SPRI Names Gretchen Cole to Lead Development Efforts in the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley
SPRI Names Gretchen Cole to Lead Development Efforts in the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley
Experienced fundraising leader and lifelong local resident will strengthen community engagement and philanthropic support in Roaring Fork Valley
BASALT, Colo. — Nov. 9, 2026 — Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) has appointed Gretchen Cole as its new Director of Development, a role created to support the organization's growing presence and philanthropic initiatives in the Roaring Fork Valley.
A respected development professional with nearly 30 years of nonprofit fundraising experience in the Aspen area, Cole joined SPRI on Oct. 5. Most recently, she served as Director of Development at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village.
"The opportunity to connect people with work that changes lives is what has always motivated me," said Cole. "As someone who has spent nearly my entire life in the Roaring Fork Valley, I understand the generosity and commitment to community that define this region. SPRI is advancing world-class research right here in Basalt, and I look forward to helping our community engage with and support discoveries that can make a lasting difference for patients around the world."
“Conducting high-impact science in our Basalt laboratory, including clinical trials, has been an essential part of our research at SPRI,” said Dan Drawbaugh, CEO. “Gretchen will be a true ambassador for our organization, and we look forward to connecting with more community members and patients in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley who will benefit from SPRI’s discoveries."
"Gretchen is an outstanding fit for this new position," added Lee Jones, Chief Operating Officer of SPRI. “As a lifelong member of the Roaring Fork Valley community, Gretchen brings deep community relationships and an unmatched understanding of the people, organizations, businesses and culture that make this region unique. She will be an invaluable resource as SPRI continues to expand its presence and impact in Basalt and throughout the valley."
SPRI expanded beyond its longstanding headquarters in Vail when it opened a state-of-the-art research facility in Basalt's Willits Town Center in 2022. Since then, the organization has experienced significant growth, creating new opportunities to engage local residents and supporters in its mission of advancing orthopaedic research and scientific discovery.
In her new role, Cole will focus on strengthening community awareness, cultivating donor relationships and expanding philanthropic support for SPRI's research, education and innovation initiatives.
"My greatest strength is building authentic, long-term relationships with donors," Cole said. "I enjoy helping people connect their passions and philanthropic goals with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. SPRI offers a powerful mission, and I am excited to help others become part of its story."
Cole also sees tremendous potential for community engagement in the Roaring Fork Valley.
"This is a deeply philanthropic community that values education, innovation and impact," she said. "Many local students have already engaged with SPRI through its educational programs, and local high school teams have earned recognition at SPRI's annual science fair. There is a genuine curiosity here about science and discovery, and I look forward to building on those connections."
SPRI Chairman, Marc J. Philippon, M.D. reflected on Gretchen’s ability to share SPRI’s mission in the Aspen community. “At SPRI, our work is driven by a commitment to advancing orthopaedic research and improving outcomes for patients around the world. Philanthropic support plays an important role in making that work possible, and we see tremendous opportunity to build stronger connections with the Roaring Fork Valley community. Gretchen brings the experience and perspective to help people understand the impact of our research and the meaningful role they can play in advancing our mission.”
Jared T. Lee, M.D., Aspen Medical Director for The Steadman Clinic, believes Cole's roots and experience will further strengthen SPRI's ties to the region.
"Gretchen is exceptionally connected within this community," Dr. Lee said. "She understands what matters to the people who live here and knows how to communicate the value of SPRI's cutting-edge research in a meaningful way. What makes this especially exciting is that much of this groundbreaking work is happening right here in Aspen and Basalt."
In addition to her leadership role at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Cole has held administrative and development positions with Aspen Country Day School, The Nature Conservancy, and Snowmass Chapel and Community Center. She has also served as a trustee and board member for several organizations, including Austin Memorial Foundation, Aspen Words, Summit 54, and Aspen Country Day School.
Cole earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley.
Gretchen can be reached at gcole@sprivail.org.
For more information about SPRI, please contact: Marianne Kipp — mkipp@sprivail.org | 970-401-8734