Our Team

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.

Shanda Akin is a multi-genre photographic artist, educator, and community builder. She’s the owner of Shanda Akin Studio and co-founder of the Outdoor Photo Alliance, where she helps create photography conferences and educational experiences throughout Colorado and beyond. Shanda holds a Master of Arts in Photography and published her first book, The Beauty of Durango, in 2023. She was one of five photographers selected for the inaugural 2025 Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown, where she won both the People’s Choice Award and Best Train Photograph.

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 our communications strategy, media relations, messaging, outreach, and marketing initiatives to build awareness of the event and its programs. He is the founder of Wildline Communications, a Durango-based strategic communications and marketing consultancy, with experience in marketing, communications and organizational leadership. His background includes leading marketing and communications for Colorado destination businesses, along with extensive experience in public relations, media relations, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

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.