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Our 501(c)(3) EIN is: 92-1674478, our non-profit status was officially granted by the IRS in February 2024.
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Sentinel Colorado Community Media Board of Directors and CEO
ASCM Board President Bob LeGare is a prominent figure in Aurora’s community and political landscape, having served for years as a civic leader and city council member, and as the city’s mayor from June 2018 to December 2019. LeGare moved into a career in commercial real estate before his involvement in local government. He was a longstanding member of the Aurora City Council for a total of 15 years across different periods, demonstrating a consistent commitment to his community.
LeGare’s tenure in office as mayor was characterized by a focus on stability and continuity for Aurora. His focus as a city council member was often in regards to business development, public safety and neighborhood stability.
LeGare’s educational background includes studies at the Community College of Aurora and the University of Phoenix, where he received a Bachelor of Arts. His long-term involvement in Aurora’s development, both on the city council and as mayor, highlights his deep connection to the city and its residents.
ASCM Board Vice-President Terri Tochihara-Dirks is a former Vice President of Sales for AT&T’s Mountain States Region, a role she held until her retirement in 2006. During her tenure, she was recognized for her leadership in the telecommunications industry, including receiving a Gold Supplier Award from Coors for AT&T’s exceptional service and innovation in network services​​.
Following her lauded career at AT&T, Tochihara-Dirks, alongside her husband, ventured into the healthcare sector as the co-owner of The Oberon Assisted Living. This privately held healthcare community in Arvada, Colorado, has been under their ownership since 2008, where she manages operations and focuses on infection prevention​​.
Additionally, Tochihara-Dirks has contributed her expertise to various non-profit boards, including the Denver Chamber of Commerce and Denver Junior Achievement. Her extensive experience in both corporate and healthcare management has made her a valuable member on several boards, currently serving as an independent director on the board of a company, where she chairs the compensation committee and is a member of the audit committee​
ASCM Board Director Ben Hout is an experienced bookkeeper and accountant who has developed a robust career by focusing on precision, accountability, and client satisfaction. Over the years, he has provided comprehensive financial services including financial reporting, auditing, and profitability consultation for a diverse range of businesses and individual clients. His expertise extends to implementing and overseeing accounting systems that enhance business operations, reduce inefficiencies, and maximize profitability.
With a background that combines 25 years of experience in accounting and hands-on experience in financial management, Ben Hout is skilled in navigating the complexities of fiscal compliance and strategic financial planning. His approach is detail-oriented and client-focused, ensuring that all financial practices adhere to the latest regulatory standards while also meeting the unique needs of his clients.
Ben’s professional journey has been marked by his commitment to continuing education and staying abreast of the latest developments in accounting technology and financial regulations. This dedication has made him a trusted advisor in the accounting community, known for his ability to tailor his services to the specific financial realities and goals of his clients.
ASCM Director JoaquÃn Alvarado is a distinguished media and nonprofit leader with an extensive background in public service journalism and media innovation. He is the founder of Studiotobe, a media production and consulting firm that emphasizes journalism, storytelling, and community impact. Alvarado has significantly influenced the media landscape through his prior roles as CEO of The Center for Investigative Reporting and as a senior vice president for digital innovation at American Public Media. His career also includes serving as the founding senior vice president for diversity and innovation at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Alvarado’s work extends beyond leadership roles in established media organizations; he has been a strategic consultant for major media companies and nonprofits such as Microsoft, Univision, NBC News, the Ford Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Chicano studies from UC Berkeley and an MFA from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.
Currently, Alvarado is active on several boards, including Consumer Reports,, the James B. McClatchy Foundation, Rebuild Local News Coalition, Aurora Sentinel Community Media, and 826 National. His leadership and visionary approaches continue to shape the future of journalism and digital media​
ASCM Board Treasurer Jovan Mays is a prominent figure in the poetry and education community, known for his deep connections to Aurora, Colorado, where he served as the inaugural Poet Laureate. Mays, a National Poetry Slam Champion and TED Speaker, has profoundly impacted the field of arts education, particularly through his poetry outreach program, “Your Writing Counts.” This initiative has reached over a million students, fostering a love for poetry and creative expression across the Denver Metro area and beyond.
Mays has authored three books: “Pride,” “The Great Box Escape,” and “This Is Your Song,” with his work published by platforms like The Pilgrimage, Button Poetry, and Write About Now. His educational background includes a degree in Secondary History Education from Chadron State College, where he was also involved in athletics, playing football and wrestling.
Beyond his poetry, Mays has been a vibrant advocate for youth voices in Aurora Public Schools, where he serves as the Youth Voice Coordinator. He is committed to helping students find their unique voices and express themselves through the powerful medium of spoken word poetry. His work aims to make poetry a more accessible and valued part of community culture and personal expression​
ASCM Board Director Michelle Ancell is a senior instructor of journalism at Colorado State University (CSU), bringing a wealth of experience in communications and education to her role. As an alumna of Aurora Central High School, her roots in Colorado’s educational and communicative landscapes run deep. Ancell’s career trajectory includes significant roles in communications at both Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek Public Schools, where she honed her expertise in educational communications and public engagement.
Her extensive experience in the field of public school communications has not only enhanced her teaching but also enriched her ability to guide the next generation of journalists at CSU. Ancell integrates practical insights and real-world scenarios into her curriculum, emphasizing the importance of clear, effective communication in public settings. Her background also includes strategic communications, crisis management, and community outreach, all of which contribute to her comprehensive teaching approach.
At CSU, Michelle Ancell is noted for her commitment to student success and her dedication to the principles of journalism. She actively engages in helping students understand the impact of media on public education and the intricacies of communicating complex information to diverse audiences. Her professional journey and academic contributions make her a pivotal figure in shaping future journalists and communicators.
ASCM CEO and Ex-Officio Board Member Dave Perry is the Editor and Publisher of the Sentinel Colorado, a role in which he has a long-standing record of leadership and dedication to local journalism in Aurora, Colorado. Perry has been deeply involved in covering a range of community-centric issues, including city council activities and local policing, emphasizing the importance of local journalism in reflecting the community’s dynamics and needs​.
Under his leadership, the Sentinel Colorado has transitioned toward a community ownership model to ensure its sustainability and continued relevance to the Aurora region. This innovative model aims to keep the newspaper locally controlled and focused on serving the diverse needs of Aurora’s residents, which is crucial in maintaining an informed public​​.
Perry’s journalism education stems from Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he received a bachelor’s of arts degree in journalism and also English literature. Perry has written for the Associated Press, the Denver Post, Denver Westword and a host of local and regional magazines.
Perry’s commitment to journalism is reflected in his efforts to navigate the Sentinel through significant changes, including overseeing its move to non-profit status. This shift aims to adapt to the evolving landscape of media and journalism, ensuring that essential local news continues to reach the community effectively​.