Our Team
Executive Staff
Ross Brooks
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ross Brooks
Effective 10/1/24: Ross Brooks (he/him) serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Prior to coming to CCHN, Ross served as the CEO for Mountain Family Health Centers, a Community Health Center in Western Colorado, from 2012 to 2023.
Ross is driven by the belief that access to health is a human right. He is the chief curator of CCHN’s mission to increase access to high quality health care for people in need in Colorado. He works closely with the CCHN Board of Directors and staff to pursue CCHN’s strategic plan and to support Colorado’s Community Health Centers (CHCs). CHCs in Colorado provide affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care to more than 850,000 Coloradans statewide. Ross serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health Foundation (CHF), Community Health Provider Alliance (CHPA), and the Colorado Community Managed Care Network (CCMCN). In addition, Ross serves as a healthcare advocate with various local, regional, and national organizations focused on increasing access to health for all.
Ross earned a Bachelor of Sciences and Arts in International Business and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Colorado’s beautiful land, staring at maps, eating a good meal with friends, and dreaming about if the Colorado Rockies will ever make the playoffs again.
Polly Anderson
Vice President of Strategy and Financing
Polly Anderson
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
Vice President of Quality and Operations
Jessica Sanchez
Jessica Sanchez is the Vice President of Quality and Operations at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Jessica joined CCHN in September 1999. Jessica oversees the implementation of the strategic goals for primary care, oral health, and behavioral health to help Colorado Community Health Centers (CHCs) strengthen their capacity for continuous quality improvement and achieve their mission and goals. In addition, Jessica oversees the internal operations of CCHN and works closely with the chief executive officer/president in the administration and execution of CCHN’s strategic plan. Jessica is the staff lead for the Colorado Clinicians Advisory Network. Jessica is a family nurse practitioner and earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Loretto Heights College in Denver, and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Jessica has more than thirty years of professional experience in community health nursing, grant writing, practice facilitation, program planning, evaluation, data analysis, quality improvement, human resources, and business operations.
Caitlin Wheelan
Senior Executive Assistant
Caitlin Neal
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. Caitlin 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 a master’s degree in healthcare administration. Her background is in operations, and she is skilled in event planning and executive support. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys hiking, reading, and trying new restaurants.
Policy Division
Stephanie Brooks
Policy Director
Stephanie Brooks
Stephanie Brooks is the Policy Director at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in March 2012. As policy director, she oversees and directs the work of the Policy Division in line with CCHN’s Public Affairs Priorities approved by the CCHN Board of Directors. This work includes state legislative and regulatory monitoring and advocacy, coordination with the state Medicaid agency on coverage and payment reform issues, and federal funding
advocacy. Stephanie has worked in multiple roles at CCHN, including on the Covering Kids and Families project, and 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 a master’s degree in communication. Stephanie lives in Denver with her husband, son, and cat. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, culinary pursuits, doing anything outside, making pottery, and reading.
advocacy. Stephanie has worked in multiple roles at CCHN, including on the Covering Kids and Families project, and 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 a master’s degree in communication. Stephanie lives in Denver with her husband, son, and cat. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, culinary pursuits, doing anything outside, making pottery, and reading.
Grace Trautman
Communications Manager
Grace Trautman
Grace Trautman is the Communications Manager at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Grace joined CCHN in September 2020. Her primary responsibility is to craft, coordinate, and send communications on behalf of CCHN. She enjoys translating complex information into simple, understandable language. Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Denver. In her free time, Grace enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, making art, and exploring the mountains.
Erin Varnum
CKF Policy Analyst
Erin Varnum
Erin Varnum is the Covering Kids and Families (CKF) Specialist at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN, the lead agency for CKF, in September 2023. Her primary responsibility is coordinating and implementing CKF projects to support the network of health coverage enrollment assisters across the state. Erin earned a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology of global health from the University of Vermont. Before CKF, Erin worked as a health advocate at a Rhode Island-based nonprofit helping individuals navigate issues with insurers and health care providers. In her free time, she enjoys live music, crafting, and hiking.
Clara O’Connor
Policy Analyst
Clara O'Connor
Clara O’Connor is a policy analyst at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN), focusing on payment reform. She joined CCHN in June 2024. Clara works with Community Health Center (CHC) staff to implement new and existing payment methodologies to ensure CHCs are reimbursed fairly for the services they provide to Colorado communities. She also supports CCHN’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Clara received her Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She worked within the immigrant rights movement as an organizer and campaign manager, where she began shifting her focus towards health care access for underserved communities. In her free time, Clara enjoys exploring Colorado’s natural beauty, writing music, and clicking through random Wikipedia articles.
