06/26/2013
introducing the big thinkers (and we're all on facebook):
kim poast, president/ceo, big thinker
Kim has over twenty-five years of professional experience in higher education administration and community engagement. Most recently, she was at the Colorado Department of Higher Education where she served as Deputy Director and Associate Deputy Director of Access and Student Services.
At the university/college level, Kim has held a number of positions including Director of Student Life, Dean of Students, Academic Advisor and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Community College of Denver, Regis University and the University of Northern Colorado.
Kim has served on a number of community boards including the Denver Center for Crime Victims, Minds Matter Denver, the Cheshire Children's Fund, the Academy for Urban Learning, DPS Executive Internship Program, and was the Chair of Denver Project Wise.
Kim is an alumnus of Leadership Denver's class of 2002 (best class ever), received her BS in Psychology and MS in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University, and her PhD in Higher Education, Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.
Kim is the proud parent of 7 year-old, Liliana, and has two cats and two parakeets. Kim loves to write, play guitar and remodel her house.
richard jividen, big thinker
Richard has worked as a designer marketing higher education for almost 30 years. Currently, he is principal designer and owner of TEN2design, a company specializing in creative graphic design and consulting services, program development and event planning that support and strengthen brand identity. previously, he was the director of creative services at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Community College of Denver where he reinforced the institution's brand and supported recruitment, development, alumni, legislative and public relations efforts. Additional clients include the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Civic Canopy, Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
Richard currently services as president of the board of directors for the University and College Designers Association (UCDA) Foundation, the only design association created specifically for educational institutions, inspires designers and design educators working in North america and around the world.
He also serves on the board of Project Wise, a Denver non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women facing economic challenges to achieve their individual goals, and positively impact their community.
beth bean, big thinker
Beth is the Associate Deputy Director for Planning and Performance at the Colorado Department of Higher Education and has primary responsibility for over 19 million postsecondary records of students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
She has over 10 years of experience working in higher education administration, including expertise in institutional research, curriculum and instruction, coaching and advising.
Beth has a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education from the University of Denver, with a research emphasis on student persistence and scholarship recipients.
Beth resides in Denver with her two beautiful daughters, Addie and Sadie, her partner, Mitch, his three children, and too many pets.
emily moore, big thinker
Emily Moore (RedPen, LLC) is a writer, editor and researcher with strong project management skills. An irrepressible learner, she has extensive experience in online educaton, including developing online courses for delivery in Spanish to students in Latin America and the U.S. While director of accreditation and compliance at Jones International University, Emily identified and analyzed strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in currciulum, instruction and assessment. The position supported the university continuous improvement and compliance with state, national and profesional associations including the US Department of Education, the Higher Learning Commission, the Colorado State Board of Education, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Emily holds a BA in Italian from Middlebury College and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado.
Emily lives in North Denver with her two daughters, Greta and Piper and her husband, Scott.
jerry mason, big thinker
Jerry has served as the Director of Student Facilities & Services for the Auraria Higher Education Center since June of 2011. In this role, he serves as the primary service provider for the Tivoli Student Union and other student fee funded programs and space on the Auraria Campus.
He has over 15 years of leadership experience in Higher Education Administration working for Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Denver, University of Colorado Denver and the University of Michigan including expertise in student retention, program/project management and staff development.
Jerry received his BA and his MA in Higher Education Administration and his BA from Oklahoma State University.
Jerry is a native of Denver and father of 8 year old twins, Massy and Caleb. His wife, Stacy, serves as the Chief of Family Practice at Kaiser Permanente, Lakewood.
He enjoys fly fishing and running half marathons in his spare time.
amy farnan, big thinker
Amy Farnan is currently the Director of Development and Communication for the R**e Assistance and Awareness Program (RAAP). Prior to joining RAAP she served as Director of Development at Colorado “I Have A Dream Foundation” (CIHAD) for nine years. She has also served in development positions at Kent Denver School and the University of Denver.
When not raising money, Amy served in prevention and education roles for RAAP andSafeHouse Denver.
Amy's areas of expertise include: strategic planning, project management, grant research, writing and evaluation, communications and marketing, and program development.
Amy is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in communication and theater.
She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Sophia and partner, and their dog, Ollie, while continuing to believe that someday she will be a stand-up comedian.
