About us

The Gold Camp Housing Partners board ensures success through a combination of their recent achievements, ongoing evaluation methods, and the diverse expertise of its board members. 

Key elements contributing to the board's assurance of success include: 

Achieving Non-Profit Status and Community Feedback

The organization has made good progress by achieving '501 c3' IRS non-profit status in August 2024. This milestone, combined with positive community feedback, contributes to their confidence in the mission's continued success. 

Evaluation of Progress

To ensure objectives are fulfilled and community needs are satisfied, the board plans to evaluate its progress through the performance of funding plans with entities such as HUD, CHFA, and USDA.

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Diverse Board Expertise

The board is consists of seven members and one staff whose backgrounds, experiences, and achievements have led to rapid progress since August. This expertise spans various business and personal endeavors:

Susan Balcome (Executive Director)

She brings over 30 years of experience in accounting and tax expertise with contractors, involvement in residential developments across numerous Colorado communities, extensive experience in real estate funding & property management, and managed assets for two family offices with a net worth of $86M.

Jessica Thurman

(Board Member)

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Susan Balcome

(Executive Director)

Jessica Thurman (Board Member)

As the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Victor, Colorado. She has built her career on advancing rural and tribal community development, bringing experience in local government, nonprofit leadership, and child protection. Jessica has led initiatives focused on attainable housing, workforce development, and economic revitalization, supporting stronger, more resilient communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

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Denise Hart

(Board Member)

Denise Hart (Board Member)

I have been a part of Teller County for over 23 years and am a proud local high school graduate. For the past 10 years, I worked with a local community resource agency, supporting individuals and families and gaining a deep understanding of our community’s needs. As a parent and long-time resident, I am deeply invested in Teller County’s growth and future. I am well known and respected within the community and am eager to contribute my experience, perspective, and commitment as a member of the Housing Board.

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Travis Phillips

(Vice President)

Travis Phillips (Vice President)

He is a Teller County Youth Achievement winner, President of the Cripple Creek/Victor Youth in Community Services Club, and founder of the High School Hockey Club. He is instrumental in working with youth in S. Teller County and is a business owner in Southern Teller County specializing in historical restoration and work for underprivileged residents. 

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Peter Barrett

(President)

Peter Barrett (President)

has experience as a former family advocate for Teller County Head Start, a former member of the Cripple Creek Childcare Taskforce, and a former board member of Teller/Park Early Childhood Council (TPECC). He is deeply involved with Cripple Creek youth/athletic programs and works as a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist/Paramedic.

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Annie Durham

(Board Member)

Annie Durham (Board Member)

She is the current mayor of Cripple Creek and holds board positions with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments and the Military Selection Committee for Congressional District 4. She is the Adult Career Connection Center Director and has been employed by the Cripple Creek/Victor School District for a decade in various educational roles, including Drama & Public Speaking teacher. 

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John Prather

(Secretary)

John Prather (Secretary)

He has held several senior roles with large corporations, including General Manager, Divisional Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer. He has received multiple 'Employee of the Year' and 'Leader of the Year' awards from multi-billion dollar companies and holds a Communications/Journalism degree.

Desiree Patty

(Treasurer)

Desiree Patty (Treasurer)

Desi Patty, I am a fifth-generation resident of Cripple Creek and Victor area.  I am happy to have the opportunity to serve on the Teller County Housing Board.  I am the Head Start and Early Head Start Director for Teller County; I have worked with families in this area for many years.  I hope to be an advocate for the family's needs for housing in this area.  Also, since my family has been in this area for over 100 years, I hope that I am able to provide information of the history of this area while making decisions for the future. This county has been my home, and I would like to help other families have the ability to call this county there home as well.