The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum presents the 2024 lecture series, featuring a wide range of speakers offering diverse perspectives and unique insights on Pikes Peak regional history.

Please note that due to our HVAC project and the temporary closure of the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, this lecture will be held at City Hall. Admission is free, but registration is required.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

John Suthers will discuss his memoir, All This I Saw and Part of It I Was.

The book combines a compelling personal story with an insightful account of an extraordinary public service career.

Born out of wedlock and adopted as an infant, he lost his adoptive parents at a young age. The trauma of his father’s untimely death caused him, as a teenager, to resolve to live a life of purpose and consequence.

After college and law school, he embarked on a legal career that took him from the local courthouse to the US Supreme Court.

He completed the “legal trifecta“,  serving as district attorney, US Attorney, and state Attorney General. He was involved in captivating criminal cases, historic civil cases, and waging the war on terrorism after 9/11.

Starting in 2015, Suthers served as mayor of his hometown of Colorado Springs, leading it through a period of unprecedented prosperity, while overcoming challenges ranging from domestic terrorism to a global pandemic.

John will detail the transformation of Colorado Springs that occurred during his tenure.

John hopes his life story will help inspire others to make it their goal to become a good ancestor.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

John Suthers is a lifetime resident of Colorado Springs. He literally grew up with the city, watching it grow from 50,000 people to 500,000.

John graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended the University of Notre Dame and University of Colorado Law School on academic scholarships.

He joined the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in 1977 and served as a deputy district attorney and the chief deputy DA in charge of the economic crime division.

He then joined the law firm of Sparks Dix and Enoch (now Sparks, Willson)and spent a total of 10 years in private practice.

John was elected district attorney of the 4th Judicial District in 1988 and served two terms in that position.

In January, 1999 he was appointed by Governor Bill Owens as Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections.

In September 2001 ( a week before the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001) he was appointed US Attorney for the District of Colorado by President George W. Bush and lead the state’s anti-terrorism efforts.

In January 2005, John was appointed Attorney General of Colorado by Governor Bill Owens when Ken Salazar was elected to the US Senate.

He was reelected in 2006 and 2010, serving a total of 10 years as AG, the second longest tenure in state history.

In May 2015, John was elected mayor of Colorado Springs.

Over the ensuing eight years he led a  transformation of the city that saw its GDP grow by a third and its municipal economy become one of the top 10 in the country.

When he stepped down as mayor in 2023, John joined the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, and he continues to serve as chairman of the board of the Daniels Fund.

John has been married to Janet Suthers for 48 years. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.

LOCATION & PARKING

City Hall is located in downtown Colorado Springs at 107 N Nevada Ave # 300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. For downtown parking options visit this City Parking website: https://coloradosprings.gov/parking