Board of Trustees
At the Pueblo Film Fest, our Board of Trustees is comprised of dedicated professionals united by a passion for cinema and community enrichment.
Leveraging diverse expertise, they guide the festival's mission to celebrate storytelling, support filmmakers, and foster cultural exchange.
Jeff Madeen
BOT President & Producer of Truth Tellers
A founding member of the Pueblo Film Fest and currently serves as its President. Through dedicated leadership, the festival continues to grow as a vibrant platform for diverse filmmakers, showcasing compelling narratives, impactful documentaries, and bold experimental films. Through his artful curation as owner of The BloBack Gallery and a sculptor in his own right, Jeff creates a platform and presence for artists of all walks of life to share their work with the world.
Kennedy Pugh
BOT Vice President & Producer of Heritage
Serving as Vice President of the Pueblo Film Fest, Kennedy plays a key role in organizing and promoting the annual event. With a strong passion for film and community engagement, he helps cultivate partnerships, support local filmmakers, and ensure the festival runs smoothly. His leadership and dedication contribute to the festival’s continued growth and impact in Southern Colorado. Kennedy also champions Colorado Arts & Artists organization providing mentorship to young actors, dancers, and performers on stage and screen.
Andrea (Andee) Naglich
Secretary of the BOT & Exec. Producer of the Fest
As the Secretary of the BOT and volunteer Executive Producer Pueblo Film Fest, Andee plays a pivotal role in organizing the festival's operations. Now living 'a quiet life' in Pueblo, Colorado, Andréa is a proud wife and adoptive mom, urban gardener, and fierce advocate for getting shit done locally. Her leadership continues to shape independent film landscapes educating others on how to avoid predatory digital distributors —while working to highlight the incredible aspects of the Pueblo community—with the same grit, grace, and grounded presence that have always defined her work.
Shawn Bidwell
BOT Treasurer
Shawn “Bigwheel” Bidwell is a seasoned film industry professional. With a career spanning various roles in film and television behind the camera, Shawn has contributed to notable projects such as Los Americans (2011). Shawn's leadership has been vital to the festival’s continued growth and long-term success. His social gifts and industry connections have been instrumental in elevating the festival's profile. In 2024, he facilitated the involvement of prominent figures like Emmy-winning actor Mauricio Mendoza, who volunteered their time to support the festival's promotions. Shawn's commitment to fostering a vibrant film culture in Pueblo is evident through his active involvement in festival planning. His blend of technical proficiency and passion for storytelling makes him a vital asset.
Justin Bregar
Trustee
Justin Bregar is an award-winning filmmaker and multimedia designer who has produced content for a wide variety of clients including the United States Air Force, Rocky Mountain PBS, and Colorado State University. His credits include the Emmy-nominated documentary Colorado Experience: The Great Pueblo Flood. From 2008-2013 Justin was on the faculty of the Media Communications Department at CSU Pueblo and he continues to teach video and audio production courses as an adjunct member of the faculty. A native of Pueblo, Justin resides there with his wife and son.
Chili Cilch
Trustee, Producer of Hospitality
Chili Cilch is a writer, artist, & non-denominational minister. She feels the most alive when she’s telling a good story, bursting into song or busting a move. Her Shaking The Tree (STT), Volume 3 story Phil, premiered as the opening act of the 2019 San Diego Memoir showcase. Chili’s STT, Volume 4 story is titled, Did That Really Happen? Selected for the 2020 Memoir Showcase. Chili is a dual resident of Pueblo Colorado & San Diego California. She appreciates the art community she has found in Pueblo and is committed to making Pueblo a place where all artists can continue to thrive.
Wayne Halliburton
Trustee, Chair of Volunteers
Wayne Halliburton is a dedicated community member with a heart for service and a knack for getting things done. A proud graduate of Denver West High and Fort Lewis College. Wayne spent his professional life as a railroad train dispatcher before retiring. Married for 40 years this October and a proud father to an adult daughter, Wayne now spends his time hiking, cycling, and giving back to the community. His background in volunteer coordination and merchandise sales makes him a natural fit as Head of Merch for the Pueblo Film Fest. Wayne brings a steady hand, sharp organization, and a “just here to help” attitude to every role he takes on, making him an indispensable part of the team and a beloved figure in Pueblo’s arts and culture scene.
