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CCHN Staff
Executive Staff
Annette Kowal is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN), beginning her tenure in 1996. She oversees the implementation of the strategic goals for CCHN and works with the CCHN Board of Directors to develop strategies to achieve CCHN’s mission and vision. Annette has more than 30 years of health care policy experience. She is considered a policy expert in many areas impacting the Community Health Centers and an expert on board and association management. She actively advocates access to health care as a basic human right.
Polly Anderson is the Vice President of Strategy and Financing for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Polly joined CCHN in 2004 and works closely with the chief executive officer in the administration and execution of CCHN’s strategic plan. Her work includes oversight of CCHN’s public affairs agenda, payment reform efforts, member technical assistance and training, workforce development, and community and partnership development. Polly has worked in the non-profit arena since 1990. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa in journalism with a minor in political science. She lives near Denver with her family.
Jessica Sanchez is the Vice President of Quality and Operations for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Jessica joined CCHN in September 1999. Her primary responsibilities include working to improve access to high quality clinical care for underserved Coloradans and to oversee the operational systems for CCHN. Jessica is the staff lead for the Colorado Clinicians Advisory Network. Jessica is a family nurse practitioner and earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Loretto Heights College in Denver, and a master’s degree of nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Jessica has more than twenty years of professional experience in nursing, community health, program planning and evaluation, data analysis, and quality improvement.
Caitlin Neal is the Senior Executive Assistant at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in February 2022 and is primarily responsible for assisting the CEO and Board of Directors. Ms. Neal leads planning for the Triannual member meetings and administrative support for the CCHN leadership team. She received her bachelor’s degree in Public Health and is working towards her master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Her background is in administration, and she is skilled in event planning and executive support. In her free time, Ms. Neal enjoys hiking, reading, and trying new restaurants.
Policy Division
Stephanie Brooks is the Policy Director for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in March 2012. Stephanie oversees implementation of CCHN’s policy agenda, including monitoring health care legislation, rules, and other policy issues impacting Community Health Centers. She also oversees the Covering Kids and Families project. She has previous experience in health outreach, health communication research, and health writing. Stephanie attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and later a master’s degree in communication. She shares her life with her husband, son, and cat. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, cycling, and reading.
Senior Manager, Federal Policy and Communications
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Maureen Maxwell is the Senior Manager for Federal Policy and Communications for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Maureen joined CCHN in October 2005. Maureen leads CCHN’s public affairs federal legislative agenda and communications activities to ensure continued and expanded access to health care for Community Health Center patients. Responsibilities include monitoring and reporting on federal legislative, executive, and judicial activity; advising CCHN members on advocacy; contacting news reporters with CHC story ideas; writing and editing CCHN’s newsletter and news releases; and facilitating CCHN’s member communications peer group. Maureen returned to her home state of Colorado in 2005 after two decades in Washington, D.C. Her policy experience includes serving as public relations manager for government affairs for the American Academy of Family Physicians, assistant project director handling research and media relations for a national environmental organization, and legislative aide and press secretary for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Maureen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master of Science degree in natural resource economics, both from Colorado State University.
Liz Tansey is the Covering Kids and Families (CKF) Senior Manager at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Liz joined CCHN, the lead agency for CKF, in October 2013. Her primary responsibilities are directing the CKF project, managing CKF staff, fundraising and ensuring grant compliance, and leading CKF technical assistance efforts. In addition, Liz is the staff lead for the CCHN Outreach and Enrollment Managers Work Group. Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Regis University. Before CKF, Liz worked at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), Colorado’s Medicaid agency. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, the outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
Rosario Morales is the Payment Reform Manager at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Rosario joined CCHN in May 2020. Her primary responsibility is to support CHCs in value-based payment and to launch a new population-based payment option in Medicaid. Rosario has extensive experience with federally qualified Community Health Center (CHCs or FQHCs). She spent 17 years with Salud Family Health Centers, serving in multiple functions throughout the years, but working as their billing manager during the last seven years. Rosario oversaw the billing and credentialing departments, and provided guidance and expertise to providers, managers and staff across all clinics and departments of the organization. In her free time, Rosario enjoys crocheting, camping, rodeos, and road trips.
