As a non-profit professional association, the Colorado Association for Career and Technical Education (CACTE) relies on a few paid staff members and a whole lot of volunteers to make things happen. Meet our hard-working staff!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Debbie Nelson, CFCS, IPHE
Debbie has been a member of CACTE since 1982. She believes passionately in the power of professional association involvement! Benefits such as networking, leadership development, sharing/learning, and personal growth are myriad. An important thing to note: Debbie has another part-time job during tax season – she works as a tax assistant at Financial Security Management.
CACTE ASSISTANTS to the ED
SUMMIT ASSISTANT: Lauren Appelhans is a Family and Consumer (FCS) teacher at Greeley Central High School. She has enjoyed a multitude of opportunities to reach students and grow as an educator. She is a ten year CACTE/CATFACS member , serving as the CATFACS treasurer for a two year term. Lauren enjoys sewing, crafts and being outdoors with her husband and their two young children.
MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT: Christina Runyan is a Colorado native and proud CSU Ram. She teaches Hospitality & Tourism at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus. Christina is an active CATFACS/CACTE member. In her spare time she enjoys attending concerts, watching football and hockey, cooking, camping, and being outdoors with her husband and their two dogs.
