Meet George A. Hatcher III | Government & Strategy Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with George A. Hatcher III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George A., career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My goal is to be elected to the US Congress. The American political system is broken and is failing to serve the people of our country. There is a cataclysmic shift happening right before our eyes, but amidst the chaos, it is hard to see. I want to be a part of the next generation of elected leaders who works to repair and rebuild a better, more effective system. I know this is possible because unlike what you hear in the news, in my conversations with friends, family, and colleagues from all sides of the aisle, I find that we are not that far apart on the issues. Whether it be the economy, health care, foreign policy, or the environment, when we take away the party labels and charged emotions, we can find common ground based on what matters most in our day-to-day lives. Sure, we have our differences, but they aren’t as big as we think. We need to return to a place of civility. Reengage in dialogue and explore what unites us, not what divides us. This is the best version of America and what will help us solve the very real, and very serious, issues that lie ahead. I believe that there are three fundamental changes that need to take place at the federal level that will enable our country to again be a working democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people. Want to know what they are? You’ll have to wait and see (and vote)!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The driving force of my career has been government. Whether it be working in the west wing for a governor, on Capitol Hill with a lobbying firm, supporting numerous three letter agencies in Washington, DC, or bridging the gap between industry and academia, I have worked to connect people to and implement projects on behalf of the US government. I recently picked up a book, in one of the amazing Denver “little libraries” in our neighborhood, entitled “Range.” It talks about the strengths of individuals who have a wide skill set in a highly specialized world. It spoke to me because this is exactly how I have formed my career. My resume is not a linear path. I have held titles ranging from government relations to industry relations with significant project management and strategy experience along the way. I have led numerous large-scale strategic planning efforts, been awarded millions of dollars in international government contracts, managed large teams, worked on comprehensive policy briefs, and led federal public relations campaigns. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in these roles is the importance of relationships management. Internally with your team and externally with partners. The entire world can be broken down to simple human interactions. To succeed, no matter what the field, it is essential to find a connection. To drive toward goals and objectives, but to not skip those highly personal steps along the way – giving praise, taking time to offer support, and communicating effectively. When it boils down to it, we are all cogs in one wheel or another. For me, it’s how smooth can you make that cog work and how can you help all four wheels run better, while enjoying the ride.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Can it be longer than a week?!? First, save-up for the Mountain Collective pass. Not only is this ski pass perfect for a week in Colorado, but it offers access to some of the best mountains across the country at a relatively reasonable cost. I’d recommend coming in March. One of my favorite times in Colorado. The Front Range is starting to see sunny days perfect for trail running and hiking, while the mountains feature the seasons full snowpack and many of the tourists have departed. On the plane ride to Denver, make sure you read all the myths/conspiracy theories about Denver International Airport. Even if it’s just folklore, it’s entertaining. Don’t forget to say hi to Blucifer while exiting the airport for good luck! The first stop is REI headquarters in Denver to stock up on all the needed gear. I’d also recommend walking across the street to Denver Wilderness Exchange. Who doesn’t love outdoor consignment and sample sale gear? After the gear shopping frenzy, head to Boulder to break-in some of the purchases on one of the open spaces off CO-93 – my favorite is the Spring Brook Loop. Grab a post-hike snack at Full Cycle Boulder. It’s a bike shop/bar with great food including a solid veggie hot dog and some terrific local brews. The patio is right on Pearl Street, perfect for a quick stroll to view everything that Boulder has to offer. Spend the next day or two in this rhythm, acclimating to the elevation (remember most of our guests come from the DC area). Next up, head to the mountains. Begin the trip on a weekday so to avoid the crowds. First stop – Arapahoe Basin. Warm-up the legs on the front side, then drop off Montezuma’s Bowl, and finish up rocking the Beavers – some of the newest terrain in Colorado. Grab lunch at the Black Mountain Lodge, located mid-mountain, and top off the day with a bloody mary at Bumpy’s Bar on the second floor of the A-frame lodge. If the sun is out, take your drink and snack outside to The Perch to watch the last runs of the day. Don’t forget to pack a cooler and end the visit on “The Beach” talking shop with the other skiers/riders in the parking lot. Head straight to Aspen. Yes, it will break the bank, but trust me, it’s worth it. Spend the next few days hitting the mountains. I strongly recommend starting with Highlands. It’s an experience like none other. Hike to and ski Highlands Bowl for one of the most unforgettable in-bounds runs in North America. After that accomplishment, settle into Cloud 9. Come prepared and come ready to people watch. After each day on the mountain, my favorite spots include Aspen Brewery, with an incredible happy hour if the mountain records 6 or more inches of snow, Federal House, and The Red Onion. All are casual fare and attract fun crowds. After a few days of top-notch skiing, with wobbly legs, head back to the Front Range. Make sure to include a pit stop at Bread Bar, located in Silver Plume. You will transport to a tiny bar that resembles something from 50 years ago, only to be welcomed back to reality once you get back in I-70 traffic. Spend the last day experiencing the amazing breweries and food in Denver. My top picks include El Camino Community Tavern in West Highlands, Ratio Brewing in RiNo, and any of the Pizzeria Locale locations. On the sad and lonely trip back to the airport, say farewell to Blucifer and start counting down the days until the next trip to Colorado!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to the wild parts of the world around us. It is one of the main reasons I moved to Colorado. Growing up on the eastern shore of Maryland, the sliver of land nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Chesapeake Bay to the west, I was fortunate to explore the many waterways, estuaries, and remote islands that form the area. It is a place where you become folded into the seasons; the migratory geese welcome fall, while the ospreys returning to nest let us know that warm weather lies ahead. However, after annual ski trips to Colorado, I realized that there are other wild places outside of the long coastlines that mark our country. It is here, that I have pushed the limits of my abilities, which in turn, has made me a better person both professionally and personally. We all know the mountain life – chasing winter snowstorms (and yes, stuck on I-70 at times), the hidden summer camping spots, and the many backcountry treks ending with some of the brightest starts. The mountains are big, ominous, and wild. Wild places help us to connect to ourselves, and in doing so, gain clarity on everything else, all at once. With the pandemic still a major threat to our country and our lives, much emphasis has been placed on mental health. Many of us are now cooped-up inside most of the day, lacking human interaction, and fearful of the world around us. For me, nature has been, and continues to be, my saving grace and my inspiration. Whether it’s a trail run after a long day or pushing my limits on the slopes. These are things that should not be taken for granted. We are the lucky ones. Even now, as our remote workdays seem never-ending, and we are expected to be responsive at all hours, we should not lose touch with the wild. Setting aside time to get outside, while making decisions in our own lives that preserve the wild for future generations. It is the one thing that unites us all, no matter what our background, race, religion, or beliefs, we all share this land.

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Image Credits
George A. Hatcher III