Meet Marty Neilson
Candidate for University of Colorado Regent

Fiscal Responsibility • Integrity • Proven Leadership for Higher Education

Marty has lived in CD2 since 1965 and is a longtime resident of Lyons. She is a seasoned financial executive with decades of experience turning around organizations, managing explosive growth, and delivering strong results through disciplined stewardship. As a CU Regent, I will bring independent, practical financial expertise to the Board—ensuring the University of Colorado remains accessible, excellent, and fiscally strong for generations of Colorado students, faculty, and researchers.My StoryMarty was born in Galesburg, Illinois and moved to Colorado at age 17 with absolutely no money to attend DU. She earned an MBA and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. My career has been rooted in Colorado—from early roles at IBM Boulder and the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) in Golden, to leadership positions across Boulder, Westminster, Longmont, Estes Park, and statewide organizations. I have spent my professional life creating order from chaos, implementing sound systems, protecting resources, and driving sustainable growth. These are exactly the skills our flagship university needs on its governing board right now. Whether managing multi-million-dollar budgets, building transparent reporting systems, or preparing organizations for successful futures, I focus on results that serve the mission.Key Accomplishments Relevant to CU Regent

  • Budget Discipline & Precision: Prepared annual $20 million site budgets that came within 0.005% of actual results. I will fight for responsible budgeting that protects tuition affordability while supporting academic excellence and research innovation.
  • Turnaround & Growth Leadership: Guided an oil & gas company from post-bankruptcy chaos at $20 million to a $257 million international operation with 15% net profit in 24 months. Scaled manufacturing revenue from $12.5 million to $45 million while improving profit ratios by 274%. CU needs this kind of strategic, results-oriented leadership to navigate today’s financial pressures.
  • Systems & Transparency: Designed and implemented multi-site management information systems on time and under budget, created automated daily reporting tools, and built audit-sound processes with zero exceptions. I will champion transparent financial reporting and efficient operations across CU campuses.
  • Acquisitions, Sales & Due Diligence: Key contributor for the successful sale of three companies and one acquisition, working directly with banks, Big-5 auditors, and attorneys. This experience will serve CU well in partnerships, research commercialization, and resource management.
  • Nonprofit & Public Service: Served as President/CEO of a 2,200-member statewide Colorado nonprofit and as Contract CFO helping organizations—including a theatre and manufacturers—improve controls and viability. I understand mission-driven work and balancing financial health with public service.
  • Recent Success: As Controller for PFSI, Inc. in 2023, cleaned up financials and prepared the company for a successful sale. I know how to strengthen balance sheets and position organizations for long-term success.

Professional Experience

  • Contract CFO, Person to Person Technology, Inc. (Current) – Serving diverse Colorado and national clients with financial strategy, audits, and operational improvements.
  • Controller, PFSI, Inc., Boulder (2023) – Restated transactions and positioned company for sale.
  • CFO/Treasurer, EquityLink Companies, Westminster (2000–2002)
  • CFO/Controller, 105 Meridien, LLC, Estes Park (1997–1999)
  • Chief Financial Officer, Case Logic, Inc., Longmont (1988–1992)
  • Controller, Tropicana Energy Company, Texas (1983–1987)
  • Division Manager, Solar Energy Research Institute, Golden (1979–1982)
  • Finance & Accounting Leadership, IBM Corporation, Boulder (1966–1979)

Education:

MBA and BSBA, University of Denver.Why I’m Running for CU RegentThe University of Colorado is one of our state’s greatest assets. As a Regent, I will prioritize:

  • Affordability and Access for Colorado students and families
  • Fiscal Responsibility and transparent stewardship of taxpayer and tuition dollars
  • Operational Excellence through modern systems and efficient processes
  • Support for World-Class Research and Innovation, especially in areas like renewable energy where Colorado leads
  • Ethical, Non-Partisan Leadership focused on students, faculty, and the long-term strength of all CU campuses

I have never had an audit exception, have built trust with banks and auditors, and have a proven record of treating people equitably while delivering results. I will bring the same integrity, problem-solving ability, and Colorado values to the Board of Regents.

Together, let’s ensure the University of Colorado thrives—financially strong, academically excellent, and accessible to all Coloradans.