Andy Smith, Redevelopment Manager for the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority, joins host Jeff Faust to share his journey from growing up in Arvada to making Fort Collins home for more than 30 years, his unexpected path to CSU, and the story of how he met his wife. In this episode, Andy unpacks what urban renewal really means, how the URA is tackling blight one neighborhood at a time, and why the North College corridor is such a critical focus for the future of our city. He and Jeff talk about engaging residents in redevelopment, building a shared vision instead of just chasing resources, and the importance of humility, full-brain living, and getting outside—whether that’s mountain biking the foothills or finding stillness on the river.
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Carl Pratt is the General Manager of the Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, where he leads operations while championing community engagement and hospitality excellence. With a background in health and wellness, Carl previously spent 17 years at Canyon Ranch, a renowned wellness destination resort, where he served in multiple leadership roles. His career has spanned independent resorts, college-town hospitality, and senior living operations across New England and Arizona. At The Elizabeth, Carl integrates his passion for service, arts, and community impact into a hotel experience rooted deeply in Fort Collins culture.
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Sean Godbey is the owner and operator of Old Town Spice Shop, a specialty spice retailer based in Fort Collins, Colorado. A Colorado State University graduate, Sean originally pursued a degree in recreation and tourism before stepping into the family business and transforming it into a thriving local institution. Under his leadership, Old Town Spice Shop has grown into a trusted supplier for home cooks, restaurants, breweries, and Colorado State University dining services. Known for his commitment to integrity, collaboration, and community involvement, Sean continues to blend entrepreneurship with his passions for the outdoors and local impact.
Sean Godbey is a Fort Collins native, Colorado State University graduate, and owner of Old Town Spice Shop, a specialty spice shop in Old Town Fort Collins. He has helped grow the business into a trusted supplier of custom spice blends for regional restaurants and breweries, including a collaboration with New Belgium Brewing on the sour ale “The Great Godbey.” Sean enjoys the outdoors, nature photography, and serving the Fort Collins community.
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Emily Francis is the Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, where she focuses on affordability, equity, and values-driven leadership. Born and raised in Fort Collins, she attended Laurel Elementary, Lesher Middle School, and Fort Collins High School before earning her degree from Colorado State University and a master’s in public health from Portland State University. Before entering public service, Emily worked in nonprofit leadership, including community organizing with mobile home park residents and senior nutrition programs. She was first elected to City Council in 2019 and became Fort Collins’ first millennial mayor in 2025.
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Craig Chesson is Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Colorado State University. Originally from New York City, Craig moved to Fort Collins in 1992 and has since become a key figure in student support and campus inclusion. At CSU, he champions initiatives that address food insecurity, student mental health, and first-generation college success. Beyond campus, Craig is deeply engaged in community-building efforts that help make Fort Collins more welcoming for all.
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Kelly DiMartino is the City Manager for the City of Fort Collins. She began her career in communications and rose through multiple leadership positions over two decades in the city government. DiMartino is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to community engagement, transparency, and public service. A Nebraska native, she’s passionate about building a thriving Fort Collins where residents of all ages can live, work, and play.
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Brian Villers is the leader of Celebrate Recovery in Fort Collins, a faith-based program helping people find freedom from “hurts, habits, and hangups.” After battling high-functioning alcoholism and experiencing profound personal loss, Brian committed to a life of sobriety and service. He now facilitates recovery support groups, mentors individuals, and partners with organizations like Love FoCo to facilitate recovery. Brian’s journey from pain to purpose is a testament to the power of vulnerability, faith, and community.
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Nathan Shaw is the Executive Director of Vindeket Foods, a nonprofit organization dedicated to food rescue and distribution in Northern Colorado. Forty percent of all food the United States produces ends up in a landfill. The Vindeket team is rescuing this food before it reaches the trash and providing it to the community. Nathan’s hands-on leadership style reflects his deep belief in restoration, sustainability, and community-powered change.
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Roxy Tines is the Chapter Director of Safe Families for Children Northern Colorado, a nonprofit that surrounds families in crisis with caring support networks. Based in Fort Collins, Roxy draws on her extensive background in child protection, social work, and her personal experience as a single mom. She previously worked for Larimer County Child Protection for eight years, where she saw the need for preventative intervention and relational support. Her leadership is driven by faith, empathy, and a lifelong passion for helping families thrive before they fall into crisis.
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Kevin Unger is the President and CEO of the North Market for UCHealth. A Fort Collins native, he was born at Poudre Valley Hospital—one of the hospitals he now leads. Unger holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change from CSU and has overseen transformational growth at UCHealth, guiding innovation in access, technology, and community care. His leadership emphasizes team collaboration, community impact, and evolving healthcare to meet the needs of Northern Colorado.
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