Fitzsimons Innovation Community Welcomes Four New Board Members

Fitzsimons Innovation Community welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors: Curtis Gardner, public sector solutions manager for Waste Management and councilman at-large for the City of Aurora, Tom Gronow, president and CEO of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Afshin Safavi, president and CEO of Safavi Holdings, and Dustin Zvonek, president and owner of Zvonek Consulting and councilman at-large for the City of Aurora. Each will serve a two-year term and join seven returning members to complete the Community’s Board of Directors.

Comprised of leaders representing the bioscience industry, University of Colorado, and the City of Aurora, the Board of Directors supports the vision of Fitzsimons Innovation Community. Don Elliman, CU Anschutz Medical Campus chancellor and Fitzsimons Innovation Community Board of Directors chair, said the new Board members bring a complement of expertise and enthusiasm. “Our Board members work collaboratively to advance breakthroughs within our Community, attract new partners and relationships to campus, and ensure a positive impact for the City of Aurora. We welcome our new members and look forward to continuing the collaboration.”

Steve VanNurden, president and chief executive officer of Fitzsimons Innovation Community, said, “These experienced professionals join our Board at a time of tremendous growth and opportunity for our Community, the City of Aurora and the life sciences ecosystem in Colorado. Their mix of business acumen, economic savvy and industry expertise round out the strengths of a very effective Board to seize future opportunities.”

Newly Appointed Board Members

Curtis Gardner, public sector solutions manager, Waste Management and Councilman At-Large, City of Aurora

Long-time Aurora resident Curtis Gardner attended Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools. He worked for 15 years in management for a local credit union and served with many community organizations.

For the City of Aurora, Gardner is a strong advocate for taxpayers, promotes public safety, and ensures residents enjoy a high quality of life. He also serves as the public sector solutions manager for Waste Management.

Tom Gronow, president and CEO, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Tom Gronow, Ed.D., M.H.A., collaborates closely with CU Anschutz Medical Campus leaders to help educate and train future generations of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care workers. 

Under Gronow’s previous leadership as COO, UCHealth was repeatedly named the No. 1 hospital in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. He served as its COVID-19 incident commander, helping lead the pandemic response.

Afshin Safavi, president and CEO, Safavi Holdings

Serial entrepreneur and veteran biochemist Afshin Safavi possesses a strong background in the development of biological products in preclinical and clinical-trial laboratories in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing companies, and Contract Research Organizations. 

For Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Safavi seeks to elevate recognition for innovation within the Community and pursue opportunities for its partnerships with institutions on the broader campus.

Dustin Zvonek, president and owner, Zvonek Consulting and Councilman At-Large, City of Aurora

Small business owner Dustin Zvonek is an experienced executive leader with a demonstrated history of working in both the public policy and management consulting industries.

Dustin recently spearheaded efforts to reduce red tape and unnecessary barriers to make the City of Aurora an easier place to do business. He believes with the right business climate, it has the potential to lead the state in job creation and economic growth.

Fitzsimons Innovation Community Board Members

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair: Don Elliman, chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Chair elect: Michael Komppa, president, Corum Real Estate Group

Secretary/treasurer: James C.T. Linfield, partner, Cooley LLP

BOARD MEMBERS

Mike Coffman, mayor, City of Aurora

Curtis Gardner, public sector solutions manager, Waste Management and councilman at-large, City of Aurora

Tom Gronow, president and CEO, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Jena Hausmann, president and CEO, Children's Hospital Colorado

David Perez, independent board member

Afshin Safavi, president and CEO, Safavi Holdings

Tony Salazar, assistant vice president of engagement, University of Colorado

Dustin Zvonek, president and owner, Zvonek Consulting and councilman at-large, City of Aurora

To learn more about the Fitzsimons Innovation Community Board of Directors, please visit our website.

About Fitzsimons Innovation Community

At Fitzsimons Innovation Community, visionaries boldly transform science into the future of health and care. Our Community pushes boundaries in a unified pursuit of health breakthroughs. From concept through commercialization, organizations choose Fitzsimons for its entrepreneurial environment, leading-edge facilities and campus-wide support. Visionaries discover, develop and collaborate with direct access to the renowned clinicians and researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. We are united to advance health.

Media Resources

Media resources are available in the Fitzsimons Innovation Community News center. Interviews available upon request.

Media Contact

Annie Coghill, 303-547-6692

Primavera Group for Fitzsimons Innovation Community

annie@theprimaveragroup.com