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2008 Stars - It is the vote that counts!
Click on a Star's name to see a picture and read more about them.
Lisa Lyden – News anchor KOAA
Eric Singer – News anchor KRDO
Nina Sparano – News anchor KRDO
Joe Umpenhour – Olympic Triathlete
Kellie Suttle – Olympic pole vaulter
Jennifer Gutierrez – Olympic Triathlete
Susan Bartholomew-Williams – Olympic Triathlete
Hillary Wolf – Olympic Judo
Mark Kalmus – Owner of Dogtooth coffee
John Krakauer – Owner of Josh and John’s
Joe Coleman – Owner of Bluestar, Nosh, La'ua’s
Lisa Rainsberger – Former Boston Marathon winner
Mary Ellen McNally – Former councilwoman
Bill Hurt – Owner of ERA Shields
Jan Martin – Councilwoman
Connie Smith – Last year’s Stars Winner and breast cancer survivor
Alex Dumas – Former pro-hockey player
Jerry Heimlicher – City councilman
Romi – 98.9 Magic FM Morning Show
Joe Cicero – 92.9 Peak FM Morning Show
Tammy Oakland – 92.9 Peak FM Morning Show
Dan Hardee – 92.9 Peak FM Evenings
Turk – 98.9 Magic FM Evenings
Alisha Scott – Cat Country 95.1 Morning Show
Wendy LaBree – 740 KVOR Morning News Co-Host
Gina Cavali – 98.1 KKFM Middays
Dick Celeste – President, Colorado College
Bill Folsom – News reporter KOAA
Warren Epstein - Arts & Diversions Editor The Gazette
2008 Stars
Lisa Lyden – News anchor KOAA
 Lisa Lyden is an anchor at Newsfirst KOAA-TV and has been a resident of Colorado Springs for the last 25 years. She has been an ardent supporter of the Susan G. Komen Colorado Springs Race for the Cure ® , including serving as the emcee for the first Race in held in Colorado Springs. Lisa has served as a Race host for the last 23 years. Lisa maintains a healthy life style by enjoying local opportunities to ski, golf and hike.
 Gina Cavali – 98.1 KKFM Middays
Born in California, Gina Kavali can currently be heard on KKFM radio, Colorado’s number one, real classic rock station. In addition to supporting the Komen Race for the Cure, one of Gina’s many personal missions is advocating on behalf of the Humane Society to protect and save animals! Gina has adopted four dogs: Nigel, Lincoln, Niki, and Daisy!
Dick Celeste – President, Colorado College
 Dick began his term as 12th president of Colorado College in July 2002. Prior to joining CC, he served as the United States Ambassador to India. His public service experience also includes two terms as Governor of Ohio, service as Director of the United States Peace Corps, and one term as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He currently is chair of the board of trustees of the Health Effects Institute in Boston, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a lifetime national associate of the National Academies. He is a board member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the president of Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership and an advisory board member of the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Kellie Suttle – Olympic pole vaulter
Kellie, born in St. Peters, Missouri, won the U.S. National Pole Vault Championship in 1998 and 2006. In 1999 she was the Pan American Game Silver Medalist. Kellie competed in the 2000 Olympics which was the first year they had the women's pole vault. In 2001 she was the World Champion Silver medalist and she competed in the 2004 Olympics. Kellie currently lives in Denver and is a massage therapist working for a Massage Specialist as well as having her own private practice in Boulder. Since retiring from the track world, she is trying to find new things to get into. She really enjoys snowboarding so far! She also loves playing with her sister's baby Isabella, whom she finds to be "just about the coolest thing since sliced bread!!!!"
Hillary Wolf – Olympic Judo
 Pan American Judo Champion, Hillary Wolf holds a second degree black belt in Judo. Hillary represented the United States in the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games. Additionally, she has won 6 U.S.Judo Federation Junior National Championships, 5 USJI Junior Olympic Champion, and 4-time USJI Senior National Championships. The Chicago, Illinois native has practiced Judo for 21 years.
Wendy LaBree  – 740 KVOR Morning News Co-Host
Wendy LaBree is a native of Colorado Springs and is proud to call Southern Colorado her home. Wendy has been a mainstay on Spring's radio for the past five years, first as one of the city's leading disc jockeys, then later as a News and Traffic reporter for many radio stations across Southern Colorado. Wendy now co-anchors the KVOR Morning News with long-time Colorado Springs Anchorman Jim Arthur. Wendy helps keep morning commuters up to speed and up to date with traffic and weather reports and News from around Southern Colorado and around the world. Wendy has a daughter, too many animals to count, and loves anything outdoors. Get to know Wendy every morning on the KVOR Morning News, weekdays 5am-9am.
