Advisory Council
The Otero Advisory Council exists to advise the college president and the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education on the long-term educational needs of the area served by the college. Otero’s Advisory Council consists of community representatives from the service area of Bent, Otero and Crowley Counties. Council members serve as advisers on the long-term educational needs of the area and promote the college’s programs and services among the communities in its service area. In addition, the Council serves as liaison between the college and area employers, local school boards, county commissioners, and other local officials and groups to facilitate identification of employment, training and educational needs of the community.
Kevin Brandon
Kevin Brandon is the Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Colorado Power Association and its communications subsidiary SECOM. Brandon has worked at SECPA / SECOM since 2001 where he held many roles before being selected as the CEO in 2022. During his early years at the company, he was heavily involved with the Connect Colorado and Beanpole projects which brought high-speed fiber-optic communications to much of Southeast Colorado including Otero College. He attended Otero College, completing several certificate programs including the Cisco Networking Academy and later obtained an AAS in Electric Power Technology from Bismarck State College.
Jonathan Fox
Jonathan R. Fox has been affiliated with the Fowler State Bank of Fowler, CO for nearly 43 years. He has served as Chairman of the Board and CEO since 1992, also assuming the role as President of the bank in 2009. Mr. Fox is very pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Otero College & CDS Board. He believes it is an obligation to give back to the area that has been a part of his family’s heritage for over one hundred years. Jonathan graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Mr. Fox also holds a professional Real Estate Broker’s License from the Colorado Division of Real Estate since 1980, serving as President and broker of The Fox Agency, Inc. He is presently Chairman of the State of Colorado Banking Board appointed by the governor and approved by the Colorado Senate. Mr. Fox also serves the Fowler Chamber of Commerce, currently as Vice-President, President of the Cottonwood Links Golf Course and Ad Council President of the Fowler United Methodist Church. He is an Ass’t Coach of the area 4H Livestock Judging Team as well. He founded and serves as President of the Jonathan and Shari Fox Family Foundation, a 501(c) (3) which was begun for philanthropic purposes in 2004. He also serves on several other boards including the College of Music Advisory Board at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Otero College Foundation Board (presently) as well as several local scholarship boards of trustees. He conducts annually, Daniels Fund interviews for the Southeastern Colorado region as a part of that selection process, held at Otero College each Spring. Mr. Fox looks forward to bringing his experience and dedicated contribution to the Otero College Advisory Board/Child Development Services (CDS) Board.
Margaret Grasmick
Margaret Grasmick was appointed to the Otero Advisory Council in February of 2020. She is a retired elementary teacher with a passion for education. She has worked in this area for over 25 years and has a comprehensive understanding of the valley and Otero’s service area. She is involved with the Rocky Ford City Council, Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce, as well as being a member of the Rocky Ford Parish Council.
Andrew Huffman
Andrew Huffman was appointed to the Otero Advisory Council in March 2019. He is a Vice President of First National Bank of Las Animas in charge of Audit and Compliance. He has worked at the bank since 1998, bringing a strong business background. Huffman has served on a variety of committees and boards throughout his career representing Las Animas and Bent County.
C.J. Montoya
C.J. Montoya was appointed to the Otero College President’s Advisory Council in September of 2021. He is the Court Executive for Colorado’s 16th Judicial District (Bent, Crowley, and Otero Counties). He has worked for the Judicial Branch since 2013, where he also served as a Problem-Solving Court Coordinator and Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator in the 3rd Judicial District (Huerfano and Las Animas Counties). In 2013, he interned for then Lieutenant Governor Joseph Garcia, and holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Colorado State University-Pueblo and M.A. in Political Science from San Diego State University.
Amy White-Tanabe
Amy White-Tanabe is a seasoned professional with over twenty-three years of experience in management. After sixteen years of serving seniors in the long-term care industry, she transitioned to local government to become the County Administrator of Otero County, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, Amy performs high-level executive work, including policy development, budget preparation and adherence, staff leadership, and statutory compliance. Amy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995 and is a proud alum of the Rocky Ford Meloneers. She is a fourth-generation native of Otero County and enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, their two adult children, their significant others and two absolutely adorable grandchildren.