BEL Commission

The vision of the Business Experiential-Learning (BEL) Commission is to integrate experiential learning opportunities into Colorado's talent development network.

2021 Priorities

Promote employer adoption of apprenticeships and suggest solutions to address employer barriers to entry
Recommend and advocate for effective policy solutions to scale experiential learning as a key talent development strategy
Enhance and measure equitable engagement in experiential learning opportunities across programs and funding streams

BEL Commission Members

BEL Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to serve an initial term of 2-3 years. Subsequent terms are two years long.

Noel David Ginsburg, Chair. CEO, Intertech Plastics, Inc

Joe Barela. Executive Director, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Angie Paccione, Ph.D. Executive Director, Colorado Department of Higher Education

Katy Anthes, Ph.D. Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education

Pat Meyers, Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Lee Wheeler-Berliner. Managing Director, Colorado Workforce Development Council

Joe Garcia. Chancellor, Colorado Community College System

Alexis Marrero. Superintendent, Denver Public Schools

Dharam Patel. Principal, The Patel Group LLC

Helen Young Hayes. Founder/CEO, Activate Workforce Solutions

Gerald Arnold. Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Denver Pipefitters Local #208

Gregory Meyers. Vice President Talent Acquisition, TTEC

Karen Perham-Lippman. Manager Supplier Diversity and ESG, Xcel Energy

Ken Haptonstall. Executive Director, Colorado River BOCES

Lisanne McNew. President and COO, McNew & Associates, Inc.

Sylvia Robinson, Communications & HR Program Manager, Tolmar, Inc

Yvonne Myers. Health Systems Director, Columbine Health Systems

BEL Committees

The BEL Commission has two committees comprised of BEL Commission members and representatives from other organizations.

Advocacy Committee:
The advocacy committee drafts and signs off on briefing statements for state and federal bills and policy relevant to the BEL Commission.

Marketing Committee:
The marketing committee advises on the development of a strategic communications plan that builds awareness, adoption, and support for the experiential learning system.

Executive Orders