Get to Know Us

Tuggy Dunton sits on the Ignacio Board of Directors as town representative and President.  Tuggy Dunton serves as the Town Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Ignacio. She has worked atthe Town since February 2016, as Front Desk Clerk and Administrative Assistant. She earned aBachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Shehas served for various organizations as Administrative Assistant and/or Executive Secretarysince 1995.She is fluent in conversational Spanish due to having been raised in Venezuela. As a result ofliving overseas for the first 15 years of her life she has sensitivity to cultural distinctives, whichhas served her well living in Ignacio, a tri-ethnic community. She enjoys riding her 2015Heritage Softail Classic and hiking through the beautiful mountains of Southwest Colorado. Tuggy enjoys writing poetry and taking pictures of the beautiful local scenery.

Economic Development Manager Southern Ute Indian Tribe | Strategic Thinker and Problem Solver Finding Creative Solutions to Improve Quality of Life and Bring Economic Opportunities to Rural Communities

Stephani Burditt joined Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado in 2014, evolving from Office Manager to her current position as the Grant Compliance Specialist. She has been involved with grant reports including state, federal, and local nonprofits. She also assists the marketing and accounting departments. Burditt earned a BA and Master’s in Business Management and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, meeting new people, and hanging out with her two dogs.

I am so thankful that Ignacio and the Pine River Valley are part of my earliest memories and now I call it home.  My parents moved me back to Texas at 7, but we frequently came back for visits and maintained friendships in the area.  I met my amazing husband while visiting Durango and we started our life together here.  We were not able to stay, but we started an amazing adventure moving to Farmington (NM), then Keller, TX.  We moved back to Farmington then to Calgary, AB which was a remarkable opportunity.  After Calgary we found ourselves in Keller once again.  We were able to stay in Keller for several more years until we relocated to Tulsa, OK.  All of these moves had beneficial and challenging adventures, and we were able to learn about different communities and cultures.  
I am an extremely proud Mom to 3 incredible children.  Being a mom was a glorious experience.  I am an extremely proud to have 3 independent, successful grown-ups.  We stayed very involved in their schools and extracurricular activities.  That kept us very busy through the years.  Having an “empty nest” was tough in the beginning, but we were blessed with the opportunity to purchase a business in Ignacio.  As with anywhere we lived we fully jumped into the community.  I was elected as a Trustee for the Town Board of Ignacio and I have served on numerous boards in Ignacio, La Plata County and at a State Level.  Currently I still serve on the Ignacio Creative District Board and as the Director of the Ignacio Green Chile Fest.  I will work to promote and advance our community and the surrounding communities.  For the future I hope to learn and understand more about the culture and history of our area.

 I am employed by the Ignacio community Library as the Service Desk Manager.  I oversee the day to day operations at the service desk. 

 I have served 3 years on the HCCA (Hope Community Christian Academy)  school board and have been on several community events such as; the Annual Chili Festival, and the Taste of Christmas committee.  

 I enjoy reading, baking, hiking, photography and family time.   My family is dear to me, especially the children. they know how to make my heart smile. We usually bake, hike and of course play on the playground, jump on the trampoline or just hangout. 

Eva Lewis, a Denver native, is a seasoned artist, entrepreneur, and consultant who has resided in La Plata County for over two decades. Currently serving as the Director of the Ignacio Creative District (ICD), Lewis brings extensive expertise in the art world and non-profit sector, including grant writing, art consulting, creative placemaking, and strategic planning for operational and financial sustainability. With a comprehensive background in organizational development, Lewis actively engages in diverse projects with impactful organizations,in addition to serving on multiple esteemed committees. Dedicated to utilizing the arts as a catalyst for economic and civic advancement, Lewis strives to enhance quality of life through creative programming that cultivates strong social capital. Holding an Art degree with double minors in art history and sociology and human services from Fort Lewis College, Lewis has showcased her talent in major exhibitions and collaborations in photography, mixed media painting, and public art. When not immersed in her artistic endeavors, Lewis enjoys outdoor activities with her family on her regenerative farm or embarking on diverse adventures and travels.