Bill Folsom – News reporter KOAA
 News Reporter Bill Folsom can be seen nightly on News First 5/30 on KOAA-TV. In Bill’s opinion, one of the greatest benefits of reporting is meeting different and interesting people. He admires the unsung heroes and loves telling their stories. It is no surprise then, that he feels humility is the most important characteristic a person can have. He says that having many interests and being a curious individual in general led him to news reporting. He worked in Utah's KTVX-TV for six years before coming to Colorado. Bill learned quickly after his arrival at News First that he would be covering a lot of weather stories. The October blizzard of 1997 was his first Colorado snowstorm. The Colorado Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press have recognized Bill for excellence in reporting. In his free time Bill likes to hike, bike and ski. You may also find him running a marathon.
Alex Dumas - Former Professional Hockey Player
 Alex Dumas played 4 years of varsity hockey at Dartmouth. He played in 63 total collegiate games, where he earned 31 total points (6 Goals, 25 Assists) and 42 total penalty minutes. Alex went on to play 4 years (1999-2003) professionally for, among others, the Florida Panthers organization and the Edmonton Oilers organization. He played in 263 professional games over 4 seasons, where he amassed a total of 36 goals and 74 assists (110 Points). He was named to the UHL All-Star Team in 2000-2001 and Defenseman of the Year in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.
Warren Epstein - Arts & Diversions Editor The Gazette
 Warren Epstein is the Arts and Diversions Editor at The Gazette, where he’s worked for 19 years. He also teaches film classes for PILLAR, serves as a board member for the Urban League, does stand-up comedy and is helping to coordinate Dream City: Vision 2020, a community-wide initiative committed to getting ordinary people involved in shaping the future of our region.
Jennifer Gutierrez - Olympic triathlete
 Jennifer Gutierrez was a member of the USA Triathlon National team for many years, traveling all over the world competing in Olympic format triathlons. She was a member of the 2000 Olympic Triathlon team – the first year that it was an Olympic sport. Additionally, she was on the Goodwill Games team in 1998 and 2000 and a member of the 1998 Pan Am Games team. She is currently a teacher in Denver and is married to Ben Hughes. They have two boys – Aiden who is three and Ethan who is 2. She still enjoys running and swimming when she can find some spare time.
Bill Hurt - Owner, ERA Shields Real Estate
 Bill Hurt has been involved in sales, sales management and marketing for more than forty years. He began his real state career in 1978 in Colorado Springs and in 1996 acquired full ownership of ERA Shields Real Estate. ERA Shields and Bill have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for professional accomplishments and civic involvement. Some of these include: “Excellence In Customer Service” (BBB), “Best Family Owned Small Business” (Chamber), and “Small Business Person of the Year” for Colorado Springs and for the state of Colorado (Chamber and SBA). Bill enjoys reading and spending time running and climbing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. He and Carol also enjoy travel and playing golf together.
John Krakauer - Owner, Josh and John’s
 John Krakauer graduated from CC in 1985 with a degree in Psychology and the following year Josh Paris (Middlebury '85) and he opened the first Josh and John’s on Kiowa street. They now have two shops in Colorado Springs. He is most proud of the fact that in the 21 years of business, Josh and John's has become a Colorado Springs institution and was one of the first businesses to contribute to the revitalization of downtown. He has 3 children: Amy, Max, and Sam 13. Ten years ago he decided to make a career change and went back to school to become a math teacher. For the last 7 years he has taught math at Palmer High School.
Joe Coleman – Owner of Bluestar, Nosh, La'ua’s
Joe Coleman is the owner of three of the finest restaurants in the central Colorado Springs area. He opened Blue Star in 1995, and it continues to be the uber-chic staple of the Broadmoor crowd. More recently he opened a restaurant in conjunction with the Fine Arts Center Modern called Nosh. They serve small plates and are dog-friendly on Sundays! His most recent culinary endeavor is the opening of La'ua’s Taco shop, near the Colorado College campus. In his spare time he can be found in the mountains, tackling the state’s fourteeners!!
Jan Martin - City Councilwoman
 Jan Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Northern Colorado and an MBA in Finance from Regis University. She is the owner of Martin Business Group, Inc., which specializes in information systems and business training for local organizations. She is also a part-time instructor in the Online MBA program at the University of Phoenix. Prior to serving on Council, Jan served on numerous boards and commissions. She was President of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Board, Vice President of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Foundation, and served on the boards of Citizen Project, Downtown Partnership and Leadership Pikes Peak Board of Trustees. In addition, she was a member of the City’s Charter Review Committee and El Paso County’s Citizen Outreach Group. Jan is a native of Colorado Springs and enjoys golfing and other outdoor activities.
