Our Team

Our founder and Executive Director is Michael Swett. He retired as a Sergeant Major from the United States Army Special Forces in September of 2024. He has also spent over two decades in the music industry, currently performs as the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Red Mountain Highway, and was recognized as the 2024 Male Vocalist of the Year by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Corporate Management (BS) and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. He resides in Colorado Springs with his two children, Kieran and Ava, his girlfriend Kristen, and enjoys skiing, mountaineering and fitness when he's not performing in the Mountain West Region. 

Kristen Overstreet is a Co-Founder and serves as Marketing Director for the MWCMA. She leads the association's marketing strategy, branding, digital presence, and promotional initiatives while working to establish the region as a nationally recognized destination for country music and western lifestyle entertainment.

Originally from the small town of Vidalia, Georgia, Kristen's Southern roots and lifelong appreciation for country music continue to shape both her personal values and professional vision. She brings a diverse background in entrepreneurship, branding, and digital marketing, combining creativity with strategic planning to help artists, businesses, and organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences.

Before entering the digital world and entertainment industry, Kristen owned a successful fitness training and nutrition business, competed as a fitness athlete, and served as an official coach for Nike-hosted training camps throughout Florida. Her career later expanded into digital marketing and e-commerce, allowing her to work with clients internationally while living abroad in France. 

In addition to her work with the MWCMA, Kristen helps manage and promote the award-winning country band Red Mountain Highway alongside MWCMA Executive Director Michael Swett, with whom she shares a vision and life. Deeply invested in the organization's mission from its very first day, she is passionate about artist development, creating opportunities for musicians, and strengthening the Mountain West country music community. 

Jeff Valentine is a 22 year military service member currently performing as the pedal steel guitarist for the Wild Blue Country group within the United States Air Force Academy Premier Band. In addition to his musical performance duties, he serves as the primary audiovisual and sound engineering expert for the Academy, and currently holds the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. 

Jeff is a native of Denton, Texas and studied jazz at the University of North Texas where he played lead trombone in the One O'Clock Lab Band under the direction of Neil Slater from 2001-2003. As a member of the band, Jeff had the privilege of performing with Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Dick Oatts, Chris Potter, Jiggs Whigham, Bill Reichenbach and Bill Watrous. During his tenure at UNT, Jeff was also a member of the award winning jazz trombone ensemble, Slide Tradition. 

After his transition to country music in 2003, Jeff has had the privilege of performing in some of the most renowned venues in the U.S., to include multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, and he currently performs as the pedal steel guitarist with Red Mountain Highway. Jeff also has extensive cruise ship performance and freelance musical history throughout the United States. 

Jason Wulf has always had a love for country music. He started playing with a close friend in college, where they became a regular fixture in Lubbock, TX playing local venues while earning his engineering degree from Texas Tech University. After moving to Colorado, Jason entered the bluegrass music scene at the Black Rose Acoustic Society. His group placed 2nd at the Rocky Grass Bluegrass Academy. He's played mandolin with Tenderfoot Bluegrass, Austin Young, and the 1836 Texas Country Band. He's currently the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, mandolin and harmonica player for the Jason Wulf Band. 

Jason was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame, and was voted the Best Local Band by the Colorado Springs Gazette in 2025. Jason is a US Army Reserves Veteran, has volunteered for years for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, is a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders and also serves on the board for the Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo in Colorado Springs, CO. Jason has an amazingly supportive wife, Tamara, who has helped him be successful, and is the father of two sixteen-year-old twins who keep him busy when he's not playing music. 

Rachelle Patino Heinecke is a dedicated advocate in the Colorado country music community, currently serving as the Denver Chapter President of the Mountain West Country Music Association (MWCMA). She has also built a legacy as a former talent scout and board member for the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Known for her deep passion for live music, Rachelle is a fixture of the local concert scene. She actively champions both rising stars and established regional artists, dedicating her time to ensuring outstanding local talent gets the industry recognition they deserve. 

Rachelle has played a role in unifying the country music scene across the region she serves. Whether she is engaging in talent acquisition, promoting local shows, or hosting community events, her mission remains focused on supporting live music venues and creating platforms where fans and artists can connect. 

Originally from Deadwood, South Dakota, she can't wait to see local artists and fans in the Black Hills join the newly expanded Frontier Chapter of the 

Mountain West Country Music Association.

With more than 35 years of commanding stages across the country, Brian Brooks has earned a reputation as one of the premier country entertainers in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. A seasoned performer with deep roots in traditional and outlaw country, Brooks has built his career on authenticity, grit, and an undeniable connection with his audience.

Brian first gained national recognition in 1999 when he was awarded Best Country Band in the Army, a milestone that solidified his status as a standout performer and influential figure in the country music scene. Since then, he has continued to captivate crowds with his powerful vocals, seasoned musicianship, and commanding stage presence.

In 2025, Brooks’ impact on the regional country music scene reached new heights when he was honored as the Mountain West Country Music Association (MWCMA) Male Vocalist of the Year. That same year, his band Sundown Rising was awarded the MWCMA People’s Pick Award, further underscoring both his personal artistry and the loyal fan base he has cultivated throughout his career.