Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma and, eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club, and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife, Carrie, spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. They’ve raised three children and have two grandchildren.

Terri Buchanan and her husband, Gary, are part owners of Heart of the Rockies Radio and Media Group, and Terri is the Advertising Account Manager. She is active in the community, having served on the Salida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2014 to 2016, when she helped organize multiple events, including Chamber After Hours, Salida Wine Festitval, Colorado Brewers Rendezvous and Ride the Rockies. Terri also served on the Board of Directors for the Ark Valley Humane Society from 2017 to 2020 and as board chair from 2021 to 2023. As board chair, she organized and attended many community events, raised donations and funds for Ark Valley Humane Society and helped provide compassionate care for countless companion animals. With over 14 years of sales and marketing experience, Terri’s position at Heart of the Rockies Radio allows her to work with small and large businesses in the Upper Arkansas Valley, building long-term marketing plans and helping the local business community grow.

Ximena is a dynamic storyteller and executive show producer with a passion for creating impactful, community-focused experiences. Her journey began in theater and has evolved to encompass a wide range of live productions, including concerts, musicals and corporate events. As a key force behind ThexUniverse Studio, an independent production company, she has produced thought-provoking shows addressing critical social issues such as inequality, violence and mental health, which have been showcased in the U,S., Argentina, Guatemala and Panama.

In 2018, Ximena expanded her creative expertise into digital and graphic design as well as copywriting, further enhancing her ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple media. A trained actress and director, she has performed in and directed numerous plays, blending her artistic sensibilities with a sharp production acumen. Whether on stage, on air or behind the scenes, Ximena is dedicated to bringing innovative ideas to life and making a meaningful impact through her work.

Joe is an award-winning journalist and science writer with an extensive background in water and public lands issues. Joe has reported on local, regional and state water issues for more than 20 years, and he wrote and edited numerous reports about water, ecology and environmental issues while working at Oak Ridge National Lab. Joe’s background also includes serving on the South Platte River Basin Roundtable, the Chaffee County Planning Commission, the Friends of Browns Canyon Board, and the Harris Park Water and Sanitation District Board. Joe is currently the editor of “Forest News,” where he researches and writes about issues affecting our national forests.