Katie Hone Wiltgen selected as vice president and campus dean for CMC Aspen and Carbondale
ASPEN — Colorado Mountain College has appointed Katie Hone Wiltgen as vice president and campus dean for its Aspen and Carbondale campuses. A longtime Roaring Fork Valley resident with more than 20 years of leadership experience in education, arts administration and organizational management, Hone Wiltgen brings a strong record of building partnerships and expanding educational opportunities throughout the region.
“Katie brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, deep community relationships and a lifelong commitment to expanding educational success,” said Matt Gianneschi, president of Colorado Mountain College. “Her personal connection to the Roaring Fork Valley and her collaborative approach to student success make her uniquely well suited to lead our Aspen and Carbondale campuses. We are excited to welcome her to this important role and look forward to the impact she will have on our students, colleagues and communities.”
Hone Wiltgen, a resident of Basalt, has a proven record of leading educational initiatives, developing organizational strategy and building partnerships that expand opportunities for learners.
Her career spans teaching, nonprofit administration and executive leadership in the edtech sector. She has demonstrated an ability to drive sustainable growth, design large-scale educational programming, and advance educational access for diverse learners.
“Stepping into this position is both a privilege and a deeply personal responsibility, given my long-term dedication to the Roaring Fork Valley,” said Hone Wiltgen. “Colorado Mountain College is a beacon of opportunity in the region. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional faculty, staff and community partners to expand educational pathways where every learner can thrive. I am fully energized to lead these campuses forward as we continue to create accessible, transformative education experiences for our entire community.”
Hone Wiltgen’s roots in the Roaring Fork Valley run deep. As dean of education and community at the Aspen Music Festival and School, she managed education programming that served thousands of students and families each year, including in-school and after-school music programs across Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. She has built strong, trusted relationships with local schools, civic leaders and community organizations, and has led collaborations with Colorado Mountain College, University of Colorado Boulder, ArtistYear, and other major partners.
Throughout her career, Hone Wiltgen has focused on expanding access to education and creating programs that serve diverse learners. Her leadership experience includes work with organizations such as Maroon Bel Canto Choirs, the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, Basalt Band Boosters and Girl Scouts of Colorado.
“We are confident that Katie Hone Wiltgen’s appointment will usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration and student-focused success at the Aspen and Carbondale campuses,” President Gianneschi said. “Her proven track record, visionary leadership and dedication to community engagement make her an outstanding choice to lead these campuses into the future.”
Hone Wiltgen will begin her new role at Colorado Mountain College on Sept. 14, 2026.