Nicholas (Nick) Naglich
Trustee, Chair of Marketing & IT
Nick Naglich is a creative technologist and community builder based in Pueblo, Colorado. As Executive Producer of Marketing and the Animation Track at the Pueblo Film Fest, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s visual identity and audience engagement strategy. Nick’s expertise in digital storytelling and branding stems from his work with The Collaborative Curators Co., a boutique marketing firm he co-founded to support businesses and creatives in amplifying their messages. Beyond the festival, Nick and his wife, Andrea Naglich, have been instrumental in organizing Pueblo’s Food Truck Union Cooperative, helping local vendors thrive through coordinated events and community outreach . Known for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Nick is dedicated to elevating Pueblo’s cultural landscape through technology, art, and grassroots organizing.
Candy Halliburton
Trustee & Producer of Environmental Impact Track
Candace “Candy” Halliburton is a photographer, visual artist, and fiercely discerning lover of film, recently transplanted from Arlington, Texas to Pueblo, Colorado. With a deep appreciation for sharp dialogue and fully realized characters, Candy doesn’t just watch films—she dissects them, cherishes them, and champions the ones that truly resonate. Her critical eye and confident taste make her an invaluable presence at the Pueblo Film Fest, where her ability to spot brilliance—and call out mediocrity—helps shape a bold, intentional lineup. In a group of big-hearted creatives, Candy is the one with the heart to say no, ensuring the festival maintains its high standard of excellence. Her love for movies runs deep, rooted in early memories with her father, who introduced her to cinema and whose favorite films still live vividly in her mind. As she once told him: the magic of movies lies in their power to help us suspend disbelief—and believe in something more.
Aaron Alexander
Trustee & Producer of Experimental Track & A/V
Aaron Alexander is a dynamic force in Pueblo’s creative community, blending academic leadership with artistic innovation. As a professor with the Department of Art & Creative Media at Colorado State University Pueblo, he brings a wealth of experience in new media and photography, holding an MFA from the University of Cincinnati and a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design. At the Pueblo Film Fest, Aaron serves as a trustee. His commitment to fostering experimental film is evident in his educational initiatives and community engagements, including informative talks on short films. Aaron's interdisciplinary approach and dedication to the arts make him an invaluable asset to both the festival and the broader Pueblo arts scene.
Chris Wiggins
Trustee & Producer of Student Film Track
Chris Wiggins is a seasoned film industry professional with a rich background in camera departments. His technical expertise has contributed to notable films such as *Courage Under Fire* (1996), *Money Talks* (1997), and *Waiting for Guffman* (1996). As a trustee of the Pueblo Film Fest, Chris brings invaluable industry experience and a keen eye for cinematic detail. His commitment to fostering a vibrant film culture in Pueblo is evident through his active involvement in festival planning and mentorship of emerging filmmakers. Chris's blend of technical proficiency and passion for storytelling makes him a vital asset to the festival's mission of celebrating diverse cinematic voices.
Shahrzad "Sherry" Dadgar
Trustee & Producer of Women in Film Track
Shahrzad “Sherry” Dadgar is an Iranian feminist, award-winning filmmaker, and educator. After her short film Highlight—which explored gender, sexuality, and bodily autonomy—was banned by the Iranian Ministry of Culture, she deepened her commitment to challenging censorship and advocating for inclusive gender and racial representation in media. Her debut feature, Eternity Road, continues this mission through an intersectional lens, exploring self-image, acceptance, and the complexities of identity. With an MFA in Feature Film Production, Shahrzad now serves as an assistant professor of Media & Entertainment at CSU Pueblo, where she empowers the next generation of storytellers to find—and own—their voice.
Robert Rogers
Lead Screener
Robert Rogers of Pueblo, Colorado, is a passionate advocate for independent film and a dedicated member of the local arts scene. With a sharp eye for talent and a deep love for storytelling, Robert plays a key role at the Pueblo Film Fest as lead screener and our lead usher at the event. In addition to being a brilliant problem solver his commitment to showcasing diverse voices and compelling narratives helps shape the festival’s programming and community outreach. Known for his thoughtful curation and unwavering support for emerging filmmakers, Robert brings both heart and experience to the team. Whether he's supporting at work sessions or working behind the scenes to make the festival shine, Robert is all about lifting others up and building a stronger creative community in Pueblo.