Aspen Hall of Fame announces 3 selections for 2026 induction

Three individuals from the Aspen community have been selected by the Aspen Hall of Fame Board of Directors for induction into the 2026 Aspen Hall of Fame.

Mark Harvey,  Gail Schwartz, and David “Wabs” Walbert will be formally inducted at the annual Aspen Hall of Fame Banquet at the Hotel Jerome on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

“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,” Aspen Hall of Fame President Walker Moriarty said in a press release. “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, according to the release, and continues to run his family’s cattle ranch in Old Snowmass, what the release calls “one of the last working ranches in the valley.” Harvey competed at the highest levels of ski racing, including at the World Cup, in addition to working as a mountain guide and horsepacker for the National Outdoor Leadership School. According to the release, “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.”

Harvey is also the long-running board president of both Aspen Journalism and EcoFlight, and was appointed to the Colorado State Land Board in 2025. His mother, Connie Harvey, was inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Gail Schwartz came to Aspen in 1973, where the release states that she “began a lifetime commitment to her community and public service, with a particular focus on public education and affordable housing in rural Colorado.” Schwartz helped the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority create over 700 affordable housing units from 1979-1982 and spent two terms representing the Senate District 5 in the Colorado State Senate. She also served on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and was elected to the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado.

Schwartz also recently retired from her role as CEO of Habitat for Humanity RFV, where she spearheaded efforts to address regional affordable housing challenges, according to the release.

David “Wabs” Walbert moved to Aspen in 1976, where he owned Pablo’s and later the historic Red Onion, “creating a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors alike,” the release reads. Walbert has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years and served as both captain and deputy chief. He now serves on the Aspen Fire District Board and the Honor Guard in addition to mentoring 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,” the release states. “Wabs embodies the authentic, community-driven spirit that makes Aspen so special.”

The induction ceremony and banquet at the Hotel Jerome will feature a video profile of each inductee. These life stories are archived on the Aspen Hall of Fame website, http://www.aspenhalloffame.org, and at the Aspen Historical Society and Pitkin County Library. 

“Since its founding in 1986/87, the Aspen Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 community members for their lasting contributions,” the release states. “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.”

Invitations to the 2026 Aspen Hall of Fame banquet will be mailed in early March. The public can sign up to be on the mailing list to receive an invitation, or make a donation, at aspenhalloffame.org.