Publicly traded company provides programming and tech to 13 million

DISH Network and EchoStar Communications make co-founder, Charlie Ergen one of the wealthiest people in Colorado

CHARLIE ERGEN, 64

Co-founder, chairman of the board and CEO, DISH

Charlie Ergen co-founded EchoStar Communications Corp., parent company of DISH, more than 30 years ago and currently acts as chairman of the board of directors for both DISH and EchoStar. Today, the publicly traded company provides programming and technology to more than 13 million pay TV subscribers. Ergen has been named a top CEO by both Barron’s and Forbes and is considered the wealthiest person in Colorado, with an estimated net worth of $17 billion.