Gjep staff
Curtis Englehart
Executive Director
Contact: curtis@gjep.org | 970.245.4332 x5
Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn
Curtis Englehart serves as the Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP), where he leads efforts to drive economic growth, business development, and talent attraction throughout Mesa County and the greater Grand Junction area. With a strong background in workforce development, public policy, and community collaboration, Curtis is passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen the regional economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Before joining GJEP, Curtis served as the Director of the Mesa County Workforce Center, where he was instrumental in developing innovative workforce solutions and building strong partnerships between education, industry, and government. His leadership helped position Mesa County as a model for workforce readiness and economic resilience.
Curtis is known for his strategic vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to fostering a vibrant, business-friendly community. He actively engages with local stakeholders, regional partners, and national site selectors to promote the Grand Junction area as a premier location for business relocation, expansion, and investment. A proud Western Slope native, Curtis holds a degree in Business Administration from Colorado Mesa University and is deeply invested in the future of Mesa County. Outside of his professional role, he is dedicated to community service and enjoys spending time with his wife Sara, and two daughters, Ava and Addley, as well as exploring all that the Western Slope has to offer.
Matt Bell
Business Development Director
Contact: matt@gjep.org | 970.245.4332 x3
As GJEP’s Business Development Director, Matt leads the organization’s business recruitment and expansion efforts, guiding strategies to attract new companies, support local business growth, and drive strategic investment throughout Mesa County. He works closely with businesses through every stage of the relocation or expansion process, providing tailored support on site selection, incentive navigation, and connections at both the local and state level.
Since joining GJEP in 2021, Matt has played a crucial role in securing major wins for the region, including successful Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and Rural Jump-Start approvals. Known for his proactive outreach and creative problem-solving, he has helped bring new projects to Mesa County while also representing GJEP at trade shows and conferences within GJEP’s focus industries. He also leads GJEP’s Site Selector Familiarization Tours.
A proud Colorado Mesa University graduate, Matt is passionate about strengthening the local economy and helping create quality jobs in the community he calls home. Outside of work, Matt enjoys skiing, hiking, and playing softball, and serves as Board Chair for Roice-Hurst Humane Society. A personal goal of Matt’s is to visit all Major League Baseball stadiums, he has been to 24 so far!
Selena Sanchez
Director of Strategic Engagement
Contact: selena@gjep.org | 970.245.4332 x6
Connect with Selena on LinkedIn
Selena Sanchez leads marketing initiatives to showcase Mesa County and Western Colorado as a vibrant destination for business growth and investment. From full-scale campaign strategy to content creation and event communications, Selena translates big ideas into measurable results through clarity, intention, and heart.
Selena works closely with city and state leadership, including the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, on communications projects to amplify regional economic development initiatives and high-impact business relocations and expansions in Mesa County, Colorado. She also serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Mesa County, a nonprofit organization that connects and mobilizes resources, people, and passion to transform the lives of Mesa County residents through fundraising, grants, and community outreach programming.
Karen Mahoney
Office Manager
Contact: karen@gjep.org | 970-245-4332 ext. 2
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn
Karen supports GJEP’s mission of growing a healthy and diverse economy by coordinating the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of GJEP. She assists with all GJEP events and initiatives and provides staff support to the Executive Director as well as to the GJEP team.
Karen is a former local business owner in the Grand Junction area that brings her experience in small business management and event planning. Prior to joining the GJEP team, Karen started and operated a local mobile coffee company as well as starting and operating Grand Valley Food Truck Fridays. She also serves as the Coordinator for the Colorado Plateau Mounain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) and is a committee member for the BANF Film Festival.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, hiking, camping, teaching yoga, snowshoeing, XC skiing, and paddling on the local lakes.