Anthony is a dynamic and visionary leader who leverages over 35 years of experience in business, government, and the military to produce results. Courage and tenacity are his defining strengths. He has a passion for small businesses as they are the engine of America. He understands public/private sector partnerships and how to work in concert with teams to move projects forward.
Anthony currently serves as the director of business development for Aspen Communications, LLC; DBA, Aspen Engineering and Contracting, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. Anthony is also an active member in the community where he serves as a director on two water district boards and is on the Elbert County Planning Commission. He participates in political discourse and previously served as a legislative affairs assistant to U.S. Representative Mike Coffman, where he provided analysis and recommendations on a portfolio that included strategic forces, military personnel, national security, veteran’s issues, healthcare issues, and other subjects as needed. He is a subject matter expert in counterintelligence, national security, disaster response, and strategic planning.
Anthony grew up in a construction family and worked as a lifeguard during high school. He spent the summer before his senior year working on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, digging and repairing fence line and all the chores of ranch life. He has a clear understanding of discipline and working to improve things around him. After a few years working in the steel and construction industry, he made the most significant decision of his life; Anthony joined the Army to be all he could be.
Anthony served with honor and distinction during a highly successful 26-year career in the U.S. Army, rising through the enlisted and NCO ranks to become an officer. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after ten promotions during his career.
He is a decorated combat veteran with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the first Gulf War in 1990. He served overseas in Italy and Korea, along with numerous stateside assignments including the Pentagon Joint Staff and U.S. Northern Command. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, NATO Medal, Airborne Wings, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Gold Medal.
Anthony is PADI certified for advanced open water SCUBA diving. He has had a lifelong study of the martial arts. He is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwon, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo, and has served on the board of North American Martial Arts.
Anthony has a Master of Science in Administration with an emphasis in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University. He is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College. He loves the Colorado outdoors with hiking, skiing, and hunting. He is married to Dr. Julia Plevnia and they have two school age sons, Harrison and Preston.
Anthony Hartsook 