chair Kerry Buhler at:
Kerry Buhler
Chair
Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees
c/o Heather Weems
802 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
trustees@coloradomtn.edu
In their letter, candidates should address the following questions:
- Why do you want to serve on the CMC Board of Trustees?
- Describe your background, including relevant skills and experience, that you believe would contribute to the strength and effectiveness of the CMC Board of Trustees.
- Describe any previous experience you have in governance or serving on a board.
- Describe your approach to working on a college board that includes many different perspectives, experiences, and represents a broad geography.
- Describe any prior involvement or connection you have with CMC. If none, explain any prior experience you have with any other institution of higher education or K-12 experience within or outside of Colorado.
- Confirm your willingness to run for election in November 2027, if appointed.