Stan Orr, East Garfield County Trustee

Stan D. Orr, Colorado Mountain College’s trustee from District 2 (East Garfield County), has a commitment to community colleges that dates back more than two decades, to his own experience as a student at Altus Junior College in southwest Oklahoma. Since then, Orr has been involved in education in one form or another as a teacher, a nonprofit volunteer and board member, and an adult education advocate. He’s been a resident and business owner in the Glenwood Springs area for eight years. He is in the business of managing and consulting for professional associations.

Orr has been described by a peer as “someone who is totally fearless when it comes to thinking outside the box,” and strongly believes there are creative solutions to any issue facing any organization in the attainment of its mission and vision.

After receiving an associate of arts degree from Altus Junior College (now Western Oklahoma State Junior College), Orr earned a bachelor of science in education from the University of Central Oklahoma. At first, he considered becoming a junior college instructor because his experience at Altus had been so positive. Instead, he spent three years as a gubernatorial staff member and seven as a classroom teacher.

While in public education, Orr got his first experience in organizational management while serving as president of a state teachers’ association. It was an experience that drives his interest and commitment to the philosophy of association today.

Upon his departure from public education, Orr joined the staff of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Oklahoma, where he served as education director and executive director.  He has also served as executive director of a number of other associations, including the ABC of Southern California, the Oklahoma Association of Realtors and the National Association of Legal Secretaries. During his tenure with those organizations, Orr distinguished himself and the organizations by earning numerous awards and honors in the areas of membership development, communications and strategic planning.

On the nonprofit front, Orr began his service as president of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives in 1992, and is credited with founding that organization’s education foundation. In 1993, he was recognized as Oklahoma’s Association Executive of the Year. 

In 1995, Orr founded NonProfit Resources, an association management company that currently represents national and international construction-related trade associations and foundations. In 1999, Orr moved to the Glenwood Springs area with his wife, Cindy, and daughter Sarah, who is now 12.

Orr joined the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees for several reasons, including wanting to give back to the community, having respect for the college, and wanting to continue his lifelong commitment to education.

“I went to a junior college in southwest Oklahoma, and it was the best experience I had in college. The way community colleges serve traditional learners and adult learners is unique,” Orr explains.

“My business experience plays a role too,” he says. “I have an association management company. The organizations I consult focus largely on adult learning. I know CMC is not solely dedicated to adult learning, but it’s an important component.”

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