Mary Ellen McNally - Former City Councilwoman
 Mary Ellen McNally has held 2 elected positions—one with the D11 School Board and the other on City Council. She has also served in a leadership capacity on several boards: Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Colorado Springs Symphony, Cheyenne Village, and Goodwill. She is also the recipient of the Unstoppable Woman Award and Athena Award.
Lisa Rainsberger - Boston Marathon winner (last American to win)
 At the age of six in 1968, Lisa Rainsberger launched an athletic career by swimming 1500 meters across Goguac Lake and winning her age group award! Lisa went on to swim and run track & cross country at the University of Michigan, earning All-America honors in all three sports. Her victories at the Boston Marathon in 1985, two-time winner of the Chicago Marathon in 1989 and 1990 and numerous American & world records highlight her running accomplishments. Finally, heading into the 2000 Olympics Lisa was on her way as a professional triathlete. After finishing 4th American at the US Triathlon National Championships, she and her husband, Ellis, discovered they were expecting their first child. After the birth of her daughter in 1998, Lisa officially retired from national competition and launched her coaching career. She is the owner of TrainingGoals.com and Rainsberger Athletics, developed to offer coaching and personalized training for joggers, runners, swimmers, triathletes, Paralympians and those wanting more than a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
Eric Singer - TV anchor, KRDO
 Eric Singer is a Colorado native who is proud to be working at KRDO and be part of the first quadruple simulcasted news show at noon (on NEWSCHANNEL 13, AM1240 FM105.5 KRDO and on krdo.com!). He grew up in Denver, graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a Degree in Mass Communications and extensive work towards a second Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He worked at another Southern Colorado station for more than 17 years. During that time, he helped the station win two National Edward R. Murrow Awards for work done with the Texas Seven arrests as well as numerous awards from law enforcement and the Broadcast Citizen Award from his peers.
Connie Smith - Breast cancer survivor and Runner
 The winner of the 2007 Racing with the Stars! Connie Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 1996 at the age of 33. A new journey began that changed her life dramatically and she actually says that it has become a blessing. Three weeks after diagnosis and only 2 days following her mastectomy, her husband rose early to participate in the ’96 Colorado Springs Race for the Cure in her honor. It had so moved him that she could not help but swear “I WILL be there next year!” After participating in the ’97 Colorado Springs Race for the Cure, Connie became a volunteer. She started as a team captain, was named Teller County Honorary Survivor in 2002, and then chaired the Race for 3 years, 2003-2005. She was awarded the 2006 Suzy Komen award for her participation in Race for the Cure events and her volunteerism with Komen. Her plan is to eventually participate in every Race for the Cure worldwide and she tracks her progress on her website www.run2infinity.com Her goal is to send a message that inspires hope for all who are facing the many challenges of life.
Nina Sparano - TV anchor, KRDO
 Nina Sparano joined the NEWSCHANNEL 13 team in April of 2003 and loves Colorado. She grew up in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, where her broadcast career got a kick-start as a reporter and anchor for Solon High School's cable news program. After several internships across the country she graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Communications/Broadcast Journalism. She took her first on-air news position at KPAX in Missoula, Montana. For two years, she anchored and produced the two-hour Early Show . In 2003, she joined the NEWSCHANNEL 13 team as the weekend anchor/weekday reporter. Two years later, she moved to the anchor desk five days a week for the 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 PM newscasts. She has received several journalism awards for her documentary on The Heartbreak of Suicide , Cold Case Files , and an AP Award for spot news. In 2005, she and Jon Karroll were awarded Best News Anchor Team by the Colorado Broadcasters Association.
 Joe Umpenhour – Olympic Triathlete
As triathlete, Joe Umpenhour has competed in 3 World Championships representing the United States. A native of Bellevue, Washington, Joe currently lives and trains with the US Resident team in Colorado Springs. Known to his friends and family as “Tigger” because of his red hair and energetic attitude, Joe had one of the best races of his career in 2001, when he was the first American and third overall, at the Tinman Triathlon in Shreveport, La. Joe also enjoys cross-country, skiing and experimental cooking.
