Telluride Foundation: Davis Fansler

13 Oct Telluride Foundation: Davis Fansler

Telluride Foundation board member Davis Fansler appointed by Colorado Governor to Colorado Health Benefits exchange Board of Directors, replacing board member Richard Betts

Davis Fansler, a former mayor of the Mountain Village and current Vice Chair and head of the grants Committee for the Telluride Foundation, was recently appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to the board of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange, commonly known as Connect for Health Colorado. Fansler fills a seat vacated by Richard Betts, who resigned after serving three years. Betts is also long-time Telluride local and serves on the board of the Telluride Foundation.

Connect for Health Colorado is a marketplace that opened in October 2013 to help individuals, families and small employers across Colorado purchase health insurance and apply for new federal financial assistance to reduce costs. Its Board of Directors is comprised of nine voting members and three state officials who are non-voting, ex-officio members. The Governor appoints five of the nine voting members. Two of the nine are appointed by the Colorado Senate and two by the House of Representatives.

Fansler noted, “Richard left some big shoes to fill. He and his fellow board members did most of the heavy lifting in building and launching one of the most successful exchanges in the country. His efforts should be truly applauded.”

David Fansler

Fansler, a Director of the Healthcare Practice for Wipfli LLP based out of Minneapolis, was appointed to the small business seat of the board and will accordingly have a lot of involvement in expanding small business enrollment within the exchange, a key goal for the upcoming open enrollment period beginning in mid-November.

“I believe I bring an unusual blend of healthcare and small business experience. I have been in the business of healthcare for over 30 years, have co-founded and managed three successful small healthcare businesses and for the last several years have been involved with the grants committee of the Telluride Foundation which annually grants nearly $1,000,000 to about 80 small, non-profit businesses. So I think I have a good feel for the small business community and the challenges they are facing. I am really looking forward to serving on the board as it deals with financial sustainability and growing its enrollment, particularly within the small business community.”

 About the Telluride Foundation:

The Telluride Foundation exists to create a stronger Telluride community through the cultivation and promotion of philanthropy. It is a nonprofit, apolitical community foundation that provides year-round support for local organizations involved in arts, education, athletics, charitable causes, land conservation and other community-based efforts through technical assistance, education and grant making. As a grant maker, the Foundation awards grants to qualified applicants that serve the people living and/or working in the Telluride region for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life within the region. For more information on the Telluride Foundation, visit www.telluridefoundation.org.