Members
- Marilyn Alkire (Independent) the current Chairman of the Commission, In February, 2007, Governor Ritter reappointed Marilyn Alkire, a representative of the racing industry. Ms. Alkire's full four-year term as a Commissioner continues from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2010. Ms. Alkire received her Jurist Doctorate from the University of Denver, College of Law in 1977. For several years, she was a partner in the firm of Holme, Roberts and Owen, her specialization being natural resources and environmental law. She served as the President of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association. She has been and continues to be very active and involved in community service. Ms. Alkire is self-employed in the breeding, showing and training of world-class quarter horses, a business that affords her the opportunity to apply her lifelong knowledge and love of horses and the horse industry.
- Jack Pretti (Republican) The current Vice-Chairman, In October 2008, Governor Ritter reappointed Jack Pretti, a representative of the racing industry. Mr. Pretti is a Colorado native and fourth-generation resident of Garfield County, having been born in Rifle and raised on the family ranch located at Silt. Mr. Pretti has operated Colorado Heritage Real Estate Company, a firm servicing all classifications of general real estate properties with offices located in Rifle and Battlement Mesa for over ten years. His early fondness and enthusiasm for racehorses, races and racing events has remained with him throughout his life. In the mid-1970¿s, when the Colorado Fair Circuit was active, Mr. Pretti along with being a racehorse owner, was the Director, President and Association Steward for the Western Slope Race Association, which conducted a Fair Circuit race meet in Rifle.
- Mary Sharon Wells (Democrat) On September 22, 2008, Governor Ritter appointed Mary Sharon Wells to serve as a representative of the general public to the Colorado Racing Commission. Ms. Wells' term of service will remain in effect until 2012. Ms. Wells possesses a wealth of varied employment, volunteer and community service experience. She taught music in the Denver Public Schools for approximately ten years; then, served in numerous capacities in state and county government. She worked for twenty-six years with the Colorado Legislature as both a lobbyist and an employee. She held the position of Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the Jefferson County Public Schools. Ms. Wells distinguished herself at the State House and gained a reputation for integrity, fairness and commitment. Her community service has included, but is not limited to, being the chair and an advisory board member for the Colorado Criminal Justice Commission's Build a Generation program, being a community activist in Jefferson County and working for the betterment of neighborhoods, schools and the environment there. She has been affiliated with various organizations, including the Colorado Association of School Executives, the Federal Relations Network/ Colorado Association of School Boards, the Lakewood/South Jeffco Chamber of Commerce, the West Chamber Serving Jefferson County as well as the Colorado Chorale and the Denver Symphony Guild.
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Charles D. Vail, DVM: (Republican) In November 2007, Governor Ritter appointed Dr. Charlie Vail, a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine. Dr. Vail has had a long and distinguished career in veterinary medicine, which has included serving as an Assistant Veterinarian at the 1958 and 1959 summer race meets at Centennial Racetrack and Brush, Colorado. Upon graduation from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1960, Dr. Vail entered private equine practice in Littleton, Colorado. In 1962 and 1963, Dr. Vail served as the Track Veterinarian at Centennial Racetrack. Following the 1963 season at Centennial, Dr. Vail accepted the position of Senior Partner in the Littleton Large Animal Clinic, one that he continues to hold. He is now a Partner and Owner of the Littleton Large Animal Clinic. During his career, Dr. Vail has been affiliated with and held offices in numerous professional associations and societies. In 1987, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association selected Dr. Vail as the Veterinarian of the Year.
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Daniel J. Kester: (Democrat) In June, 2009, Governor Ritter appointed Daniel J. Kester to serve as the business representative to the Colorado Racing Commission. Mr. Kester's term of service will remain in effect until 2013. Mr. Kester's thirty years of business experience, his demonstrated competency and recognized acumen qualify him to serve ably as a member of the Commission. Since 1996, Mr. Kester has held the position of President/CEO of the Sooper Credit Union in Denver. As the chief executive officer of this vibrant, expansive credit union, Mr. Kester has been responsible for the service, growth and efficiency of this $218 million asset credit union. His duties include providing, enhancing and delivering financial products and services to Sooper Credit Union's 34,000 members. Along with the augmentation of electronic service delivery options to reach the Sooper Credit Union's geographically-dispersed membership, personal service has also been enhanced under Mr. Kester's leadership. In conjunction with Mr. Kester's professional role, he is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Involvement Activists Committee, the instrument by which the Sooper Credit Union participates in numerous community-involvement activities, such as hosting the award-winning "Movies in the Park".