Kevin K. VanGundy | Publisher & Advertising Director
Kevin has been with BEACON Senior News since he took over as publisher in 2008. A Colorado native, Kevin is an entrepreneur with a long-standing career in sales, advertising and marketing and is current president of the North American Mature Publishers Association.
Kevin believes that just as good storytelling transforms, so should good advertising. He spends most of his time fighting ageism in America and teaching local residents, business owners and elected officials that people over 65 aren’t dead yet.
One time, Kevin surprised the rest of the BEACON staff when he shaved his head because he lost a bet about losing weight.
Cloie Sandlin | Editor in Chief
Cloie is dedicated to reshaping public perceptions of aging by highlighting the talents and achievements of local seniors through inspiring stories and engaging content in print and online. She leads the BEACON's creative team and has been with the company since 2009.Cloie is an accomplished writer and journalist and a Colorado Mesa University graduate with degrees in public relations, advertising and business. She's married to her high school sweetheart and has three dogs.
Rhonda Wray | Managing Editor
Colorado Springs seniors astound Rhonda with their spunky attitudes, and she prizes their stories.
Rhonda has lived in the Springs since 1987 and has worked for BEACON Senior News since 2021. Before that, she completed degrees in English and art, interned at the Kennedy Center and edited books and plays.
Rhonda is a mom to four 20-somethings and two grandchildren. She loves reading and writing, so her work suits her well. Her grandma name is—what else?— “Grammar.” She also enjoys traveling, cooking, singing, swimming, art and theatre. Rhonda has a weakness for “limited edition” grocery items, takes online proofreading tests for fun and owns too many books (and dreads the thought of downsizing them).
Heather Portenier | Editorial & Engagement Coordinator
She has lived in Grand Junction since 1995 and married her high school sweetheart. They have one son and three spoiled rescue dogs. As a passionate advocate for shelter animals, Heather also serves on the Roice-Hurst Humane Society Board of Directors. When not working at BEACON, she continues to operate a cleaning and pet sitting business that she’s had for 20 years.
Camping with her family, writing, collecting coffee mugs and volunteering at local animal shelters are a few of her favorite pastimes. When feeling particularly funny, she performs stand-up comedy at local open mics.
Stacey Splude | Customer Service Manager
Stacey Splude is the friendly person you hear on the phone when you call us. She's been with BEACON Senior News since 2016 and handles our office's day-to-day operations, manages the BEACON's Classifieds section, and is our go-to person for anything and everything!
When she's not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her three grandkids, traveling with her daughter, and hanging out with friends and family.
B. Bigler | Graphic Designer
Bix has been with BEACON Senior News since 2019. He specializes in the visual structure of a page, working to produce the ideal blend of text, images and space.
When he isn't working, he tries to stay active by riding his bike, tending his garden and learning new things from YouTube and documentaries.
Michael L. Madsen | Graphic Designer
Mike brings 25+ years of graphic design knowledge and experience to BEACON Senior News. He takes great pride in designing some of the fantastic advertising you see each month, along with the layout and design of the pages you read.
In his downtime, he likes hanging out with his children and is a total cinephile with a movie collection that could make Netflix blush. He'll also admit he's a total geek/nerd about most tech and all things sci-fi, fantasy or comics related. If it's Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Star War or countless other TV shows and movies like that, you can bet he's into it.
Jil Goebel | Advertising Account Executive
Jil joined BEACON Senior News in early 2020. Prior to that, she sold adaptive clothing designed for individuals with limited mobility, which is when she discovered the senior community is where her passion lies.
She is a seasoned professional in marketing, public relations and communications. She earned her MBA and BBA from the University of San Diego and is a long-time Colorado Springs resident.
Jil loves meeting and helping people. She volunteers with numerous nonprofits and is a caregiver to a senior veteran. She is also a community ambassador for Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Andi Falcone | Advertising Account Executive & Circulation Supervisor
Carol MacInnes | Advertising Sales Assistant
Carol first fell in love with the Grand Valley during a family vacation in 1991—it was a welcome contrast to the traffic and smog of Los Angeles. By 1992, she and her family made Grand Junction their permanent home.
A former ballroom dancer, Carol competed for several years in the Star Ball in Denver. Her skills as a seamstress were very helpful in creating dresses for competitions and performances in Grand Junction. Although an injury sidelined her from dancing, Carol continues to enjoy sewing as a creative outlet.
Carol has worked at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department and the assessor’s office and has a degree in organizational management. She is excited to collaborate with clients, readers and the rest of the BEACON staff to deliver an engaging and uplifting magazine each month.
Bill & Barb Souba | Delivery
Bio coming soon.
Lyndsey Pitonzo | Delivery
Bio coming soon.
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