Beaver Creek, Colo., Jan. 3, 2023 — If you’re looking for someone who knows how to get things done, look no further than Alexia Jurschak.

“I like to think, ‘Yes it can be done, yes there is a way,’” Jurschak said. “It’s like the Nike tagline, ‘just do it’. I’ve always liked that phrase and no matter how complicated or difficult something may seem, if it needs to get done, let’s do it. We can figure it out, we can make it work.”

Jurschak, who lives in Beaver Creek with her husband, Jerry, has brought this approach to many areas of her life, not least of which has been in her contributions as a leader and contributor to many of the Vail Valley’s nonprofit organizations. She is the Chair of the Vail Valley Foundation’s Vilar Performing Arts Center committee, and has made significant contributions of time, leadership, and vision to the Vail Valley Foundation’s work in community, in alleviating the effects of COVID-19, and to the organization’s Vail Dance Festival, and more.

Jurschak has also been a significant leader in the work of the Vail Veterans Program. Her first foray into volunteerism in the Valley was in 2006 when a friend, John Galvin, encouraged her to join the Board of the Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund, where she has been a valuable leader in that organization for nearly 20 years, and currently serves as Vice Chair of their Board of Directors. She has also contributed significantly to the mission of Vail Health, Bravo! Vail, Walking Mountains, Bright Future Foundation, and other organizations.

For her many contributions to this community, the Vail Valley Foundation is proud to recognize Alexia Jurschak as the 2024 Vail Valley Citizen of the Year.

The Vail Valley Citizen of the Year Awards is one of the highest honors in the community, awarded since 1981 to a deserving citizen who has provided broad support, vision, and leadership to the betterment of the Valley. Although the Vail Valley Foundation manages this prestigious award, the award is not exclusively awarded to an individual or individuals involved with the Vail Valley Foundation. Recipients of this award must show many years of dedication, volunteerism and contributions to multiple nonprofits spanning myriad causes, and their efforts and impact must stand the test of time.

“Alexia has an eye for what needs to be done, and a way of working with others to create enthusiasm and optimism about what’s possible,” said Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation. “Alexia is fearless and approaches everything with a can-do attitude and sees obstacles or barriers as opportunities. Her contributions to our organization, and to other organizations in this Valley and beyond, are immeasurable. She is extremely deserving of this prestigious award.”

In her role as Chair of the Vilar Performing Arts Center, Jurschak led the organization through a successful 25th Anniversary Celebration, including a $2 million capital campaign, which significantly raised the national profile of the venue as it hosted a record-breaking year of headliner performances.

“Alexia is not only a brilliant mind and a wonderful leader, she is also a dear friend,” said Ann Smead, former Chair of the Vail Valley Foundation Board of Directors. “I have been in many meetings where we seem to be wandering are off trail, and Alexia will bring us back on the road to success. Her love of the performing arts, and this community, shines through in everything she does, and she is a wonderful and very deserving person to honor with this award.”

“I have worked with Alexia in many capacities over the years, whether it was related to the VPAC, Beaver Creek Resort, the VVF, or other community efforts,” said Beth Howard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vail Mountain. “What always stands out is her never-ending passion and commitment in her efforts to make things better. Once she sets her mind on something, there is no doubt the outcome will end up being better, because of her. Her leadership and ability to bring people together and collaborate, are gifts that make Alexia so very special. We are so grateful to have her in our community.”

Pandemic, not pandemonium

When COVID-19 came to the Valley, Jurschak recognized immediately that local individuals and families were going to need help weathering the economic impacts of the pandemic. She brought her “just do it” mentality to the table at the VVF and the Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund (EVFAF), helping the VVF raise more than $1.5 million, much of which was distributed to families in need via the EVFAF.

The EVFAF is a nonprofit that provides interest-free loans to individuals and families in hardship, who may not qualify for a traditional loan. The organization was founded more than three decades ago by John and Linda Galvin, but its unique area of expertise, and its ability to get things done thanks to Jurschak, took on tremendous significance during the pandemic.

“The way our community responded to COVID, that is something that I think we should all be proud of,” Jurschak said. “I was grateful to be a part of it, and I felt that it was extremely meaningful to provide quick, direct, assistance to families in hardship during that time.”

Midwestern roots

Jurschak was primarily raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and spent her early years living all throughout the Midwest. Alexia remembers being part of a family full of spirited competition not only in athletics but also in academics. She received her BA in Economics from Vanderbilt, and it was there that she first gained her appreciation for the performing arts, as part of the concert committee.

“Alexia was clearly bright and capable from an early age,” said her brother, Peter Daly. “She was always willing to work towards a goal and take on whatever job that needed doing to achieve that goal. And what is key in the context of this award, is that Alexia has always been willing to work for the good of the whole.”

