Jeff Bontrager

Director of Research and Evaluation

Favorite Quote

"Blessed are they who give without remembering and take without forgetting." — Elizabeth Bibesco


Favorite Places in Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Denver Center for the Performing Arts


Favorite Activities

Acting, running, attending concerts, baking, reading, designing crazy ties, skiing, traveling

Jeff Bontrager is Director of Research and Evaluation at the Colorado Health Institute. He joined CHI in 2005. Jeff oversees CHI’s evaluation portfolio and coordinates many of CHI’s research efforts related to health insurance, Coloradans who lack insurance, the health care safety net, and health equity.

Jeff serves as principal investigator on the biennial Colorado Health Access Survey and the annual evaluation of the Colorado Health Access Fund of The Denver Foundation. Jeff develops publications, makes presentations, and provides facilitation, leadership, and technical expertise for a variety of advisory groups.

Before arriving at CHI, Jeff supported state and national research efforts at the University of Colorado’s Division of Health Care Policy and Research.

Jeff serves on the boards of Project Angel Heart and ECHO Colorado. In his free time, Jeff enjoys running, skiing, acting, listening to choral music and EDM (not at the same time); designing neckwear; attending 80s music festivals; and putting together IKEA furniture.

Jeff earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goshen College.

Sample Projects:

Skills: Quantitative and qualitative research, program evaluation, facilitation, public speaking, writing, convening

Focus Areas:

  • Health equity
  • Medicaid Insurance coverage
  • Policy Health care safety net
  • Social determinants of health

I Do This Work Because…Our health is everything. Without health we do not thrive. Informing policy with evidence is key to ensuring all Coloradans live to their healthiest potential.

Contact Jeff