Q&A
Describe your current role at the Aspen Institute, and what was your journey there?
Rod von Lipsey: I serve as Chair of the Facilities Committee at the Aspen Institute, overseeing our campus and facilities. My journey here has been shaped by two careers—first, 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot and national security aide, and then in finance as a Managing Director at UBS. In my leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and UBS, I’ve been honored to be recognized among America’s top financial advisors. What drew me to the Aspen Institute was the opportunity to combine my leadership experience with a commitment to advancing dialogue, civility and diversity of thought in a community I deeply respect.
Richard Stettner: I am Vice President for Aspen Campus Facilities and Operations, a role I stepped into in 2019 after a career in hospitality. I oversee the Aspen Meadows campus facilities, capital projects and day-to-day operations. Before this, I managed Limelight Hotels for Aspen Skiing Company and worked with Four Seasons and Exclusive Resorts. Living in the Roaring Fork Valley for more than a decade, I’ve come to appreciate the unique Bauhaus aesthetic of Aspen Meadows and the responsibility of maintaining it. My role is ensuring the campus supports the Institute’s mission while building strong relationships with our neighbors and community partners.
Can you share more about the housing project at the Aspen Institute? What is the goal? Has there been anything surprising, challenging, or unexpected that you can share?
Richard: Housing the Aspen Idea is a partnership with the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Aspen Center for Physics. Together, we’re working to create deed-restricted housing on our campus for staff, visiting musicians, scientists and scholars. The goal is sustainability helping us attract and retain talent while ensuring our programs thrive. Like many organizations in Aspen, we’ve faced challenges recruiting and keeping staff due to housing shortages. This project is about being responsible stewards of our institutions and ensuring future generations can carry forward the legacy of the Aspen Idea.
How has Design Workshop complemented your goals?
Rod: Working with Jessica Garrow and her team at Design Workshop has been invaluable. They live in the valley and understand the sensitivities around housing here. From the start, they grasped the urgency and importance of this project for our nonprofits. Their ability to bring fresh ideas while respecting our vision has made them true partners in shaping solutions that will strengthen our workforce and community.
What sets the Aspen Institute apart as you look to the future?
Richard: For 75 years, the Aspen Institute has been guided by principles that remain timeless: dialogue, civility, diversity of thought and freedom of expression. We believe truth emerges from conversation, even disagreement, and we welcome diverse perspectives to enrich that dialogue. Our commitment is to create a space where ideas can be tested, challenged and respected. That’s what makes the Aspen Institute unique not just in Aspen, but globally.
What is it like working with Design Workshop?
Rod: It’s been fantastic. Their knowledge, creativity and local insight have elevated our projects. They’re open to exploring all options and consistently deliver superb work. We’re fortunate to have them as partners, and I can confidently say they’re leaders in their field.