Jurschak worked in the insurance industry after college, and that is where she met her husband, Jerry. They raised two boys together, Andrew and Greg, and often visited Vail and Beaver Creek. Their first visit was in 1982 and they purchased a home here in 1992. Like many who start out as visitors, Alexia and Jerry eventually made a home here, moving full-time to Beaver Creek in 2005.

One summer, Alexia and Jerry decided to attend the Patriotic Concert co-hosted each Fourth of July by the VVF and Bravo! Vail, in salute of our military veterans at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. By then, both Andrew and Greg had grown up to serve in the military, and Jurschak found herself greatly moved by the speakers, presentation, the music, and the inspiring work of Vail Veterans.

Jurschak went immediately into action, setting up a fundraiser for Vail Veterans Program.

“We did an “Evening of Inspiration” in January of the following year, and it was just intended to raise awareness… but we raised $70,000! And we thought, ‘We’ve got to do this again!’” Jurschak said. “The next year Pete Frechette, in his great style, steps forward and says, ‘I’ll match $100,000!’ and that night we raised $200,000!”

Jurschak’s fundraiser has become an annual benefit to the organization and is only one of many ways she contributes time, expertise, and energy to Vail Veterans Program.

"Alexia is an extraordinary champion for Vail Veterans Program and understands the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes,” said Jen Brown, Executive Director of Vail Veterans Program. “Her special connection with our wounded veterans makes them feel welcome, honored, and supported on their life-long healing journey. Through her heartfelt involvement in the community, Alexia cultivates opportunities to help others and inspires us all. We congratulate Alexia on her special recognition as Vail Valley Foundation’s 2024 Citizen of the Year!”

A grateful community

Jurschak’s love of music is shared by her husband. Together, they have been mainstays at Bravo! Vail performances, and have made significant contributions to the organization’s mission to, ‘…provide extensive music education throughout our community, connect musicians and listeners, and celebrate the evolving world of classical music’. Jurschak has contributed to the community in other ways, as well, such as providing annual support to Walking Mountains, helping with the Roundup River Ranch capital campaign, and serving on the Beaver Creek Homeowner’s Association Board.

Jurschak will be celebrated at the Vail Valley Foundation’s Black Diamond Ball Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Vail. The event is sold-out, but interested individuals can email events@vvf.org to be added to the waitlist.

To learn more about the Vail Valley Foundation, and its mission to provide leadership in arts, athletics and education, and address community needs to enhance our valley as a place to live, work and visit, please visit vvf.org.

Jurschak joins a venerable list of previous recipients:

PREVIOUS CITIZEN(S) OF THE YEAR HONOREES:

1981 Peter Abuisi
1982 E.B. Chester
1983 Jack Crosby
1984 President Gerald R. Ford
1985 Harry Frampton
1986 Helen Fritch
1987 George Gillett
1988 Merv Lapin
1989 Sheika & Pepi Gramshammer
1990 Paul Johnston
(Gerald R. Ford)
1991 Kent Rose
(Phil & Jane Smiley)
1992 Rod Slifer
(John Galvin)
Mike Kloser-Athletics***
Patricia Herrington-Arts & Culture***
Nick Seaver-Education***
1993 Dr. Richard Steadman
(Winton & Carolyn Blount)
Bib Isbell-Athletics***
Helen Fritch-Arts and Culture***
Jerry Santoro-Education***
1994 John Garnsey
(Bob Brotman)
Kara Heide-Athletics***
John Giovando-Arts & Culture***
Jim Himmes-Education***
1995 John Horan-Kates
(Brian Nolan)
John Rammuno-Athletics***
Marilyn McCray-Arts & Culture***
Susie Davis-Education***
1996 Vi & Byron Brown
(John Boll)
1997 Gil Giordano
(Alison Knapp)
1998 Barbara Treat
(Craig Tuber)
1999 Judy Alexander
2000 Pete Seibert
(Peter May)
2001 Mary Louise Shaw
(Vince Cook)
2002 Gerald Gallegos
(Michael Balk)
2003 Cathy & Howard Stone
(Suzy & Jim Donohue)
2004 Oscar Tang(Susan & Harry Frampton)
2005 Diana Donovan
2006 Chupa Nelson
2007 Erik & Kathy Borgen
2008 Jack Eck
2009 Beth Slifer
2010 Martha Head
2013 Ann Smead
2014 Amy & Steve Coyer
2015 Pat & Pete Frechette
2016 Mary Sue & Mike Shannon
2017 Jay Precourt
2019 Betsy and George Wiegers
2020 Donna Giordano
2021 Sheika Gramshammer
2022 Rosana and Johannes Faessler
2023 Amanda Precourt

*In 2018 the award dates shifted to reflect the new dates of the Black Diamond Ball, where the Award is presented each year.