Board of Directors

Chair

Bill Wade was one of the founding directors of the Friends of GJ Union Depot and presently serves as the organization's board chair. In addition to previously serving on the Grand Junction Planning Commission, Bill has a wide range of local nonprofit experience. Among other positions, he is currently the Chair Emeritus of HomewardBound, Treasurer of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society, and Trustee and Treasurer of the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. He also brings with him a passion for railroading in all its forms.

Vice-Chair

Michael started volunteering with nonprofits at a young age. After dabbling in Japanese castle restoration, Michael realized there was more he could do at home. He became one of the founding directors of the Friends of GJ Union Depot and presently serves as the organization's board vice-chair and primary historical researcher. He is currently majoring in computer science and mathematics and minoring in psychology at Colorado Mesa University. Michael is actively involved in several local nonprofits and organizations, including the Grand Valley Model Railroad Club at Cross Orchards Historic Site. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing the piano, studying history, and learning about languages and cultures.

Secretary

JoAnn was a Water Quality Chemist and Laboratory Manager for Ute Water Conservancy District for 20 years. Upon retiring, she became involved in several organizations. She is currently the president of the Western Colorado Chapter of the Territorial Daughters of Colorado, an organization whose members are descendants of residents of the territory that later became the state of Colorado. It is the objective of this organization to preserve Colorado's pioneer history, landmarks, and traditions in the state. Jo's position in the Territorial Daughters led her to find the Friends of GJ Union Depot, and it quickly became obvious to Jo that her organization needed to be part of the restoration of the structure. With the beautiful architecture and incredible historical significance of the Union Depot, not only to the Grand Valley but also to all of Colorado, JoAnn feels she needs to do whatever is possible to help restore it to its original splendor.

Treasurer

Art Chase brings a wide range of historical and railroad experience with him. In addition to serving 23 years in the Air Force and 43 years with the FAA, Art was a board member of the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad in Fairbanks, Alaska, which eventually became the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum. He served as the organization's head engineer and helped rebuild Tanana Valley Railroad No. 1, an 1899 Porter locomotive. He was also an original member of the Alaska Railroad No.  557 restoration crew and was a member of the Heber Valley Railroad Steam Crew during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake. Art spends his free time as a railroad and aviation artist.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Samuel found a job as an English teacher in Grand Junction where he quickly involved himself in the community. In 1968, Samuel founded Greenbelt, Inc., which successfully transformed the Colorado River embankments from a riverside junkyard to a park and recreational site. From 2008 to 2017, he was a member of the Legends of the Grand Valley sculpture committee which created a walking tour of historical statues throughout downtown Grand Junction. In 2014, Samuel assisted with the restoration of Grand Junction founder George Crawford's mausoleum. Samuel was one of the founding directors of the Friends of GJ Union Depot and previously served as the organization's secretary.

After being drafted during the Vietnam War, Rob served in the U.S. Navy as a deep sea diver and bomb disposal technician for twelve years. Subsequently, he became an entrepreneur providing computer-learning solutions. He accepted a challenge from the U.S. House of Representatives to prepare congressional computer systems in preparation for the Y2K project. He served in a non-political position as the House's Information Technology Director and Senior Project Manager for ten years. He has been acknowledged in the Congressional Record for his technology contributions and leadership during the Anthrax forced evacuation of the Capitol Complex.

Rob and his wife Cindy moved to Grand Junction to enjoy a life of hiking, climbing and exploring, and they became local business owners. He was one of the founding directors of the Friends of GJ Union Depot and fulfills a vital role as the organization's taskmaster and events coordinator. Rob, Cindy, and their poodle Affy enjoy the challenges of agility training, online auctions, creating outdoor artwork and working to restore the the Union Depot.

Dave is a long-time train enthusiast and is passionate about supporting the community. A local realtor, Dave sold the Union Depot on behalf of one of the building's previous owners, allowing him to see and appreciate early preservation and restoration efforts. He quickly became one of the depot's earliest supporters and was one of the Friends of GJ Union Depot's first directors. He is actively involved in several other community-based organizations, such as the Redlands Rotary. Dave is also president of the Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Chorus and a member of the Canyon Grand Quartet. He uses his knowledge and connections to advance the restoration of Grand Junction's Union Depot.

Mary has been in the real estate industry for the past twenty years, causing her to develop a deep appreciation for historic buildings and their significance in preserving the cultural heritage of a community. She recognizes that the Union Depot holds a special place in the history of Grand Junction and serves as a reminder of our past, and has taken a keen interest in preserving and promoting the historic structure. During her tenure on the board, Mary has collaborated with like-minded individuals who share a passion for historic preservation. She believes that, together, we can work towards raising awareness about the depot's historical significance. By organizing events and initiatives to engage the community and securing the necessary resources for the depot’s restoration, she hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the Grand Junction Union Depot and help create a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Outside of the Friends, Mary is a member of other organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Cynthia is a Colorado native artist who was inspired by her family’s passion for art, music, nature and trains. Her strength in design is attributed to training and working as a commercial artist in corporate and marketing design. She owned and operated Prairie Winds Art Center in Nebraska for 20 years and served on several committees to help the arts and community. Cindy has now come back to her roots in Colorado and enjoys painting the west. Her works are shown all over the world and housed in corporate and private collections throughout the United States. Her love for her community also includes the restoration of the Union Depot and how it can add to the quality of life here in Grand Junction. Her efforts secured grant funding and coordinated artist participation for the 2024 celebration of National Train Day. She brings knowledge of the community and connections with potential funders.