Brittany Vessely to Receive the 2024 John K. Andrews Award 

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The Centennial Institute, Colorado Christian University’s public policy think tank, is pleased to announce the presentation of the 2024 John K. Andrews Award to Brittany Vessely, executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference and founding member of Pro-Life Colorado. 

The John K. Andrews Award for Colorado Leadership in Fidelity to Biblical and Conservative Principles is given annually in honor of John K. Andrews, a follower of Christ, husband, father, grandfather, Colorado Senate president, think-tank founder, and friend to all. 

“Receiving the John K. Andrews award is a tremendous honor of my life,” said Vessely.  

“Over the last 15 years, John provided me with the guidance that directed my career and helped form my conscience personally and professionally. I admire his statesmanship, entrepreneurship, and willingness to take on the hard battles for civil society,” she said. 

Vessely has been unwavering in her commitment to the sanctity of life in the increasingly hostile Colorado state government. From spearheading lobbying efforts and mobilizing Catholic churches on relevant policy issues to organizing the Pro-Life Colorado coalition and Colorado March for Life, she has quickly become one of the major leaders in the defense of Christian conservative principles in Colorado.  

“The fight for the lives of preborn babies and the health of their mothers is the battle of our time. Abortion is the preeminent human rights violation today, and Colorado is the epicenter of the country and world for late abortion,” said Vessely.  

“I thank God for giving me a mantle to defend the lives of the innocent through our coalition work, in the state legislature and branches of government, and in the public square. Our coalition of over 50 nonprofits, Pro-Life Colorado, has made the pro-life movement in our state stronger and more united than ever before. I praise God for uniting us. I am thankful to be honored for the work we have accomplished together, and acknowledge the work there is still to be done. While we know Christ is victorious, it is my privilege and our duty to carry on this war in the valley of death for preborn lives in Colorado.”   

Vessely graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2012. Prior to her work with the Colorado Catholic Conference and Pro-Life Colorado, she was the founding executive director of Catholic Education partners, director of state policy for the Friedman Foundation for Education Choice, and conducted domestic policy research for The Heritage Foundation. 

“Brittany is a shining example of the way CCU equips young leaders to defend faith, family and freedom in today’s stormy world,” said Andrews. “No one could be more deserving of this honor.” 

“It is most fitting that Brittany Vessely should receive the John Andrews Award,” said Greg Schaller, Centennial Institute director. “She was one of the first three Politics majors to graduate from CCU. Since then, her academic and professional pursuits have continued to develop her into the leader she is today. Whether working on education reform or the important issues of sanctity of life and marriage, Brittany exemplifies fidelity to Biblical and Conservative ideals.” 

Previous recipients of the award include former Colorado State Senator Mike Kopp; businessman Jeffrey H. Coors; Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO); former Colorado Lt. Governor Jane Norton; businessman James B. Wallace; Catholic Archbishop of Denver Samuel J. Aquila; former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson; former Colorado State Senator Kevin Lundberg; Mike and Brenda Baller; Donald and Joyce Siecke; Doug and Linda McDonald; and Roger and Kathleen Chandler.  

For press inquiries, contact John Wilke: Jon@alarryross.com.