Our Team
Colorado Photography Week is a new statewide celebration of photography.
Shanda Akin
Director of Jury & Photographer Selection
Shanda manages the professional photographer entry and selection process for the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. She coordinates the jury, oversees the review and selection process, and then works directly with the selected photographers on the technical preparation and production of their programs to ensure they are ready for presentation on the Showdown stage.
Nora Stafford
Events Director
Nora works directly with businesses, galleries, organizations, photographers, and community partners to develop events and exhibits throughout Colorado Photography Week. She helps turn ideas into activities and keeps the growing calendar of events organized and moving forward.
Matt Ericksen
Communications Director
Matt leads communications and publicity for Colorado Photography Week, working with the media, community partners, sponsors, and the CPW team to tell our story. He coordinates press releases, promotional messaging, and outreach designed to build awareness throughout Colorado.
Richard Akoto
Youth Photo Showcase Program Manager
Richard manages the Youth Photography Showcase, connecting with schools, teachers, students, and families throughout Colorado. He coordinates entries, communications, and the selection and presentation of student photography during Colorado Photography Week.
Harrison McInnis
Website Design & Management
Harrison is the web developer and designer behind Colorado Photography Week, where he built the website and developed its functionality. While he isn’t a photographer himself, he draws inspiration from Colorado’s incredible landscapes and the photographers who capture them. Through his company, J3media, Harrison provides web design, development, and digital solutions that help bring creative projects to life.
Kathryn Waggener
Durango Creative District
Kathryn helps connect Colorado Photography Week with Durango’s creative community, artists, galleries, cultural organizations, and community resources, while also leading outreach to Colorado’s 37 certified Creative Districts. She provides valuable guidance and collaboration as CPW grows from its Durango roots into a statewide annual celebration of photography and the arts.
Lisa Morales
Graphic Designer
Lisa develops the visual identity and creative materials that give Colorado Photography Week its distinctive look. Her work provides a consistent CPW brand across advertising, promotional materials, signage, merchandise, and other communications.
Kay Bradley
Ticket & Lodging Manager
Kay coordinates ticket distribution for sponsors, guests, students, and other special groups, while also managing lodging arrangements for visiting Showdown finalists and judges. She helps make sure our guests are welcomed and taken care of from arrival through the Showdown.
Jack Turner
Founder & Director
Jack founded Colorado Photography Week and the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown and provides overall direction for both programs. He coordinates the CPW team, sponsors, community partnerships, fundraising, and program development while working to establish Colorado Photography Week as an annual statewide celebration based in Durango.