Cindy Acree - Proven Leadership

• Former Chair of the Largest neuroscience center in the Rocky Mountain Region.
• President - Aurora Citizens Advisory Budget Committee
• Director -- Cherry Creek School District Long Range Facilities Planning Committee
• Stroke Survivor and advocate for the disabled
• Member Colorado Stroke Registry Advisory Board
• President, Protektmark LLC
• Former instructor University of Denver College of Law and substitute teacher

Cindy Acree, candidate for the Colorado House of Representatives District 40 is a small business owner and mother of three. She has lived in the District over 20 years and comes from a rural background. Former chairman of the board of the largest neuroscience center in the rocky mountain region, Mrs. Acree has held numerous government appointments including: President of the Aurora City Budget Committee; Director, Cherry Creek School District Facility Planning Committee; and; an appointment by Governor Bill Owens to the Cardiovascular Health Coalition. She has served as the acting Program Coordinator of the Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Prevention Program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. And President of Cherry Creek Republican Women. Cindy Acree has a twenty plus year legal and business background with degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Denver College of Law.  Her personal story is one of overcoming adversity as she struggled for fifteen years with epilepsy, and then survived a paralyzing stroke to make a remarkable recovery, finding hope and creating an exceptional quality of life. Her goal is to bring common sense back to government. Cindy Acree for a HEALTHY Colorado.

Cindy Acree and Her Family

• Featured in Women’s World Magazine Feb. 1994, “An Amazing Operation Cured Her Epilepsy” following Cindy’s brain surgery which resulted in a stroke that paralyzed her left side in 1991.

• The Colorado Neurological Institute Board of Directors elects Cindy Acree, a former patient in two of CNI's programs, as its chairperson. This election distinguishes CNI as the only neurological institute in the world being led by a patient.

• Nominated for a national award given to a woman who overcame adversity to make a significant contribution to her community. Cindy accepted the award given by ABC Daytime Television and McNeil PPC in New York in December 2000.

• “Cindy Acree is an inspiration to everyone connected with CNI -doctors, nurses, patients, staff, and volunteers.  The Colorado Neurological Institute established the Cindy Acree Hope Award, given annually to patients who inspire others with their courage and strength.”  The CNI Review 2002.

(only 7 years post stroke) In 1998, Cindy rode in her first 100-mile bike race at the age of 42. She continued to train hard, and in 1999 she amazed us all by completing the grueling 437-mile Colorado bike race called Ride the Rockies. A founding member of the Spalding Community Foundation Board of Directors, Cindy has established a rehabilitative driving project designed to assist stroke and brain injury survivors in returning to driving safely.  The author of a bill “Standards and Guidelines For  Evaluating The At-Risk Driver” she works to help the disabled and elderly achieve greater degrees of independence through mobility.

Cindy Acree during Ride to the Rockies

• Mrs. Acree is the founder and President of Protektmark LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in organizational effectiveness combining performance based strategies for growth through effective internal operations, value based community outreach and a practical application of good government relations.

• An author and keynote speaker, Cindy speaks to the power of will and determination in making smooth transitions in life and illustrates basic tenants of success that will help anyone reach their goals in business and in their personal life.  She is a community leader in healthcare and speaks about innovative strategies for bridging the disparities in healthcare and reversing upward trends in the incidents of major health concerns such as stroke and neurological disease.

•  She has held numerous government appointments including  The Aurora City Budget Committee where she has been elected President for two terms, and  Director,  Cherry Creek School District Facility Planning Committee.  She was appointed by Governor Owens to the Cardiovascular Health Coalition. She has also served as the acting Program Coordinator of the Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Prevention Program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and is assisting the State of Colorado with the implementation of a stroke registry and development of a strategy to address health disparities.

• As a member of The Colorado Neurological Institute’s Board of Directors, Mrs. Acree is participating in the implementation of the second largest telemedicine program in the nation.

Mrs. Acree has a unique background and experience with stroke, epilepsy and rehabilitation.  She is known for her work in promoting access for the disabled and is an expert on the American Disabilities Act.  She is a known speaker on stroke prevention and recovery and has appeared on NRC radio and KCNC CBS TV. Named Cottey College Most Distinguished Alumna 2007 Featured in a television show “Moms On the Move” to be aired 2007.

Elbert County Parade