Thalia Cronin
Senior Policy Manager
Thalia Cronin
Thalia Cronin is the Senior Policy Manager at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined in January 2025. Her primary responsibilities are to help advocate for Colorado’s Community Health Centers with the state general assembly and federal Congressmen, educate stakeholders on the role of CHCs within the health care safety net system, and push for investments that support the mission of CHCs to provide affordable, accessible, and equitable whole-person care to Coloradans, regardless of their ability to pay. Thalia earned a bachelor of science in public health, with a focus in sociology, as well a bachelor of arts in Hispanic linguistic from The Ohio State University. She previously spent three years as a policy analyst at the Community Health Network of Washington, advocating for Washington state’s Community Health Centers. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, exploring her new home state of Colorado, finding new hobbies, and playing with her dog, Waldo
Health Center Operations Division
Suzanne Smith
Health Center Operations Division Director
Suzanne Smith
Suzanne Smith is the Director of the Health Center Operations Division for 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 Workforce Committee and the CHC staff peer groups including the Colorado Operations Directors Advisory Network (CODAN), Pharmacy Peer Group, and Corporate Compliance Peer Group. Suzanne attended the University of Denver, where she earned her Master of Arts in international studies, concentrating on health and gender issues, and her Bachelor of Arts 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
Senior Health Center Operations Manager
Sarah Macrander
Sarah Macrander is the Senior Manager, Health Center Operations and Workforce at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Sarah joined CCHN in October 2013. Her primary responsibilities are to lead efforts to support Community Health Center (CHC) workforce through coordination and implementation of CCHN’s workforce, training, and technical assistance efforts and championing group purchasing and sponsorship opportunities to meet CHC needs. Sarah graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with her master’s degree in public health. During her time at the University, Sarah was involved with several community participatory research projects based in Denver and abroad. In her free time, Sarah enjoys all Colorado outdoors has to offer and spending time with her partner and two dogs.
Emily Krizmanich
Workforce Specialist
Emily Krizmanich
Emily Krizmanich is the Workforce Specialist for Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in May 2023. In her role, Emily supports 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 and health from the University of Denver in 2021. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and her rescue pup, volunteering, sampling gluten-free treats, and watching Colorado football.
Joy Green
Health Center Operations Specialist
Joy Green
Joy Green is the Health Center Operations Specialist at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Joy joined in November 2024. In their role, Joy provides technical assistance, data collection and analysis, and general support to Community Health Centers (CHCs), partners, and individuals interested in the CHC model. They also support various CHC peer groups, including the Colorado Operations Directors Advisory Network (CODAN), the Pharmacy Peer Group, and the Corporate Compliance Peer Group. Joy holds a Bachelor of Science in public health from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and has a background in community health, public policy, and behavioral health. Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time outdoors and participates in various sports leagues, including kickball and soccer.
Quality Initiatives Division
Holly Kingsbury
Quality Initiatives Division Director
Holly Kingsbury
Holly Kingsbury is the Quality Initiatives Director at the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in April 2015. Holly oversees the quality improvement, practice facilitation, and technical assistance work of the Quality Initiatives Division, including on topics such as medical, dental, and behavioral health integration, emergency preparedness, disease prevention and detection, and team-based care. She is also the staff lead for the Colorado Dental Health Network (CDHN), a peer learning group of Community Health Center (CHC) dental leaders. 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. She has previous experience in philanthropy, program management, and research. In her free time, Holly enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Alexis (Lex) Miller
Quality Initiatives Specialist
Alexis “Lex” Miller
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.
Abby Stoops
Quality Initiatives Specialist
Abby Stoops
Abby Stoops is a Quality Initiatives Specialist at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). She joined CCHN in February 2025. Her primary responsibilities are to provide practice transformation coaching to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and assist with their cancer screening initiatives, clinical support staff sustainability and workforce development. Abby earned her Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of Colorado Denver and her Master of Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. She has experience in the healthcare field previously serving as a care coordinator and medical scribe. Abby is passionate about improving health outcomes for all. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, crafting, outdoor sports and spending quality time with friends and family.
CCHN Finance and Operations Division
Kristin Laux
Chief Financial Officer
Kristin Laux
Kristin Laux is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Kristin joined CCHN in February 2010. She 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 in accounting from the University of Oregon. Since becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2003, Kristin has focused her career on health care and held prior financial management positions at a large public hospital system and a Colorado Community Health Center. In her free time, Kristin enjoys scuba diving, volunteering at the Dumb Friends League, and tending to her native plant and vegetable gardens.
Adam Carey
Senior Accountant
Adam Carey
Adam Carey is the Accountant at Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Adam joined CCHN in June 2020. His responsibilities include completing various balance sheet reconciliations, preparing month-end journal entries and the financials, and offering support to the Accounting Clerk and CFO on an as-needed basis. Adam earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting, cum laude, 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 Marsh
Accounting Clerk
Kayla Marsh
Kayla Marsh 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
Internal Operations Specialist
Paula Davis
Paula Davis is the Internal Operations Specialist for the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN). Paula joined CCHN in January 2006. Her primary responsibilities include onboarding, offboarding, and orientation duties for Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) and Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States (CHAMPS). Paula is also responsible for office management duties. Paula earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. Previously, Paula worked as a quality initiatives specialist for emergency preparedness 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.
