Speakers

Gail Schwartz, a leading education proponent and rural economic development advocate, currently serves as a Democrat in the Colorado State Senate for the 5th District. Senator Schwartz currently serves as the Chair of the Join Select Committee on Job Creation & Economic Growth, Chair of the Local Government & Energy Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, Capital Development Committee as well as the Legal Services Committee. As a member of the State Senate, she has shown a genuine commitment to Colorado’s environment; protecting the state's water, natural resources and agricultural lands. Her current legislative focus is working to re-energize Colorado's economy by creating jobs and investing in the future of renewable energy for the state. Gail served a 6-year term on the University of Colorado Board of Regents, representing Colorado’s 3^rd congressional district. Born and raised in Chicago, Gail has lived in Colorado since 1967. She has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for over 35 years, and currently resides in Snowmass Village with her husband, Alan Schwartz. They have three daughters. Gail holds a B.S. Business Degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado.