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Board of Trustees

The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Board of Trustees is a volunteer, seven-member governing board. Board members are appointed jointly by the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Commissioners. Board responsibilities include setting responsive and appropriate policy, budget oversight and maintaining viable funding, setting overall strategic direction, and the CEO’s hiring and evaluation. 

Announcement

Changes to Public Comments during PPLD Board of Trustees meetings

To ensure that the public can voice their opinions about issues facing the PPLD Board of Trustees and that their perspectives are heard, the Board has adopted a new approach to its public comment sessions starting with the Wed., May 21 meeting.

The Board hopes that this new format will help the flow of business as it more closely aligns with the meeting format that the City Council recently launched.

Individuals with comments regarding the Business Items on the meeting’s agenda will be invited to speak before the Board begins discussion on each item. This will give the Trustees an opportunity to hear the public’s views.

People with comments not related to the Business Items on the agenda will be permitted to speak during a one-hour public comment session after the Board addresses its Business Items.

Please note, only one public comment per person is permitted.

Thank you for your adherence to these new guidelines. We look forward to hearing from you.

Quick Links

Upcoming Board of Trustees Meetings

Board of Trustees meeting 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 5 p.m.

Where: Library 21c – Venue

Board of Trustees meeting virtual link 

Call in:  1-253-215-8782 or 1-312-626-6799 or 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-6833 
Meeting ID: 858 9408 7095 | Passcode: 285387
 

  • Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Mar. 19 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, April 16 – Penrose Library Columbine Room
  • Wednesday, May 21 – Penrose Library Columbine Room
  • *Wednesday, June 25 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, July 16 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Sep. 17 –  Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Library 21c Venue
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Library 21c Venue
  • *Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Library 21c Venue

*exceptions to 3rd Wednesday 

PPLD Board of Trustees

Julie Smyth

Julie Smyth
President

Current Term
First

Term Expires
Friday, December 31, 2027 - 12:00

Professional Life: Julie’s professional experience includes work in publishing, nonprofits, and education.

Community Involvement: Julie has lived in Colorado Springs since 1992. She has worked as a volunteer at various local nonprofits and serves in youth and children’s programs at her church.

Education: Julie holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Applied Biblical Studies.  

Family and Personal Life: Julie enjoys long walks with her dog adopted from The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. On weekends she can be found volunteering, mentoring, hiking, attending community events, taking a class, visiting a museum, or curled up with a good book.

Aaron Salt Headshot

Aaron Salt
Vice President

Position
Vice President

Current Term
First

Term Expires
2026

Professional Life: Currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Woodland Park School District, overseeing district-wide operations and strategic initiatives. Previously founded and operated both consulting and marketing firms, bringing entrepreneurial and business expertise to his leadership roles. 

Community Involvement: Serves as an elected member of Academy District 20's Board of Education. Played a key role as a founding board member of New Summit Charter Academy, where he served as Board Chair until September 2021. 

Education: Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University 
Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University

Family and Personal Life: Has lived in the Pikes Peak region for 13 years with his wife and their four children. Enjoys family camping adventures in Colorado's outdoors. Known for his passionate defense of the Oxford comma and firm belief that "White Christmas" is the greatest Christmas movie ever made. 

Scott Taylor Headshot

Scott Taylor
Secretary/Treasurer

Position
Secretary/Treasurer

Current Term
Second

Term Expires
Friday, December 31, 2027 - 12:00

Professional Life: Scott has worked at AT&T in a variety of positions for 20 years. He is a Senior Systems Engineer. 

Community Involvement: Scott is involved in his local church, where he volunteers weekly in the children's ministry. He has served in various church ministries for over 17 years. 

Education: Scott attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. 

Family and Personal Life: Scott and his wife of 16 years, Tiffany, live in Peyton with their four boys. They enjoy watching movies and playing board games. They like to travel and visit libraries wherever they go.

Erin Bents

Erin Bents
Board Member

Current Term
First

Term Expires
Thursday, December 31, 2026 - 12:00

Professional Life: After graduating from Stevenson University in Baltimore, Maryland, with a degree in Visual Communications and Design, Erin Bents went on the work for Medifast, Inc. and then Philips, both in their Events Management departments. In 2013, Erin became a mom and took over the management her household. 

Community Involvement: Erin has made community engagement a priority and has served on the PTO board for her children's elementary school, volunteered in the classroom, and boosted for her children's sports teams. She has also served as precinct leader for local political election activities and is currently engaged as a board member for the El Paso County Community Corrections Board. 

Education:  In 2005 Erin Bents earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College)

Family and Personal Life: Erin is a proud wife and mom to her 2 children. Erin and her family moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 from Baltimore, Maryland. In her free time, she is an avid skier and crafter. Erin takes great pride in serving the El Paso County community and hopes to continue that legacy into the future. 

Angela Dougan

Angela Dougan
Board Member

Current Term
First

Term Expires
Sunday, December 31, 2028 - 12:00

Professional Life: Angela Dougan has been a Colorado resident since 1986.  During this time, she has raised a family, graduated from UCCS, and her latest career change is becoming manager in commercial property projects. In 2010, after the citizens of Colorado Springs voted for a strong- mayor charter, Angela ran and was elected as the D2 City Councilwomen.  As a town representative, she served on many committees including the City Finance, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, COS Utility Board, Oil and Gas Commission and participated in many other public policy working groups. Her greatest accomplishment was being a voice for D2 residents and a liaison to their local government. 

Community Involvement: Since her elected term, Angela has worked with non-profits such as working with the Teen Court Board of Directors in which she provided programs to help students build stronger messaging skills. Angela has worked with multiple homeschool organizations/families, Heritage Girls, Young Americans Club, and many other education groups to help educate future generations on government processes. Angela has also served as an adjunct trainer to help break down barriers for all to find their highest potential. Serving and advocating for her community is Angela’s greatest passion.

Education: Bachlors Sociology from University of Colorado COS

Family and Personal Life: Previous to her elected experience, Angela was blessed to be a “stay at home mom” and able to raise her two girls.  During this time, she was a substitute teacher in D11 and D20 school districts to stay connected to educational opportunities.  Angela also volunteered for both D20 and D38 school districts in many compacities and even received a Volunteer of the Year for D20, as well as served in many PTO/Parent Booster Board positions.  This allowed her to hone her skills at working with volunteers, interact with school leadership, and build strong local relationships.  Her greatest successes come when she can collaborate with families and businesses to ensure schools work to reach their highest potential and students can thrive.

Debbie English

Debbie English
Board Member

Current Term
Second

Term Expires
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 - 12:00

Professional Life: Debbie has over 30 years of nonprofit experience as a volunteer, employee, and executive director. She was involved in establishing CASA and Teen Court in Colorado Springs.

Community Involvement: Debbie received the Lohman Award for Excellence in Service to Children from the El Paso County Bar Association in 2018. She currently coordinates a volunteer program to teach knitting skills to Teen Court defendants.

Education: Debbie holds a BBA in marketing from the University of Central Arkansas and a MPA in Public Administration from UCCS. She is a graduate of El Pomar’s Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program.

Family and Personal Life: Debbie and her husband, Jim, love to travel and entertain. In her free time, Debbie loves to read, knit, and explore the Pikes Peak region.

Dora Gonzales

Dora Gonzales
Board Member

Position
Board Member

Current Term
First

Term Expires
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 - 12:00

Professional Life: Dora is a mathematics instructor & coach for the 2-Year Alternative Licensure Program. She is a retired mathematics professional with 30 years plus experience. 

Community Involvement: Dora is involved in the Colorado community. She is the treasurer for Adelante Mujer Inc. a nonprofit providing leadership learning opportunities to High & Middle School Latina students in the Denver Metro region. Locally, she is actively involved in various church ministries, the American GI Forum & CPCD. She recently completed her tenure as President for Friends of PPLD. 

Education: Dora received her BA in education from UCCS & her MA from University of Northern Colorado in mathematics pedagogy.

Family and Personal Life: Dora has been married for 48 years to her husband, Albert, and has two children, Caesar and Jessica, and one granddaughter, Sofia. Dora enjoys traveling, reading, the arts, and watching her granddaughter play hockey.

Board of Trustees Documents

2025

2024

See full Board of Trustees documents

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