About Garrison M. Ortiz

Garrison M. Ortiz is a visionary leader with a passion for public service, financial innovation, and educational equity. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Garrison has dedicated his career to driving meaningful change in his community and beyond.

He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University Pueblo, earned through the university’s accelerated 3+2 Program. He also holds a Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Garrison began his professional journey as a business consultant, working across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to implement enterprise-wide financial systems for diverse organizations. In 2016, he was elected Pueblo County Commissioner for District 2. During his tenure, he led transformative initiatives—including the county’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program and pioneering infrastructure projects like the nation’s first net-zero energy detention facility.

In 2023, Garrison joined Colorado State University Pueblo as Chief Financial Officer, and in 2024, he was appointed Vice President of University Operations. In this expanded role, he oversees strategic financial planning, operational excellence, and student success initiatives. During this time, he also taught as an adjunct instructor in the Hasan School of Business and served on the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education, contributing to budget and policy decisions for Colorado’s community college system.

Garrison’s leadership and impact have been recognized with several honors, including Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Latino Chamber of Commerce, inclusion among Colorado’s Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals by Colorado Business Magazine, and CSU Pueblo’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, equity, and economic development, Garrison continues to build bridges between public service, education, and community empowerment.

Garrison M. Ortiz