New Pitkin County Democrats co-chairs elected

The two newest leaders of the Pitkin County Democratic Party were elected on Thursday evening, both receiving an unanimous vote of approval.

Sharon Caulfield and Bebe Severe took the reins from Betty Wallach, who served the Pitkin County Democratic Party for nearly a decade and as chair for the past two years. 

In her farewell speech on Thursday night at the Aspen Police Department, Wallach referenced the new federal administration, encouraging the party — and public audience — to continue fighting.

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“Let’s not give them free rent in our heads. Tonight is not the night for that,” she said, adding, “We don’t need to talk about it, but we do need to fight it.”

Wallach was administrative vice-chair and secretary for the majority of her tenure with the party. In 2023, she stepped in as chair, replacing her husband, Howie Wallach, who served for eight years.

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Eager to follow in the footsteps of the Wallachs, Severe addressed the party and the public when nominated.

“We know we have very big shoes (to fill) and lots and lots of years of Howie’s and Betty’s work before us,” she said. “… I am absolutely thrilled to have your confidence and hope to gain the confidence of the community.”

She spent 15 years of her life in the federal government and 30 years in hospitality management. While working for the government, she uncovered a conspiracy that resulted in the removal of high-ranking officials.

“A testament to my investigative skills and integrity,” she wrote in an email on Monday. “However, to really know me is to understand the value and importance I place on education, and that the privilege and access we have to it in this country is not lost to me.”

She brings with her to the leadership role a doctorate in educational law and policy, a master’s degree in legal studies and business administration, a graduate certificate in strategic global communications, and a bachelor’s of science in aviation and professional piloting.

She currently works at a hospital, where she most recently played a crucial part in saving a life during a medical emergency.

“Now, my greatest role is being the proud matriarch of my astonishingly beautiful and diverse little Modern Family of three women,” she wrote. 

Caulfield stepped into the new position as a semi-retired attorney, representing rural Colorado hospitals.

“It’s a tremendous honor and I really look forward to it,” she said of her nomination. “I think we’ll also have some fun — it’s going to be a couple of wild years.”

She wrote on Monday that she looks forward to working with long-time party members in the county and strives to gather additional support through outreach to young Democrats, downvalley Democrats, independents, and disaffected Republicans.

“The Pitkin County Democratic Party continues to have a unique mission during these challenging times, with our healthy community, wide base of support, and strong connections to the Democratic Party and its candidates,” she wrote. 

She holds a firm respect for the Rule of Law and effective governments, a mindset she has previously applied as county counsel for the Pitkin County Democratic Party, as a precinct organizer, as well as through her participation at the Farmers’ Market and Blue Card Outreach, she wrote. 

“Bebe Severe and I have talked through how we can each bring our talents to make a great Co-Chair team, and we look forward to working with the Central Committee and all Democrats in Pitkin County as we transition to new leadership,” she wrote.

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.