Board of Directors 2012-2013
Shelby Smith – President
Shelby became a member of the Cultural Center Board of Directors in 2004. When committee assignments were handed out, he chose to head the one for the Hawkins Preserve. He helped design the initial plan for placing the 122 acres of Hawkins under a conservation easement. He has helped with the planning and operation of almost every major event happening at the Center. For several years he gave particular attention to recruiting new Board members as well as recruiting and sponsoring evening programs and events. Shelby served as vice president for one year and as president of the Board for two years.
He was born in northwest Oklahoma, the grandson of covered wagon pioneers. He earned a teaching degree in English and Art, teaching for 4 years in Oklahoma and for 7 years in Colorado at the Fountain and Cherry Creek Districts. For 10 years he managed community action programs for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe at Ignacio followed by 3 years of selling real estate in Durango. Starting in 1985 Shelby taught English and his wife Roberta taught French in our Cortez Schools. Both retired in 2003. They enjoy visiting their children in New York, New Mexico, and Ohio and other relatives in Oklahoma and California. They have visited France and other parts of Europe many times over the previous 21 years.
Larry McGee – Treasurer
Lynn Gann – Secretary
Diane Cherbak
I have an undergraduate degree in Food Science and a master’s in Business. I worked at Lockheed Martin in Flight Test for over 30 years. It was a very exciting and rewarding career, but I am thoroughly enjoying retirement.
I lived at the beach for the first 25 years of my life, then in the high desert for 30. My plan is to spend the next 30 years in the mountains.
My husband and I bought property in 2001 and moved here full time in 2010. We love the area and are immersing ourselves in our new community. I love the outdoors and enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, birding, working with my Rotties, and never tire of the magnificent vistas in the area.
I believe the Cortez Cultural Center is a vital part of this community and want to help continue that presence.