Susan Bartholomew-Williams - Olympic bronze medalist, triathlon
 Susan Rene Bartholomew-Williams earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama, a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, and was employed by Lockheed Martin Aerospace Corporation. She was working toward becoming an astronaut when her success at triathlon convinced her to give it a try. After winning the bronze medal in Athens, Susan appeared on the Today Show and Late Night with David Letterman . Susan began her triathlon career in 1996 as the fastest U.S. amateur, winning the 25-29 age group at the ITU World Championship in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the third-fastest female overall and second in the 25-29 age group at the USA Triathlon National Championship. Susan was selected the Female Amateur Triathlete of the Year by Triathlete magazine in 1996. As an Elite triathlete, Susan became the first U.S. triathlete to win an Olympic medal by taking the bronze in 2004 in Athens. She was selected USOC Athlete of the Month for June 2005. Susan started Commitment to Excellence Triathlon Coaching (C2Ecoaching.com) in 2004 and currently works with triathletes of all levels and distances.
Jerry Heimlicher - City Council Member
 Jerry Heimlicher was elected in April, 2003, to represent the southwest quadrant of Colorado Springs, District 3. He was re-elected to serve a four- year term in April 2005. Mr. Heimlicher studied business administration at the University of Tennessee. He retired as CEO of Fairlane Credit in 2002 and before that was a Senior Executive at Ford Credit where his career spanned just over 38 years. Mr. Heimlicher is active in civic, educational, community and non-profit organizations. He was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to the State Board of Education for Community Colleges and Occupational Education with his term expiring in 2007. He is an Executive In Residence at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. He is a board member and was Chairman of the Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation. He is on the board of Juvenile Diabetes Association and is Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Air Service Task Force. He is on the blue ribbon panel for School District 11.
 Tammy Oakland - 92.9 The Peak
Tammy is what you would call an "almost" native of Colorado Springs,
having lived here all but five years of her life...and she LOVES it!
Being an Air Force Brat she feels right at home surrounded by our
military bases and America's heroes. Now, with over 18 years of radio experience and a degree in music and video from the Colorado Institute of Art, her dreams of becoming a performer/audio engineer come to fruition each day as co-host of the Peak Morning Show. Some of Tammy's favorite past times include shooting pool, singing karaoke and watching football (go Broncos and Falcons!) On gorgeous Colorado days you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her dog, a German Shepard/Husky adopted from the Humane Society. You can catch Tammy Oakland with Joe Cicero each weekday morning from
5:30 to 10:00 on 92.9 The new Peak FM!
Alisha Scott - Cat Country 95.1 
Alisha Scott was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and moved to Colorado Springs when she was six months old. She graduated from Doherty High School and met her wonderful husband about ten years ago. He encouraged Alisha to pursue her love of radio. She entered a contest and won her first radio job. Alisha did mornings at KVUU, here in the Springs, for about two years, then packed up and moved to Austin, Texas. She and her husband spent the better part of 2005 and the beginning of 2006 there, where she worked for KVET and KASE 101. She moved back in March to become half of the Cat Country Morning Show.
Mark Kalmus - Owner of Dog Tooth Coffee
 Mark Kalmus escaped from Austin, Texas, with his wife Amy and sons Simon and Eli two years ago to open the Dogtooth Coffee Company here in Colorado Springs. Mark is active in the community, promoting local artists and musicians, supporting adults with learning disabilities, and donating goods and services for those in need.
Romi - Magic FM
 Romi was born and raised as a Texan and is an admitted GOLDEN GIRLS FAN!!! She found her way to Colorado Springs after living around the world doing musicals in Osaka, Japan; Sydney, Australia; Ralai Beach, Thailand; Guam; New York City and Los Angeles. On her way back to NYC from LA, her sister called and asked Romi to stop by and visit her in the Springs. While here, Romi entered Magic FM's Karaoke Superstar contest and needless to say, she's been with Magic for almost 5 years now! Romi is married to her best friend, Bret and has a puppy, Micah. You can find Romi on the streets everywhere there is an event, especially karaoke spots because she loooooves to sing.
 Joe Cicero – 92.9 Peak FM Morning Show
Joe is the morning DJ on 92.9 Peak FM. He grew up in the western Chicago suburb of Addison. Joe’s married and has two little boys, Steven and Adam. One of Joe’s ambitions is have a good time every morning and meet everyone who listens. If it takes me a long time to do that--then fine! Joe’s personal blog is up at www.joecicero.com
Turk - Magic FM
 Turk was born in Kansas, then moved to Colorado. He stayed here until about 1989. His dad was in the military so they packed their bags and flew out to Germany. After seven years, his dad retired and they decided to move back to Colorado. He has been here ever since.
Dan "the Tall Man" Hardee - 92.9 The Peak 
Dan Hardee was born in Colorado and has lived in Colorado Springs pretty much his whole life. Dan graduated from Pine Creek High School and got his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2006. Dan is 6 foot 8 inches tall, wears a size 15 shoe, and does NOT play basketball! He loves mountain biking, pizza, Mexican food and Back To The Future! (He wishes he could fit in a DeLorean)
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