Matt VanAuken
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Matt VanAuken joined DP in August 2011, bringing over 20 years of executive leadership and management experience to the organization. Matt guides DP’s strategy, operations, and community partnerships. His background includes extensive service at the state and local levels, where he has advanced systems that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has served as a Governor-appointed member and President of the Colorado State Board of Health, as well as a Senate-appointed member of the Healthcare Policy and Financing Medicaid Provider Rates and Review Advisory Committee. Matt currently represents Colorado on the board of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). He has held leadership roles with the Alliance and other national and statewide organizations. His work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive, person-centered services and public policy that strengthens community-based supports. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University. Outside of work, he values time with his family and remains actively engaged in professional advocacy and statewide collaboration to improve outcomes for individuals and families.
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Erica Kitzman
Chief Administrative Officer
Erica Kitzman joined DP in 2014 and provides executive leadership across core organizational operations and shared services. During her tenure, she has had rotating executive oversight of all departments, including a prior service provider entity that is no longer affiliated with DP, all shared business services, and Case Management. Currently, Erica leads the departments of Accounting, Billing and Finance, Communications and Marketing, Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), Early Intervention, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Strategic Business Planning. Her work focuses on strengthening organizational infrastructure, supporting workforce development, and aligning internal systems with DP’s mission and values. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and brings over 25 years of experience in building engaged, high-performing teams. She is passionate about collaborative leadership, operational excellence, and preparing organizations for sustainable growth.
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Michelle Bauman
Chief Program Officer
Michelle Bauman joined DP in 2013 and has developed a deep and progressive expertise in program leadership and service delivery. Throughout her tenure, she has held a range of leadership roles within Long-Term Care Case Management, most recently serving as Vice President of Case Management Operations. She now provides executive-level operational leadership and strategic planning for core programs. Michelle has led major initiatives, including the preparation of Case Management Redesign, staff engagement strategies, workflow and efficiency improvements, leadership development, and ongoing collaboration with state partners. Her work is grounded in a commitment to high-quality, person-centered services and continuous improvement for individuals and families served by DP. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves as a trusted organizational representative in statewide policy and program discussions.
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Marc Lawson
Senior Vice President of Finance
Marc Lawson joined DP in 2026 as Senior Vice President of Finance, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial strategy, planning, and operational performance across complex and highly regulated industries. In this role, Marc oversees the organization’s finance and accounting operations and partners closely with leadership to strengthen financial stewardship, support strategic decision-making, and ensure resources are aligned to sustain and expand services for the individuals and families DP supports. Before joining DP, Marc held senior finance leadership roles at Medtronic, where he led financial planning and performance management for patient monitoring and respiratory product portfolios across the United States. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing performance health, strengthening forecasting and operational systems, and developing high-performing finance teams that serve as trusted partners across the organization. Marc holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology from Vanderbilt University. He is also a Certified Management Accountant.
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Will Wedow
Vice President of Information Technology and Project Management
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Beth Bugnell
Vice President of People Strategies
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Kristin Yoder
Senior Director of Program Operations
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Heidi Troutman
Senior Director of Early Intervention
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