Shoshana Preuss is the Policy Manager for Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Her primary responsibilities are to implement CCHN’s state policy and advocacy strategy. Previously, she was Policy Analyst for Covering Kids and Families (CKF), for which CCHN is the lead agency. Shoshana earned a bachelor of arts in health, behavior, and society from the University of Rochester. Previously, Shoshana worked in Washington, D.C. in AARP’s Livable Communities Department supporting and developing recommendations for AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. In her free time, Shoshana enjoys playing tennis, working on art projects, and spending time with her friends and family.
Grace Trautman is the Communications Specialist at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Grace joined CCHN in September 2020. Her primary responsibility is to craft, coordinate, and send communications for CCHN and the Covering Kids and Families (CKF) project. Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Denver. She has experience developing and implementing marketing strategies for various nonprofits in Denver and the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, she worked in program development at a local senior living community. In her free time, Grace enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, doing art, and exploring the mountains.
Erin Varnum is the Covering Kids and Families (CKF) specialist at CCHN.
Health Center Operations Division
Suzanne Smith is the Director of the Health Center Operations Division for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Suzanne joined CCHN in May 2008. Her primary responsibilities are to help Community Health Centers (CHCs) sustain and strengthen existing operations and to help expand the CHC model across Colorado. Specifically, Suzanne manages and supports division staff around CCHN’s community development, workforce development, operations assistance, and training and technical assistance programs. Suzanne is the lead for the Strategic Data Committee, the Strategic Workforce Committee, and the Colorado Operations Directors Advisory Network (CODAN). Suzanne attended the University of Denver, where she earned her master of arts degree in international studies, concentrating on health and gender issues, and her bachelor of arts degree in international studies and Spanish. Prior to working for CCHN, Suzanne was a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) living and working in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she worked as a health extension volunteer.
Sarah Macrander is the Senior Health Center Operations Manager for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Sarah joined CCHN in October 2013. Her primary responsibilities are to coordinate and implement CCHN’s training and technical assistance efforts, survey members on their training and technical assistance needs, and develop appropriate external and internal training efforts. In 2013, Sarah graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with her master’s in public health degree. During her time at the university, Sarah was involved with several community participatory research projects based here in Denver and abroad. In her free time, Sarah enjoys exploring new cuisine and mountain biking through the Front Range with her partner and German shepherd mix Neva.
Kim Moyer is the Health Center Data and Operations Manager. Kim joined the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) in June 2017 as the Health Center Operations Division Assistant. Her primary responsibilities are to conduct research and analysis and to oversee technical assistance on the Health Center Program model and compliance. In 2015, Kim received her master’s of public health with a concentration in global health and health disparities from the Colorado School of Public Health. In her free time, Kim enjoys baking, going on weekend hikes, and playing with her pug Kona.
Mickayla is the Workforce Specialist: Recruitment & Retention at the Colorado Community Health Network. Mickayla joined CCHN in April 2022 to support the recruitment, retention, and development of staff at CHCs. She has a bachelor’s degree in public health from Eastern Kentucky University with a concentration in community health. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Colorado with her partner and two dogs.
Emily Krizmanich joined the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) in May 2023 as the Workforce Specialist: Health Professions Education and Training (HP-ET). In her role, Emily will support efforts to develop the next generation of the Community Health Centers (CHCs) workforce and the recruitment and retention of current CHC staff. Emily earned two bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2018 and a master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver in 2021. In her free time, Emily loves traveling, spending time outdoors with her partner and rescue pup, volunteering, trying new gluten free finds, and watching Colorado Football.
Gustavo Tinoco is the Health Center Operations Coordinator at the Colorado Community Health Network. Gustavo joined CCHN in June 2023 to provide technical assistance, training, data analysis, and other resources to Community Health Centers and other partners in the areas of operational and financial systems, workforce development activities, and community development activities. Gustavo earned two bachelor’s degrees in integrative physiology and psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019 and is currently on track to obtaining a master’s degree in health administration from the Metropolitan State University of Denver at the end of 2023. In his free time, Gustavo enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities, and volunteering at Community Health Centers.
