From his work with El Pomar Foundation to his service with Junior Achievement USA, University of Colorado Law School alumnus Kyle Hybl is motivated by one key factor鈥攂eing involved with things that are greater than himself.
Among his service to a plethora of charitable organizations, Hybl is president and chief operating officer of El Pomar Foundation and general counsel for the Broadmoor Hotel, Inc. and The Garden City Company. He is nearing the end of his second elected six-year term on the Board of Regents for the University of Colorado System.
Hybl鈥檚 roots in the law run deep; he followed in his father鈥檚 footsteps in attending Colorado Law. 聽
鈥淢y father [Bill Hybl] is a Colorado Law graduate and having watched him, I thought that even if I weren鈥檛 practicing law, it was still a good degree to have,鈥� Hybl said.
Hybl鈥檚 Colorado Law legacy accompanied him on his first day of law school, when his Contracts professor, J. Dennis Hynes (鈥�60), recognized the connection. 聽
鈥淧rofessor Hynes had my father as a student and on my first day of contracts, he called me out and gave me the business,鈥� Hybl said. 鈥淪o鈥�. that was the start of my law school career.鈥�
While at Colorado Law, Hybl enjoyed classes that had a practical component, such as Motions Advocacy and Commercial Transactions.
鈥淚n Commercial Transactions, I learned it鈥檚 best to say what you mean and mean what you say鈥攌eep it simple instead of using a lot of legal mumbo jumbo,鈥� he said.
After law school, Hybl used the skills he gained at Colorado Law to serve his country as a judge advocate in the United States Air Force.
鈥淚 found the idea of being able to serve my country, get some good legal experience and travel to new parts of the world was an attractive option for my wife, Sally, and me,鈥� Hybl said.
Hybl enjoyed serving in Germany and highly recommends military service to law students who are looking for a valuable experience. After his military service, Hybl returned to Colorado, where he knew he and his family wanted to stay.
In 2000, he started his career as general counsel to The Broadmoor Hotel, Inc. and general counsel to El Pomar Foundation. El Pomar Foundation was created by Spencer and Julie Penrose in 1937, who gave the foundation the charge to 鈥渆nhance the well-being of the people of the state of Colorado,鈥� Hybl said.
El Pomar Foundation started with $2 million, but now has a $600 million corpus. The foundation gives about $25 million each year to charities and charitable causes in the state of Colorado. Hybl now serves as president and chief operating officer of the foundation, and its purpose fits well with his passion for organizations that have a 鈥渓arger mission.鈥�
鈥淲hat I enjoy most is being involved with things that are greater than myself,鈥� Hybl said.
As general counsel, he uses his legal expertise not only to help the entities he serves follow the law, but also to reach their business objectives.
鈥淭he more attorneys help an institution achieve its mission within legal bounds, the more valuable that attorney will be,鈥� Hybl said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e a 鈥榥o鈥� person, the legal counsel quickly becomes isolated.鈥�
Hybl doesn鈥檛 limit his passion for mission-driven work to the workplace. He also serves on boards for organizations such as The Hundred Club of Colorado Springs, Mountain States Employers Council, American Council of Young Political Leaders, and the National Cybersecurity Center. 聽
Despite his participation in these organizations, Hybl still finds time for the things he enjoys most鈥攕kiing, being outdoors, and traveling with his wife and four kids.
As for his future plans, Hybl said he enjoys new challenges and hopes that he continues to be challenged by his many positions.
What is your fondest memory of being a student at Colorado Law?
The lasting friendships that were developed.
What do you know now that you wish you had known in law school?
That it is MUCH easier and faster to find cites and shepardize online than in books.
What advice would you give to current students as they鈥檙e preparing to graduate?
Pursue your passion and seek networks that support/enhance your passion.
Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My father [Bill Hybl (鈥�67)].
Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
My family.