Foundation Board Adds Four Trustees; Names New Chairman
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Press Release
PUEBLO – The Colorado State University-Pueblo Foundation Board recently named a new Chairman of the Board and added four individuals to its board as Director Trustees.
The new board members, listed alphabetically, include Adam Carroll, Big R Corporation, Angela Giron, youth advocate and community leader, Louis Nazario, H.W. Houston Construction, and Michael Occhiato, long-time Pueblo realtor and former city councilman. Russell DeSalvo, a long-time Foundation Board member, has been named Chairman of the Board.
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Carroll graduated from CSU-Pueblo with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in 2002. As the vice president/general manager of retail for the Big R Corporation, Carroll will provide administrative guidance to the board. |
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Giron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from CSU-Pueblo in 1991 and has served in the public service industry advocating for children, youth, and families for 27 years. She served in the Colorado Senate for three years representing Pueblo District 3, emphasizing job creation and public policy that affected her constituents. As an active member of the Foundation board, Giron will provide policy expertise and governmental insight. |
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Nazario is a preconstruction manager with H.W. Houston Construction. Educationally, he graduated from Colorado State University (Fort Collins) with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management. He will serve on the Scholarship Committee. |
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Occhiato brings a wealth of knowledge and city service to the CSU-Pueblo Foundation board. Occhiato served on City Council for 24 years and has been an avid volunteer of the Dante Alighieri Society, Sons of Italy, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. Professionally, Occhiato worked for PepsiCo for more than 10 years, worked in real estate, and currently owns and operates Occhiato Land & Cattle. |
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DeSalvo, CEO and President of PuebloPlex, had served as interim Chairman of the Board since May, 2014 and has been a member of the board since 2003. He has served in various capacities with the board including vice chair, chairman of the investment committee, and as a member of the land holdings committee. He earned his bachelor’s degree from CSU-Pueblo in 1991 in economics. Additionally, DeSalvo is an active member of the Pueblo community, serving as the past chairman of the Pueblo Association of Realtors, as well as a member of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. |
CSU-Pueblo Foundation Board members give their resources, time, and talents, and provide professional expertise to acquire and conserve assets critical to the University’s success. Members are presented to the board by an established nominating committee and are approved by a final vote by the board of director trustees.
For more information on the CSU-Pueblo Foundation Board, scholarships, or giving to the CSU-Pueblo Foundation, contact CSU-Pueblo Foundation Director of Marketing and Special Events Lacy Desmond at 719.549.2965 or lacy.desmond@colostate-pueblo.edu.
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.