Mark Harvey, Gail Schwartz, and David “Wabs” Walbert
Three individuals who have made indelible contributions to the Aspen community have been selected by the Aspen Hall of Fame Board of Directors for induction into the 2026 Aspen Hall of Fame. They will be formally inducted at the annual Aspen Hall of Fame Banquet at the Hotel Jerome on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The banquet features dinner and an awards ceremony highlighted by video profiles of each inductee.
“We are thrilled to honor these three individuals who have contributed so much to our community over the years and who have made such a lasting impact,” said Aspen Hall of Fame President Walker Moriarty. “We thank everybody who submitted nominations; we do not take the selection process lightly and encourage you to submit nominations in the coming years. We think you will agree that these are the people who make Aspen special.”
Mark Harvey was born in Aspen in the old hospital on Red Mountain, and he continues to run his family’s cattle ranch in Old Snowmass, one of the last working ranches in the valley. After competing at the highest levels of ski racing, including at the World Cup, he worked as a mountain guide and horsepacker for the National Outdoor Leadership School. Those experiences inspired him to write The NOLS Wilderness Guide , which won the National Outdoor Book Award. Mark has also won awards for his documentary film-making and Colorado wine-making. He is the long-running board president of both Aspen Journalism and EcoFlight, and was appointed to the Colorado State Land Board in 2025. He proudly joins his mother, Connie Harvey, who was inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame in 2006.
Gail Schwartz arrived in Aspen in 1973 and began a lifetime commitment to her community and public service, with a particular focus on public education and affordable housing in rural Colorado. Early in her career, she helped the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority create over 700 affordable housing units from 1979-1982. She is well known for her two terms representing the sprawling and diverse Senate District 5 in the Colorado State Senate; she also previously served on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and was elected to the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado. Gail recently retired from her role as CEO of Habitat for Humanity RFV, where she spearheaded efforts to address regional affordable housing challenges.
David “Wabs” Walbert moved to Aspen in 1976 and has spent nearly five decades shaping the community through his leadership, service, and generosity. A beloved restaurateur, he owned Pablo’s and later the historic Red Onion, creating a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Wabs has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years, including time serving as Captain and Deputy Chief. He serves on the Aspen Fire District Board and the Honor Guard, and he mentors students at the Aspen Science Center’s Science of Fire camp. He also helps preserve Aspen’s mining heritage through hands-on restoration work with the Aspen Historical Society and maintaining the collection of 1800’s era mining equipment at the Marolt Mining Museum. Wabs embodies the authentic, community-driven spirit that makes Aspen so special.
A highlight of the induction ceremony and banquet at the Hotel Jerome is the video profile of each inductee that premieres at the event. These life stories are archived on the Aspen Hall of Fame website, www.aspenhalloffame.org, and at the Aspen Historical Society and Pitkin County Library.
About the Aspen Hall of Fame
Since its founding in 1986/87, the Aspen Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 community members for their lasting contributions. Its mission is to recognize and honor individuals who have embraced the spirit of Aspen with their significant and lasting impact on the community by demonstrating excellence and leadership in areas including civic activities, culture, sports and philanthropy, and who inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
The Aspen Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization, dependent upon donations for its continued existence. Donations keep the annual banquet affordable for all who wish to attend and support the making of the documentary videos. Community sponsors include the Thrift Shop of Aspen, City of Aspen, Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Rotary Club, Alpine Bank, Aspen Elks Lodge, and Aspen Business Center Foundation.
Invitations to the 2026 Aspen Hall of Fame banquet will be mailed in early March. The public may sign up to be on the mailing list to receive an invitation or make a donation at aspenhalloffame.org.