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.
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)
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.
Renee Villeneuve (Board Member)
A Colorado native. She is a former contracts manager for the Aerospace Battery Manufacturer. Being a former managing real estate broker specializing in property management. Her skills bring a strong management and real estate support to our community. Currently working at Cripple Creek Park and Recreation stop by to say hi.
Renee Villeneuve
(Board Member)
Travis Phillips
(Vice President)
Travis Phillips (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.
Laura Paynotta
(Vice President)
Laura Paynotta (Vice President)
My name is Laura Pagnotta, and I have deep roots in the Victor–Cripple Creek community. My family moved to Victor in 1995, where my mother owned Zeke’s Bar until 2002. I subsequently lived in Cripple Creek until 2022, when I returned to Victor with my three children to continue raising my family in the mountain towns that shaped my own childhood.
I graduated from CC-V in 2007 and earned a degree in Medical Billing and Coding in 2022. Between 2007 and 2024, I worked in the casino industry, with Triple Crown being my longest-standing employer from 2015 to 2024. In April 2024, I joined the Aspen Mine Center as an Administrative Assistant.
Being able to raise my children in the same close-knit community where I grew up is a true blessing. I am proud to give back through my work with Community of Caring and by serving on the Housing Board. My primary goal is to be the best role model possible for my children.
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.
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.