Meet the Crew
DJ Hughes
I was born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley and have been working for Pitkin County since 2013. I have a vast knowledge and experience in construction throughout the Western Slope. During the summer months my family and I enjoy hiking, camping, four wheeling and boating. During the winter months, if you don't see me plowing snow, you may find me on the slopes skiing. As a 9 year veteran of the US Army and current Road and Bridge Manager, I take pride in being able to serve the community. I chose Public Works as I wanted a job where I can give back to the community and make a difference. I don’t strive for job completion, I strive for taking it to the next level and making sure a job is done right. Safety is always number one.
Dustin Wright
My name is Dustin Wright and I moved from Missouri to Colorado in 2014 and since then I've been working for Pitkin County Road and Bridge. The County opens me up to fun and exciting new opportunities. I find operating equipment enjoyable and challenging, so much so, that I attended Linn State Technical College upon deciding to make this my career. This valley has made such a positive impact on me since I moved out here and it makes me excited to see what else is in store. I couldn't ask for anyone better to work for than Pitkin County. In my free time I enjoy spending my time with my beautiful little family, attending church, hunting, riding my motorcycle, and taking fishing trips to Canada.
Brian Epps
Originally from Michigan, I’ve called Colorado home since 1992. I enjoy spending quality time with my family—whether it’s traveling or just piddling around the house. I’ve always had a passion for working with heavy equipment—playing with the “big toys,” as I like to say.
I started my construction career in 1992, working in Glenwood Canyon with Kiewit. That early experience laid the foundation for a lifelong journey in the industry. Over the years, I gained valuable hands-on experience, eventually branching out to run my own business in trucking and the oil field for 15 years. I also spent time serving in law enforcement, gaining a deeper appreciation for public service and community commitment.
Eventually, I returned to the construction world, where I continue to do the work I’ve always enjoyed. I’m proud to be part of the team at Pitkin County, contributing to projects that make a real difference in our communities.
Doug Jackson
My name is Doug Jackson, originally from CT with a 5 year stop in South FL, before moving to the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley with my wife and daughters as well as our Bouvier named Stitch. I have a background in public service including a 30 plus year FD career as well as an extensive trucking and heavy equipment operation history. I am very happy to be working with a great team at Road & Bridge making travel safer for our public.
Gregory Fransen
Born and raised in South Dakota, I have a great love for the outdoors. I have been in the valley for 32 years and enjoy golfing, hunting, and fishing in our local forests and mountains. Though I am new to Pitkin County Road and Bridge, I have an extensive background in operating large machinery from trains, to underground mining equipment, to crude oil transport. Though there were many aspects of these jobs that I enjoyed, they did not allow me to spend as much time in the valley. I am excited to work with all the new people I’ve met since taking on this position and look forward to having a career close to home.
John Cerise
Howdy, I am John Cerise. I was born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley. I have been with Pitkin County Road and Bridge since 2011. My favorite part of working Road and Bridge is having friendly communicative managers, operating well-maintained equipment and working with the crew. It is a self- gratifying experience when plowing snow. I enjoy entering an unplowed, messy road and being able to clear the snow and provide traction for safe travel throughout Pitkin County. I live and work on my family’s Ranch in the Valley.
John Washburn
I grew up in central Illinois and moved to Colorado in 1998 to pursue a life in the Rocky Mountains. After visiting the roaring fork valley in 2002, I decided that this is the place I wanted to be. After many years pursuing many trades and industries, heavy equipment and machinery are my some of my favorites.
It’s a pleasure to give back to a community that has offered so much in return. I’ll be doing my best to ensure safe travels wherever I can in our little paradise of the Rockies, rain or shine.
If I’m not working to maintain routes through the county, I’ll be found on a motorcycle, a raft, a pair of skis or snowshoes or in a truck exploring new found treasures in Colorado.
Joshua Cook
Hello My name Josh Cook I have lived in Colorado for 46 years and can’t think of anywhere else I’d want to be. I love the mountains and all they offer for me and my family. My background in heavy equipment operation, commercial driving, and aviation is pretty extensive . Between these careers I have been able to see, do, and experience many things not many get the chance to do. My wife Jessie and son Asher are my world! We love camping, traveling, side-by-siding, and as many other activities we can squeeze into our family time. I can say it is a privilege to work for Pitkin County and with my colleagues; there is a sense of pride being able to serve our community and the well-being of the county!
Justin Brown
Hi my Name is Justin Brown, I am 24 years old. I was born in Grand Junction, and raised throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. In my free time I enjoy riding dirt bikes, traveling and spending time with my family. My fiancée and I have three dogs and four cats and a house full of animal hair. After work we often take the dogs for a walk and it goes exactly how your picturing it, a giant tangle of leashes. I have experience in construction, both civil and residential and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for Pitkin County and with my new co-workers. I am looking forward to all the knowledge and experiences this new opportunity will bring.
Logan Thurber
My name is Logan Thurber. I was born and raised in the valley. I am excited for the opportunity to join Pitkin County Road and Bridge, and to work with the crew and learn new things. If I’m not at work I’m skiing, hiking, paddle boarding or hanging out with my friends.