Quality Initiatives Division
Holly Kingsbury is the Quality Initiatives Division Director at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Holly joined CCHN in April 2015. Her primary responsibilities are to develop and implement the Oral Health Integration Project, facilitate a collective voice for oral health among Community Health Centers (CHCs), and support oral health initiatives and partnerships with CHCs and other state oral health organizations. Holly has a master’s degree in public health from the Colorado School of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree in geology and Latin American studies from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Prior to joining CCHN, Holly worked for six years at The Denver Foundation, managing a summer internship program and supporting a wide variety of projects. During her graduate studies, Holly assisted with research projects focusing on mental health and child welfare. In her free time, Holly enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and exploring Colorado.
Taylor Miranda Thompson is the Senior Quality Initiatives Manager at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Taylor joined CCHN in February 2016. Her primary role includes leading several practice transformation initiatives in the Quality Initiatives Division, and providing direct coaching support to Community Health Centers that participate in a variety of Quality Improvement projects. Taylor earned a master of public health (MPH) degree from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2015, with a focus on community and behavioral health. In 2013, she earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and LGBT/Q studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Prior to joining CCHN, Taylor spent two years as a clinical team member with a family planning practice in Denver, Colo. In her free time, Taylor enjoys volunteering with reproductive justice organizations, running, crafting, and spending time with her two cats.
Emily Bauer joined CCHN as a Quality Initiatives Specialist in June 2022. Her primary role focuses on supporting CHCs with emergency preparedness training, technical assistance, and emergency response activities. She also serves as a liaison between CHCs, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and regional health care coalitions to ensure coordination and alignment of emergency preparedness and response efforts. Ms. Bauer earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in nonprofit administration from California State University Fresno and is pursuing a master’s degree in emergency services administration. Ms. Bauer has a variety of nonprofit, social sector, and emergency preparedness experience from her previous role at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties. In her free time, Ms. Bauer enjoys being outdoors, exploring local art, and spending time with her two cats David and Pete.
Mike Marosits is the Quality Initiatives Manager at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Mike joined CCHN in November 2021. His primary responsibility is to facilitate the quality improvement capacity of Colorado Community Health Centers, especially related to cancer screening integration. Specifically, Mike provides coaching and technical assistance through the Cancer Screening and Early Detection (CPED) grant. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in communications from Colorado State University. Mike was a patient navigator, community health work trainer, and patient engagement consultant in Rhode Island before moving back to his home state of Colorado. In his free time, Mike enjoys snowboarding, painting, and volunteering.
Alexis “Lex” Miller is the Quality Initiatives Specialist at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in June 2023. Her primary responsibilities are to provide practice transformation coaching to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and assist with their behavioral health, oral health, and cancer screening initiatives. Lex earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lex spent three years working with Labcorp in their drug development department in Durham, N.C. As a passionate mental health advocate, Lex has volunteered with Breaking Taboo and Safe Alliance.
CCHN Finance and Operations Division
Kristin Laux is the Chief Financial Officer at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Kristin joined CCHN in February 2010. The CFO is responsible for the financial management of the organization, oversight of the CCHN Finance Department, and all CCHN financial systems. Kristin obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Oregon. Since obtaining her CPA in 2003, Kristin has focused her career in health care and has held financial management positions at a large public hospital system and a Colorado community health center.
Adam Carey is the Accountant at the Colorado Community Health Network. Adam joined CCHN in June 2020. His responsibilities include processing bills and invoices, preparing payroll for CCHN staff, and offering support to the Accountant and CFO. Adam earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University Mankato in 2017. Adam worked at Aramark in Minneapolis as an accounting assistant before moving to Colorado. In his free time, Adam enjoys running, hiking, cooking, and further developing his understanding of Japanese language and culture.
Kayla Sabruno joined CCHN as an Accounting Clerk in April, 2022. Her primary responsibilities include processing bills, invoices, and assisting the Accountant and CFO. Ms. Sabruno earned an associate of science degree in accounting and business management at Arapahoe Community College. She has been working in the accounting industry since 2013. In her free time, Ms. Sabruno enjoys camping, traveling, playing with her two dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
Paula Davis is the Internal Operations Specialist for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Paula joined CCHN in January 2006. Her primary responsibilities include assisting with Employee Training/Development, Employee Orientation, Onboarding, Offboarding. Paula earned a bachelor of sciences degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. Paula worked as a project coordinator for over 10 years, which provided her with excellent skills in scheduling, coordinating, and managing multiple priorities. In her free time, Paula likes knitting, walking, reading, and just spending time with her family.
