Stan is seeking re-election to his second term as El Paso County Commissioner, District 3. In the two and a half years under his first term, Stan has established a record of achievement. 

 

Service on Boards

Stan serves on over a 17 boards either as a voting member or advisor. In addition to his own Board of County Commissioners, this includes the Highway Advisory Commission, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, Emergency Services Authority, the El Paso County Parks Board, the Airport Advisory Committee, Military Affairs Council, Defense Mission Task Force, Pikes Peak Heroes Legacy Committee, Child Care Placement Committee, El Paso County Retirement Board, Colorado Springs Public Art Commission, 2020 "Complete Count" Census Committee, and more. His work on these boards have contributed greatly to improved cooperation and better outcomes for our communities. 

 

Chair - Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Commissioner VanderWerf chairs the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, a team of government agencies and private companies dedicated to creating improved cooperation among the many local organizations involved with Criminal Justice issues. 

 

Chair - Pikes Peak Workforce Center Board

Commissioner VanderWerf chairs the Consortium Board, a two-county board supporting operations of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. Through Stan's leadership and the leadership of many others, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center has gained national award winning attention. Last year it placed almost 15,000 citizens including veterans into jobs among many other achievements. 

 

Service on National Association of Counties Boards

Commissioner VanderWerf also serves on the Community, Economic Development, and Workforce Board for the National Association of Counties. With this national board, Stan has been able to carry legislative and policy recommendations to a national stage including policies on affordable housing and opportunity zones. His efforts have helped shape a deeper engagement with this board on national economic development issues. 

 

Business Owner

Stan VanderWerf is President and Owner of two companies in Colorado Springs. In 2011, Stan founded Advanced Capitol LLC, an aerospace defense consulting firm which helps companies and municipalities win defense/aerospace business and grow aerospace economies. In 2014, Stan created Colorado Springs' first dedicated 3D printing company called CEM-Tek USA. CEM-Tek helps companies and inventors develop products for use in industries and the consumer markets. To continue his work as County Commissioner, Stan has downsized his consulting firm and placed his 3D printing company on hold.

 

Over 30 Years of Public Service

Commissioner VanderWerf has over 30 years of public service in both national and local roles. During this time, he held scientific, program management, engineering, contracting officer, Commander, and elected official positions supporting both national and local efforts. He has held several director, plant manager, and C-level positions in both the Department of Defense and industry. Stan has experience founding and running companies and leading large R&D, production, and operations organizations.  His 28 years of service in the Air Force included a combat tour in Iraq, overseas assignments in Europe and Asia, and several Commander and Program Director positions, some with billion dollar annual operating budgets.  Commissioner VanderWerf, while on active duty, was assigned twice to Colorado Springs, once at Schriever AFB, and once at Peterson AFB in NORAD/NORTHOM as the Chief of the Analysis Division which was responsible for analyzing NORAD's combat mission planning.

 

Community Leader

Stan is deeply involved with many community issues providing both his time and financial support for many causes. He founded the Colorado Springs Chamber's Aerospace Defense Team and serves on several local non-profit boards. He has contributed several thousand hours of his time volunteering locally since he moved to Colorado Springs in 2011 including volunteer work with his church, the St. Arnold Beer Festival which raises money for Westside Cares, several professional organizations, Habitat for Humanity, and more. 

 

Degrees and Education

Stan VanderWerf is a Distinguished Graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and holds Industrial Engineering, International Relations, and National Resource Strategy Degrees. Stan received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq and has been published on numerous community, County, manufacturing, cyber, and unmanned aircraft topics. Stan is also an expert on energy production and policy.

 

Hobbies

Stan is an experienced expedition mountain climber and has climbed several notable peaks worldwide as well as over 150 peaks in Colorado. He is a skier and private pilot with instrument and commercial ratings.

 

Family

Stan lives in the southwest part of Colorado Springs and is married to his lovely wife, Betsy. They have two children, Erik and Carolyn.