Board of Trustees

Cristóbal (Chris) Garcia is a lifelong Colorado resident and proud Mexican-American, with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, local government, and community engagement. A graduate of Northern Colorado’s educational institutions, he’s a Greeley West HS alum, holds a B.A. in Social Science–Secondary Education from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), and a Master of Business (MMP) from Colorado State University. He also also holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from Cornell University.

Chris currently serves as Community Programs Manager at Bohemian Foundation, where he is part of the grantmaking team and manages special initiatives and programs in the foundation’s priority funding areas. His previous roles include leadership positions at Metropolitan State University of Denver and UNC, where he advanced educational access, supported first-generation students, and co-led the team responsible for UNC’s successful designation as a federal Hispanic-Serving Institution.

His former board and civic involvement include:
•    Board of Directors, The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans Schools
•    Institutional Representative (UNC), Colorado Consortium of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Board of Directors, Weld County Workforce Development Board
•    Board Member, Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization
•    Representative, Colorado Statewide Complete Count Campaign (2020 Census)
•    Policy Committee Member, The Nature Conservancy – Colorado Chapter

Chris has been recognized with the Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award (2024) and the BizWest Notable Minority Leaders Award (2022). In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Term: 2025

Gene O'Hara earned a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific, a Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Montana.  His professional career spans over 30 years in hospital administration as well as serving as Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at Purdue University and Adjunct Professor at the University of Northern Colorado Monfort College of Business.

Dr. O'Hara served as CEO in four different hospital systems including CEO of Banner North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

O'Hara is passionate about assuring that everyone has an opportunity for an affordable, quality education and is honored to be able to contribute to the future of Aims.

Terms: 2017-2021; 2021-2025

Marilyn Schock earned a degree of Associate of Applied Science from Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming. She attended the University of Wyoming and continued her education at Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and a Masters of Business Administration. Since then, Schock has been instrumental in advancing health care in northern Colorado.

She has held leadership roles at Banner Health, UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, and UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies. Schock most recently has been the driving force in building and leading UCHealth Greeley Hospital, where she is currently President.

She considers it a privilege to be able to share her experiences and knowledge for the greater good of her community.  Her love for community involvement is evident through her membership on various boards, including Sunrise Community Health, current chair; Greeley Chamber of Commerce; Weld Community Foundation; and North Colorado Health Alliance.

Schock’s high degree of integrity and commitment to her work and the community, along with her passion for education, brings new energy to the Aims Community College Board of Trustees.

Term: 2021-2025

Jeannine Truswell attended the University of New York at Geneseo receiving a degree in Elementary and Special Education. She has had a career in nonprofit management for over 40 years serving as the Executive Director of Weld County Partners and the President & CEO of United Way of Weld County. Truswell taught a class part-time at Aims Community College in the late 1970's in the Early Childhood Development Department while serving as Owner and Executive Director of the 16th Street Pre-School and Day Care Center.

Truswell has served on many local, regional and statewide Boards and Commissions including the El Pomar North Regional Council, Colorado Children's Campaign, Colorado Nonprofit Association, North Colorado Health Alliance, Colorado 211, Victim's Assistance Board, Weld Community Foundation and Greeley Dream Team.

Truswell has been recognized for her leadership receiving the El Pomar Foundation Nonprofit Executive Award, Colorado Nonprofit Association Executive of the Year Award, BizWest Leading Lady Award, Friends of A Woman's Place Outstanding Woman Award and Distinguished Citizen Award from Boy Scouts Longs Peak Council.

Truswell is honored to be a part of the Aims Community College community serving the students and mission of the organization.

Term: 2023-2027

Heidi Windell owns and operates Aquatic and Wetland Nursery, LLC, a wholesale nursery specializing in growing native wetland, riparian and upland plant species. She earned two Baccalaureate Degrees and a Secondary Teaching Certificate.   

Windell taught Spanish and business classes and was instrumental in developing a program for “at-risk” freshmen at North High School in the Denver Public School District.   

Some of Windell’s service through the years includes:

• Weld RE-8 District School Accountability Committee
• Forlurado Club President
• Society of Ecological Restoration
• Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association Member, 30 years
• Society of Rangeland Management

Terms: 2019-2023; 2023-2027