Lifetime Achievement AWard

2018 WINNER

Dolores Cromeens (Retired)

Executive Officer for Pikes Peak Library District Foundation
Chief Development Officer for the Pikes Peak Library District

Dolores “Dee” Cromeens is a west Texan who also claims Oklahoma and Colorado as home. Over the last 15 years, she has served as the Chief Development Officer for the Pikes Peak Library District and the Executive Officer of the PPLD Foundation. She earned an MBA from Oklahoma State University and has begun the Leadership, Foundation and Research Doctoral Program at UCCS. She has yet to find an end date to this latest academic endeavor.

Previous to PPLD, she enjoyed advancing the efforts of the Fountain Valley School of Colorado – an amazing day-boarding school that is located just south of the Springs and maintains a generous scholarship program to ensure diversity in the school. From 1992 to 1999, she was the Director of Penrose House (known as El Pomar Center during that time).

Nonprofit management and development work have occupied Dee for more than 30 years. Over that time, she has enjoyed the relationships with the many donors who have shared their resources with causes near and dear to their hearts. In addition to her role as a conduit for philanthropy, she has a deep interest in leadership styles, organizational culture, and their impact on organizational performance. In addition, she is also interested in the development and application of teaching methods that help different learners. To close the circle: libraries offer materials and programs that recognize learning differences and offer resources for everyone to enjoy learning and enrich their lives.

She is married to her best friend, Matthew Bedee and they have blended their families: daughters Alexis, the marketing guru, Austin, the gifted artist, Kelly a new mom, and son Kevin, the health care professional. Grandchildren include Lilli, Chloe, Ethan, Annie, Ramsey and John-Michael.

Dee and Matt enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, wines, cooking, and art.